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Buenos-aires A tour of the Colon Theatre (el Teatro Colon) is a must and can be taken with either a Spanish or English speaking guide. This theatre is considered to be one of the best in the world with stunning acoustics and breath-taking architecture. The chamber itself has seven floors and seats 2,500 people. On the first floor, hidden against the wall you can see the hidden chambers from where widows would watch the proceedings - in the past widows weren't supposed to be seen enjoying themselves in public so would come here to watch in perfect anonymity. There are thousands of lights and a spectacular central chandelier where some singers hide during performances, their voices sounding as though coming from heaven when they sing. La Plaza 25 de Mayo sits in front of La Casa Rosada (the Pink House) - the government buildings. This plaza is a central meeting place for many portenos (people of Buenos Aires) - it is nice to walk around or to sit on one of the park benches, but it has also seen much bloodshed in the past. It is here that the "madres de los desaparecidos" (the mothers of the people who were disappeared during military rule in the 1970's) have fought for justice, and people came to demand security from the government during the economic crisis of 2001. The plaza bears the scars of decades of pain - broken pathways, graffiti demanding justice and a noticeable security presence. La Casa Rosada is heavily guarded and a large cordon ensures that you can only get close enough to take a general photo. La Boca district is a popular barrio (neighbourhood) with tourists and for good reason. It is a vibrant area full of art and music. The buildings are painted fantastically bright colours and are fronted by tango dancers and musicians performing on the footpath. La Boca is also home to Boca Juniors - one of Argentina's biggest (and best) football teams. Take a stroll along Calle Florida - the central shopping peatonal (pedestrian street) of Buenos Aires. This street is always bustling with people shopping, enjoying one of the many sidewalk cafes and enjoying the porteno life. It is here where you get free tango shoes - dancers set up with a portable stereo and provide fantastic shows in the middle of the footpath. They always draw an enthusiastic crowd.
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