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Wed 16 Jun, 2004 01:26 pm
Antiquing in Buenos Aires,Argentina.I hope you will enjoy antiquing as much as I do!
Rare and incredible objects, furniture, books, toys, artworks
all those antiques and collectibles you dream of can be found in Buenos Aires.
Once upon a time Buenos Aires was a very small port city with very little population surrounded by one of the world's most fertile lands. Not too far away there were several other populations with very different traditions to the Spaniards who had populated this portside area. As the city grew and the Porteñan society evolved many Europeans chose Argentina to be their home. They immigrated with all their possessions from every corner of the old continent. This flow from Europe to Argentina first began in mid 19th century, and has never stopped till now. At the same time, as the world evolved -wars, economical possibilities, inspiration, were many of the causes that help other people chose our country as their own.
All of these new immigrants that were coming from Europe (Western and Eastern), Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as many other Latin American countries, brought with them all kinds of objects, from paintings to mirrors and combs, from decorative items to all kinds of furniture, and so on.
This brief history of immigration in Argentina might help those that don't know our country to understand a bit about the eclectic variety of items that can be found in this beautiful city that is Buenos Aires (specially Buenos Aires because it has always been the main gate to our great and beautiful country). Many of them were brought in immigration ships, many others were sent to these families from their homelands, some others were imported, and some other ones were the result of business among relatives who lived in their homelands and these new immigrants that were building a life in our Pampas. Those valuable family objects some times due to hard economic situations, or may be because there was no one to inherit them, have taken a path towards flea markets, auctions or antiques shops.
During the last few years there has been a huge turn in our economy, the peso (local currency) has lost much of its value in relation to the dollar and the Euro, this situation has impacted in many areas of our everyday life. On the dark side one of the biggest consequences of this economic shift has been an intense flow of goods towards all kinds of markets, in order to keep on with a certain lifestyle. Therefore many families have found themselves in a situation were they had to sell many of their family's goods. On the bright side this new valuation of the peso has made of Argentina a more appealing place to visit for foreigners, since its much cheaper than many other big international metropolis though still shows all its splendor in its culture, art, fashion and good sense of living.
Our local flea markets, open fairs and antiques shops are open history books that show this turns in our lives.
Plus, these are excellent places to shop for those items all art lovers dream of, as well as an excellent opportunity for art dealers that wish to offer their regular clients high class items at reasonable prices.
One of the most beautiful open air markets in the city is in the historical neighborhood of San Telmo, that's open all day during Sundays, from very early in the morning to late in the afternoon. Surrounded by countless antiques shops that open their doors to the public all week long, this fair is just beautiful, with very good quality items
Bargaining is always an interesting possibility when acquiring these type of objects, always a plus to get what you want at the price you want to.
In the outskirts of the city, the Solano fair is one outstanding market where if you have a sharp eye for antiques you can find absolutely amazing treasures. Since this fair is very much for locals you can find all from old clothes, semi used house goods, and whatever people had and needed to sell
Its always better to visit this outskirts out of the tourists path fair with a local, best if you know what you want but don't have much time and your Spanish is not very good.
Back to the city, one excellent flea market is the Dorrego Market, in the heart of Palermo, very nearby a great restaurants area, this market has all kinds of items. Its just a matter of walking around and talking with the local people that are very kind and would gladly help you in your quest.
On the other end of the city, during the weekends there's an other kind of flea market in Peru abajo. Located in the beautiful residential area of Acasusso you will find this fair has all kinds of decorative items and furniture, one of its specialties are chandeliers at very reasonable prices
High class and good prices, one excellent combo!
These are the most representative fairs and markets in BA. There's nothing you can't get, you name it, they have it
And of course, these are excellent sights when touring through the city of tango, ?'cause there are many different street shows that weekly chose those locations to show their art: tango, puppeteers, street theatre, live music, plus all kinds of local street food to enjoy during your walk, there's no way that can go wrong!
frass, Welcome to A2K. You seem to be quite articulate in the English language. Are you a native of Argentina? How long have you lived there? I had the pleasure of visiting Buenos Aires in November 2000 when I cruised from Valparaiso, Chile, to Buenos Aires. We spent two days in Buenos Aires, and had the opportunity to visit LaBoca and the main shopping street, I think it's called Florida Street. We even visited the Pink Palace and Eva Peron's tomb.
cicerone imposter wrote:frass, Welcome to A2K.
Hello C.I,
Thank you for your questions,as to myself I was born in Buenos Aires nearly 50 years ago,my mother she's English and native from England,my Father was a second geneartion Argentinian-Italian.I went to Collage in the UK,at "Mt.St.Mary's Collage, Spinkhill", and have travelled around South America,done farming in Uruguay and trecking in the south of Argentina,been fun! Now I'm working on travel and culture,that goes from art,antiques and collectbles, to well even to wines!
Yes,Florida is the road,and we have good leather as well..... feel free to come on down any time! Nice chatting with you,best wishes,Frass. (Thats what they used to call me back at collage!) Bob Frassinetti.
