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Published: January 23rd 2007
El barrio La Boca
The neighbourhood of La Boca is home to a community of immigrants and low working class.Looking Back (3/5)...La Boca
After spending several months in Buenos Aires, I can affirm that I know relatively well the Argentinean capital and its rythm. However, after traveling in other provinces, I can also say that Buenos Aires is not representative of the immense territory of Argentina. The presence of both a strong wealth and spread poverty within a same metropolis embodies the significant disparity among Argentineans. Eating a juicy tender “ojo de bife” while sipping a delicious Malbec does not represent the life of millions of Argentineans. One can say that the capital is an isolated bubble where reality can be forgotten...only if you are at the top of the pyramid and can afford to be blind.
One of the poorest areas of Buenos Aires is the neighbourhood of La Boca (The Mouth) which got its name from being located at the mouth of the river. This colourful neighbourhood has been built by the first Italian immigrants from Genoa who used the paint from the boats in the harbour to cover their houses. Despite the fact that these few blocks represent a real trap for tourists where people literally harrass you to come into their stores or restaurants,
El barrio La Boca
The inside courts of La Boca's homes it is still pleasant to walk within the colourful streets, admire the paintings and check the art stands. But as soon as you exit this touristic perimeter, reality hits you again...
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