WHO IS CARLOS GARDEL?

Carlos Gardel was a famous Tango Singer. Although he was born in France, he moved to Buenos Aires at a young age. He wrote and performed many Tango songs. He is to Tango what Maradonna is to Soccer. If you want to listen to some of his music, click on the link below.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WtdMwjmRd8.

The area around the Abasto Mall has a lot of Gardel and Tango memoriabelia. A bit touristy, but hey - think Argentina - think Tango! The museum is housed in the house he lived in before he died. It has great displays and it also serves to show what the houses and life style was like in Argentina in the early 1930's. The house is a fine example of what is known as a casa chorizo (sausage house). Unfortunately no photographs were allowed to be taken. But they did only charge a $1 peso entrance. Gardel died in a plane crash. He is buried in the Cemetario de Chacarita. Which I decided to visit as well.

Something else I noticed, which I think is quite fun is the specic art work and signage used in certain areas. It is known as FILETEADO. It is usually characterised by garlands of flowers and scrolls of bright colours. The compositions often have local sayings and proverbs included in the design. Aparently during the 70's and Military rule in the country, this art work was banned, it went underground and is now truly admired as a porteno art form.