Día 11: Theater & Tortoni

Buenos Aires isn't called the "Paris of South America" for nothing! The more I am here, the more I am able to see the beautiful buildings and landmarks that have helped create such a wonderful metropolis. Today, after surviving another 45 minute walk to the University and a 5 hour long class (this is getting hard!), ISA allowed us the opportunity to tour the famous opera house, Teatro Colón (English name= Columbus Theater).

The Colón, in all it's glory!

Teatro Colón is considered one of the best venues in the world, and after seeing it, I understand why! The theater was opened in 1857 after 20 years of construction! It is specially built in a horse-shoe shape for the best acoustic quality; it is actually in the top 5 venues worldwide for best acoustics. The theater has about 2,500 seats and is still used to this day. Overall, it was beyond gorgeous; marble staircases, mosaic floors, velvet seats, sculptures in every hall, mirrored walls, and giant chandeliers. The main chandelier in the theater weights 1.5 tons and contains a chamber for singers and musicians to hide inside during a performance; when the score calls for music to be heard from the heavens, that is when the chandelier musicians will play...way up at the top of the ceiling, making it sound as if the music really is coming down from above! To see an opera at this theater would be incredible. I was very tempted to hide under a theater seat during the tour today in hopes to stay and see tonight's show!

After the Teatro Colón, a few friends and I walked a few blocks to visit the other classic pride of Buenos Aires: Café Tortoni! Built in 1858, Café Tortoni is the oldest coffee shop in the whole country and has preserved the long history and traditions ever since! Seriously, I thought this would be just some hole-in-the-wall, old, cute, tourist trap; boy, was I wrong! Cafe Tortoni was glorious, and is hands down the nicest cafe I've ever been to! In fact, it is voted one of the "top 10 most beautiful cafes in the world!"

Inside Cafe Tortoni; not your average hole-in-the-wall after all!

We couldn't just peek in Tortoni without sampling some of it's renowned treats, so we all ordered the classic specialty: chocolate con churros (hot chocolate and churros)! I have no words to describe what I ate, but I can tell you that if I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would very well be this! No wonder everyone fusses about Cafe Tortoni- it's worth all the commotion!

Chocolate con Churros; delicioso!

After seeing some of the best things in the world today (literally), it's hard to believe these beautiful works of art actually exist! Who knew a theater and a coffee shop could be so luxurious, especially here in the middle of South America?! This city is full of surprises, and I still have a lot more to see! Chau!