For anyone who speaks a little Spanish, there is a wonderful room rental opportunity here in Buenos Aires, where I have stayed with Victoria Arijola many times. She is a lovely woman in her 60s, who was a teacher for many years of Argentine folkloric dance, turned tanguera in recent years. She does not speak English, opens her home to you (some particulars below), and knows the tango scene, the city, bus system, and just about anything you might like to discuss with her. She only rents to visiting dancers, the vast majority from Europe, and I am the only U.S. person who has ever rented there, so I have tried to be an ambassador through difficult international times since 2000, and I may have been the first U.S. person she has gotten to know quite well (hence, my consciousness about ambassador). I cannot recommend highly enough the excellent opportunity it is to stay with her. Though she rarely goes out at night, preferring to dance in afternoon milongas several days per week, she is accustomed to and not bothered by the sleep habits of nightowl tangueras and tangueros. Both men and women may rent there.
Apt: 6 blocks W of Congress building and Callao at 143 Matheu, 1.5 blocks from Rivadavia - VERY centrally located - her apt is 1st floor (here called planta baja - street level), 2-bedroom, where she rents guestroom and private bath; room has large window onto small private patio under huge tree; in-wall gas heater in room, 2 twin beds, huge closet, built-in chest drawers, small nightstand and chair - bathroom has tub-shower with water continuously heated in the moment from gas adjustable heater; has small freestanding elecric heater - floors are (I guess) tile and linoleum; the living room does afford some practice space, and teachers have taught there before (if Victoria approves their entry - living here is very much respecting her private home) - likely some sharing of kitchen possible, ironing board and iron available - secure building with superintendent in apartment by front door. - you would come and go with your own keys - can receive phone messages and some use of her phone; should avoid calling cell phones as more expensive - 1.5 blocks from outbound subway station, 3 blocks from inbound station, walking distance to several milongas - 2 blocks from supermarket, 1 block from large internet center open 9a.m.-2a.m., 5.5 blocks to Corrientes (to next subway line) - within a couple blocks: excellent cafes, little shops specializing in empanadas or medialunas (similar to croissants), the specialty crustless sandwiches de miga, pharmacy, beauty salon, bank, the whole city at your doorstep - there is NO TV in the rental room or the living room Rent: around 10 euros per day. Come and enjoy! her local phone number: 4951-0828 (precede this from U.S. with 0115411 ) [email protected] Best wishes from Buenos Aires, Kristine Hansen www.vintagedanceimages.com
