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ABOUT ARGENTINA
Magnificent mountains, vast deserts, dense forests and
the majestic Iguaçu
waterfalls.. from the remote wilderness of the pampas to sophisticated
Buenos Aires.
Argentina makes up
almost the entire southern half of South America, and is the world's
eighth largest country. Its amazing array of landscapes brags some of
the world's tallest mountains, deserts, and amazing waterfalls. From the
hot northern deserts, and remote areas in southern Patagonia, to the
bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, Argentina has something for all
types of traveler and visitor.
You can work in
the seductive, bustling capital of Buenos Aires, a city rich in
cultural heritage, renowned for being a cosmopolitan and elegant capital
with a surprisingly
European feel. Buenos Aires is reminiscent of Paris
with its tree-lined avenues and wonderful plazas
which have a beguiling, faded elegance.
You can also
work in the province of Mendoza, set in the foothills of the
Andes mountains. This is excellent wine-country and also a paradise for
adventure and mountain sports enthusiasts!
To read about the extensive
Support & Backup we provide in our countries,
please click here.
'My time in Buenos Aires has been everything I hoped it would be and
more and my only complaint is how quickly the time has gone since I got
here. The city is brilliant and I have been very impressed with the
staff at the hostel and Travellers staff who are always interested in
how I am getting on and willing to help if I need it.
The teaching has been
fantastic: I am working with young children, teenagers and adults so I
never know what each day is going to bring. I enjoy being busy and
actually working somewhere/in one place rather than just visiting as a
tourist. Mucho gracias!'
Jess Corbett
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Teaching in Buenos Aires, Argentina
LIVING IN BUENOS AIRES:
Buenos Aires is alive with culture and is fast becoming one of Latin
America's most popular and vibrant cities, with plenty to keep you
entertained at all times of the day and night. Buenos Aires
is a beautiful and seductive city situated on the banks of the Rio de la
Plata. It was built by European immigrants and has a resemblance to
Barcelona, Paris and Rome. The locals, known as the “Los portenos”, are
renowned for their extravagant and rich cultural identity, which is
reflected in the character and uniqueness of their city. The cafes,
smoky tango bars, parks, and street corner football games all help form
the essence of this diverse city. Not to mention the nightlife, one of
the best in world, thriving with youngsters enjoying a variety of
different styles of bars and clubs, often open till 7am…..or later!!
Following the financial crisis of 2001 tourism and foreign investment
has boomed in the city and across Argentina and tourism is now one of
the biggest industries. This increase in tourists and money, has bought
together a rich mix of traditional and modern Argentina and has helped
make the country one of the most popular locations in Latin America.
With
recent changes in exchange rate, making the pound worth an incredible
six pesos, all these wonders of Argentina are available very cheaply.
Try a famous Argentinean steak and bottle of wine in an idyllic street
corner for about £6 or a freshly ground coffee and Argentinean pastry,
called “Media Lunas” for around £2.
Buenos
Aires, a city designed in blocks, is divided into different
neighbourhoods, each with their own characteristic flair. Some are old
and some are new, but each ones has it own style and tells its own tale.
Some of the most famous neighbourhoods include: San Telmo -
the oldest of Buenos Aires neighbourhoods has wide cobbled streets, lined
with market stalls and antique shops. At weekends San Telmo comes alive
with entertainers, dancers and musicians. Visit one of the many outdoor cafes
for this weekly spectacle, stopping off to buy some local art work or
souvenirs.
Recoleta -
considered to be one of the finest and most expensive areas of the city
with French style buildings and large green open spaces. There is a
cemetery in Recoleta which houses the gravestone of Eva Perón,
Argentina's first lady and most famous historical figure. At the weekend
a sprawling market opens, selling local artwork and food. Surrounded by
cafes, it is a truly great way to wind away the long afternoons.
Palermo - this fashionable district has many parks, wide streets and
old houses. It's here that you'll find the latest trends at clothes stores
and boutiques, along with a huge array of unique and modern restaurants.
Palermo is at it's most vibrant on Sunday's, when Plaza Sorano is taken
over by market stalls providing fashionable clothes at great prices.
La Boca - the brightly painted multicolour tin houses within the
main Caminito Street give La Boca its character. Locally produced art
work and tango displays are often found here. La Boca is also home to one of Buenos Aires most famous
football teams 'Boca Juniors'. For a truly unique experience, get
tickets for a Boca V's River Plate match - these two teams have a
history of rivalry and as such, the games are always a hugely
anticipated event.
Throughout the city you find
broad plazas typical of Latin American urban centers. The most important
of these is the Plaza de Mayo, linked by the Avenida 25 de Mayo with the
Plaza del Congreso. Both plazas are surrounded by major government
buildings such as the Casa Rosada, the presidential residence on the
Plaza de Mayo. The Avenida 25 de Mayo is lined with restaurants and
businesses.
Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly
known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its
nine lanes of traffic, this truly
is a pedestrian's nightmare!
The central business district has
high-rise office buildings and retail stores. Automobiles are not
allowed on the Calle Florida and shoppers roam its elegant stores,
coffee houses and hotels. The nearby Calle Reconquista is the financial
centre of the city. Outside the central
business district much of the surrounding city has attractive
cobblestone streets bordered by large, elegant houses and small,
boutique style shops. Many parks and local shopping districts are
spread throughout the city, giving lots of activity and also lots of
tranquility.
The spirit of Argentina shines through it's national dance, the
Tango... enigmatic, sultry, elegant and exuberantly passionate. Getting to grips
with this dance is no easy feat but Buenos Aires is certainly the place to
learn. Tango clubs throughout the city hold Milonga's which are open tango
parties where all levels dance together and continuously change partners. A
great way to meet locals on the tango scene, learn the music and practice your
steps!
The
De la Plata River
plays an important role in the life of Buenos Aires. Oranges,
grapefruit, cherries, plums, and vegetables grow in the delta and holiday homes
flourish everywhere with thousands of people participating in river sports over
the weekends. The De la Plata not only provides
recreation, but also links the hinterlands with Buenos Aires and supplies water
to the population. |