Connecting the Dots: Tango & Soccer in Buenos Aires

I flew from Ushuaia (the southern most city in the world) to Buenos Aires. Although flying and taking a bus were the same price, the flight took 3 hours versus the bus taking 36 hours—36 straight hours in 2 different buses…that’s just crazy!!

Tango originated in Buenos Aires and the Argentinian soccer fans are notoriously crazy. On my second night, I went to a tango lesson followed by a tango show with bottomless Argentinian wine—which was convenient because I was coerced into joining the production. I was “selected” to be the guy the female dancers were cheating with. Although I was completely confused, the crowd seemed to like that I was always a half step behind my partner. Tango is everywhere in Buenos Aires and a must see if you come.

A few of us decided to go to an Argentinian soccer match. As the taxi pulled up to the stadium, the driver (we had no idea he spoke English) turned around and said, “No watches, no cell phones, no cameras, no money! Be careful!” Up to that point we were not super nervous. However, after thanking him, exiting the cab, and seeing the riot police completely surrounding the stadium, our nerves began activating. Halfway through the first half, the skies opened, it started pouring and the already raucous crowd became even crazier. Luckily, “our” team won 2-1 and the crowd was quite jovial on the way out.