Buenos Aires: A South America wind

Although it is currently experiencing an economic crisis, Argentina is better known for the tango, Peron, Eva, the Falklands and Maradonna.

Argentina is a 2.8 million km2 country. Mendoza established Buenos Aires in 1536, 8 years after Magellan's explorations. After many clashes with the locals, Mendoza fled and Buenos Aires was a backwater for 270 years. Until 1912, only aristocratic landowners could vote. Under Halver in 1916-1930, the entire population got the vote and Argentina became very wealthy. From 1880-1930, 9 million people immigrated to Argentina from Europe, especially Spain. Halver was deposed by a military coup in the 1930s and the regime lasted until 1946. Peron and his wife Eva Duarte were in power until 1955 when there was another military coup. The economy floundered, and Peron returned in 1973 only to die a year later. His second wife and vice president Maria Estella became the first female leader in the southern hemisphere. In 1976, she was deposed in another bloody coup. Martial law was proclaimed, Parliament was shut down and General Videla became president. Galtieri became leader of the junta in 1981. In 1982, Argentina unsuccessfully occupied the Falklands. In October 1983, the junta was replaced by a civilian government. Livestock is an important part of the economy and Argentine meat is deservedly famous. 82kg of meat are produced per person.

Buenos Aires: A European city

Buenos Aires means 'pleasant wind'in Spanish. It lies on the delta of the River Plate. It is a city of conflicting and confusing architectural styles on grid-patterned streets filled with people, music and cars. Darwin came here in the 1830s and Rodin was a frequent visitor. He gave a copy of "The Thinker" to the city. A visit to Palermo Park and the Colon Theatre is a must.Eva Peron is a legend here. A film star who became the wife of Colonel Peron, she championed workers'and women's rights. 2000 mourners were injured on the crowded streets when she died at age 32 from cancer. Tourists and locals still bring flowers to her grave in Racholeta Cemetary.

A delta and a German battleship

The El-Pazo Delta is a beautiful place filled with large villas. In WWII, the Germans battleship "Admiral Graf Von Spee", captained by Admiral Hans Landgsdorff, sank 9 British commercial vessels but was attacked by 3 others. The damaged ship took refuge in the Plata Delta. The British weighed anchor at the mouth and the Uruguay government gave the Germans 48 hours to make repairs. Trapped, Landgsdorff released his men, opened the hatches of the ship and sank into the delta with it.

Tango: the philosophy of the streets

Tango was born out of "Lunfargo", a hybrid language of Italian, French and German spoken in the Buenos Aires underworld. It was once banned for being immoral. It is the physical expression of life in Argentina with sadness, passion and death in its steps.

Buenos Aires Guide

Climate
Buenos Aires is south of the equator so its seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere. In winter, (June to September), the temperature varies from 10C to 25C. In summer, (December to March), temperatures vary from 25C to 32C.

Visa
Turkish citizens do not need a visa for trips lasting less than 3 months.

Telephone
Argentina: 54. Buenos Aires: 11

How to get there
Air France: Daily flights except Monday and Wednesday via Paris. Tel: 212-256 43 56. Lufthansa: Daily flights via Frankfurt. Tel: 212-315 34 34. Iberia: Flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday via Madrid. Tel: 212- 237 31 04.

Where to stay
Buenos Aires Sheraton Hotel&Towers: Near shopping centres. Great views. Tel: +54 11/ 4318 9000 800/325 3535. Claridge: In the city centre. English style. Elegant bar and restaurant. Tel: +54 11/ 4314-7700, 800/223-5652. Hotel Salles: Near the National Congress Building and Avenido De Mayo. Small and modern. Tel: +54 11/ 4382-3962. Park Hyatt: Amazing view, perfect service. Tel: 11/4326-1234

Where to eat
Cabana Las Lilas: Buenos Aires's best meat restaurant. Features Argentina's best wines. Be prepared to wait for a table. Av. Dàvilla, 516. Tel: +54 11/ 4313-1336. Catalinas: Try seafood and game at this French restaurant. The lobster with caviar, eggs and cream is a must. Jackets required. Reconquista 875. Tel: +54 11/4313-0182. Rosa Negra: A former stable with Argentine and Italian food. Famous for its seafood ravioli. Dardo Rocha, 1918, San Isidro. Tel: +54 11/4717-2685. Novecento: American bistro. Try the special salad with steak, fresh greens, and chips. Bàez 199. Tel: +54 11/4778-1900. Gran Café Tortoni: A café since 1858 with tango nights on the weekends. Av. De Mayo 829. Tel: +54 11/ 4342-4328