Buzz
The ancient streets in summer glow like a vibrant painting. The chilly gray of the stone-paved road and the mossy hues on the walls don't dull the vivid red of paper flowers, the dazzling yellow of spider lilies, and the faint purple of jacaranda. The modern Gothic-style church in the central square is surrounded by layers of blossoming trees.
Following the gently sloping path from the square leads to the bank of the Rio de la Plata (Silver River). On both sides, the cool street is adorned with a mix of trees and a row of shops, bars, eateries, and of course, the barbecue asados selling grilled meats.
It seems that every street in Argentina has its own asado, making grilled meat a cultural hallmark. The per capita beef consumption in Argentina is nearly double that of the United States. Thanks to the vast grasslands to the south, cattle farming is thriving, producing exquisite meat.
After a late brunch with various grilled meats, the group ventures into the Tigre Delta, situated in the Paraná River basin, a tributary of the Rio de la Plata. Tigre is still within the Buenos Aires province, a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers who often take the train here.
The town of Tigre exudes an elegant British style with its Victorian buildings. On the bustling streets, there are shops renting boats and bikes, inns, bars, and more. The name Tigre originates from 'tigres' (tigers) as locals mistakenly referred to a type of wildcat often hunted here.
Centuries ago, Europeans arrived here as farmers, transforming Tigre into a port specializing in transporting agricultural products and timber from the hinterlands upstream along the Paraná River.
The Paraná River basin is one of the largest in the world, branching into numerous smaller channels forming a network of enchanting islands covered with beautiful forests and grasslands. Tigre, being close to the capital, was chosen as a luxurious retreat for the thriving elite in the mid-19th century.
The Beauty of the South American Hinterlands
Today, Tigre is often likened to Venice due to its intricate canal system surrounding small islands and rows of trees lining the banks, creating a refreshing ambiance. Visitors always see the vibrant green of vegetation and the clear sky, while the river water has a reddish-brown tint due to the rich sediment in this hinterland.
Tourists typically gather in Tigre before boarding a boat to explore the Paraná. Along the stone-paved river routes, there are sturdy stone embankments with staircases leading from the water's edge to the thresholds of luxurious villas or majestic estates. Many structures, once casinos, have been renovated into resorts, yacht clubs, and private residences.
In front of each building, there are usually brand-new yachts or canoes neatly moored. Both the houses and the boats are given names that sound intriguing, such as 'Luminosity,' 'Rainbow'... and there's even a villa named 'Crazy Luck' (Suerte Loca), rumored to be acquired by its owner through a lottery win!
Leaving the main river axis, boats meander through a network of small channels. On both banks, there are rustic-style inns nestled among European-style mansions, along with teahouses, camping spots, and beaches.
The river traffic is bustling with yachts, canoes, and racing boats crisscrossing energetically. In quieter stretches of the river, sports enthusiasts take advantage to paddle manually, while children hold onto skimboards at the shore, eagerly waiting for passing boats to create waves for them to surf on.
The scenery in Tigre bears a resemblance to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, yet this is where the affluent gather, replacing the rustic rural scene with a bustling urban prosperity.
Visiting the Tigre Art Museum, boat passengers marvel at the opulence of the locals. Similar to the scattered castles along the river branches, this museum was once a renowned casino built over a century ago. During the renovation into a museum, meticulous care was taken, from the pathways to the dock, to the flower-filled gardens.
The intricate exterior architecture is complemented by even more surprising interior luxury: a staircase crafted from white marble, a glossy brown oak floor, imported glass and mirrors from Italy adding brilliance, and exquisite crystal chandeliers.
All this extravagance serves to enhance the value of the paintings and sculptures by Argentina's top artists. It must be said that the people of Buenos Aires are heavily influenced by Italian culture, embodying a strong sense of aesthetics.
Today, the people of Buenos Aires proudly call themselves Portenos (port dwellers). This distinctly reflects that their ancestors arrived here by ships. The forefathers of Portenos were initially Spanish, followed by Italians, with a significant influx to the shores of the Rio de la Plata river in the late 19th century.
At that time, the government decided to modernize the country, encouraging immigration to boost economic prosperity. This policy was highly successful until the 1950s, a period when Buenos Aires was considered the most beautiful, affluent city, and the dazzling capital of South America.
Finally, the house by the river that left the most special impression on us is the smallest, simplest one made of wood. Its uniqueness is attributed solely to the massive glass enclosure enveloping the exterior. It belongs to Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, the Argentine president from 1868-1874. Recognizing Tigre's potential early on, he actively encouraged people to explore here, even building a small house himself and frequently retreating to this tranquil spot.
Many wealthy individuals from Buenos Aires followed Sarmiento here, establishing a new, beautiful city. Tigre developed over the years, and the skilled president's wooden house became a national historic site, preserved within a glass enclosure to endure the elements along the river.
According to Business Saigon Weekend
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourMay 29, 2015
