If it were not for the sad fact that our 'tango viaje' to BA is over and that it will be some time for us to come back, we would have kept Martin's place as our 'sweet little secret' so that we could come back to it again and again. This is not a standard 'rented place', it is a family home to which you are invited as a welcome guest - and, if you are lucky enough, like us, you will be greeted on arrival and then farewelled with a warm hug from Martin's lovely mum Claudia. It is a genuine 'living place' and thus, like life itself, may have some little imperfections ( for example, you may have to re-ignite the hot water boiler when the weather is windy), but that only gives it more of authenticity. The internet works well, the 2(!) TV sets help avoid 'family feuds' as to what to watch and when, fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare your own meals if you do not feel like dining out; and the bed is fantastic, especially when you live 'porteno-style' and dance your nights away till early mornings and need longer recuperation (the flat is located at the back of the
building and therefore is very quiet the whole day 'round).
And Villa Crespo is probably the best place for a visitor to get a taste of real life of the Portenos:
* You have plenty of small local shops but if you feel a bit insecure at first, you have big department stores nearby;
*You have huge 'avenidas' with crazy traffic and heaps of public buses and quiet side streets that you would take while walking to tango schools and milongas;
*You have many small and big local restaurants and cafes but if you crave something 'western' you will find a Burger King around the corner.
For tangueros, there is no better place to reside in BA as you have some of the best known tango schools within 15-20 minutes walking ( DNI Tango, Tango Escuela Carlos Copello, La Viruta, Escueal de Tango Mora Godoy Tango, and more small studios), and some of the most famous milongas equally close ( La Catedral, La Viruta, Salon Caning, Villa Malcolm, El Fulgor). If you want to go on Sundays to dance at Plaza Dorego, or you want to 'show off' at Club Gricel, the metro (Subte) will take you there in just several minutes. (Only beware: check the last departures so that you do not get 'stranded' and forced to use taxis which, unfortunately, do not enjoy the highest reputation, especially when dealing with 'gringos').
In summary: Martin's place and Villa Crespo - We are missing you already!
Hasta la vista!