PS;Well I chatted about myself and you? Tell me some?
Hi frass, I'm a 68 year old third generation Japanese American. I love to travel, and have visited over 80 countries - with many repeats to places in Europe. My most recent travels during the past two years have been to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos, trans-Canada train tour from Montreal/Toronto to Vancouver, and Japan on a buddhist pilgrimage. My future travel plans is a boat cruise from the Black Sea to Budapest in August, and a cruise to Antarctica in January 2005. London is one of my favorite destination, and have visited there often. Visited London in March 2003 for a A2K London Gathering for one week where I met kitchenpete, Gautam, McTag and Fiona, Steve, and Walter. Also saw three shows. I have friends in the UK, Germany, Egypt, Tanzania, France, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and all across the US. Although our background was very modest, most of my adult life has been very gratifying, and feel very fortunate.
Hello C.I,
Sorry for the slow answer,yes,you seem to be well travelled and forunate.Well I'm sure you will also find our city a fun town,maybe on your way to Antarctica,you could pass by and see a bit more,here goes an article I wrote on......
Leisure in the Big City
Buenos Aires has often been described as the Latin American Paris because of its beautiful architecture, excellent food experiences, rich cultural life and its devotion for fashion. And it is a fair comparison, according to locals and visitors experiences.
Located in the southern hemisphere of the American continent, this city's shores are bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Rio de la Plata -across of which it is Uruguay-. As many other port side cities Buenos Aires has always taken advantage of its location, embracing all foreign influences -culturally, esthetically, socially and economically- and combining them with its local ones. All of this has resulted in one perfect blend of modernism and traditions.
For the last few decades Buenos Aires has devoted to show off its full potential. Our beautiful city of Tango has been hosting, for many years now, one of the most important Independent Film Festivals, as well as two of the most renamed Theatre and Music Festivals of all Latin America and the world, inviting great artists to show the world their performances through our stages. There has been an explosion of vanguard design exhibitions and shows, that have proven right all of those who thought of this city as a design Mecca who would set internationally recognized trends. All these experiences have enriched traditional ones, such as Art exhibitions and shows that have been taking place for many decades in the variety of Museums, Art Galleries and Art Centers located all through this great Metropolis.
In Buenos Aires there are options for all those who love to enjoy life.
Delight yourself coming to this wonderful city, take some time off your regular schedule for some pumpering and relax. Without loosing the advantages of this big city, such as great evening activities, dining experiences, exclusive shopping and up to the top activities, there is a variety of outstanding spas and health centres.
For this leisure in the big city option, you'll be able to go shopping in Buenos Aires to those incredible Argentinean and European stores, where you'll be able to buy those exquisite designs in local pesos, sight seeing at the ame time seeing your interests, so there's no need for you just to walk through the city like a regular tourist, but to visit those incredible places you love and have an excellent time out.
Florida St. is one of the world's most important pedestrian streets. This eleven squares promenade is one amazing shopwindow for leather goods of all kinds. Jackets, shoes, purses coats and all kinds of design items of the highest quality can be bought in this area. Our local designers -many of the best of them- have chosen this street to exhibit their creations. Prices are very accessible and quality is just over the top! Leather shopping is a must when in BA, for this capital city is not only the city of tango but also the head of a nation built upon what has always been our national industry, cattle growing, so leather goods and handcrafts have evolved together with our society and its passion for fashion and high class esthetics.
Also on Florida St. there is one of BA's greatest shopping malls Galerías Pacífico. At Galerías Pacífico the pleasure of shopping is combined with the richness of an everlasting expression of our artistic and architectural heritage. This place that now hosts one of the best shopping areas, was originally built up as a train station that would connect the northern part of the city with the central area (Palermo). However this never took place, and during the 1990s this incredible building was turned into a shopping mall. The ceiling is not just any ceiling, is a great central dome painted by five famous muralist painters -Spilimbergo, Urruchua, Colmerio, Castagnino, Berni- who have portrayed different subjects though nonetheless have achieved an amazing cohesion of shapes and colors. At Galerías Pacífico you'll find all the world's most exclusive stores such as Christian Dior, Cacharel, Prune, Ralph Lauren, etc, plus the outstanding local brands that are highly appreciated worldwide such as Chocolate, Laurencio Adot, Trosman, Jazmin Chebar, among many others.
Jewelry and couture can also be found in this amazing city. Strolling down Alvear Av. in the Recoleta Area we'll take you to the best jewelry stores in the city; Argentineans are very much fond of jewels so there are various types for you to choose from, traditional vintage ones, taylored made as well as vanguard modern ones, silver, gold, platinum, alpache, diamonds, all kinds of presious stones
your dream jewel can come true!
Around this very chick area you'll take be shopping and find all you came looking for, even those outfits you wanted to buy back home but turned out to be too expensive, here in Buenos Aires those same stores -Gucci, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Valentino, Versace- sell the very same collections in pesos (remember its three times cheaper that in dollars and a bit less than four times cheaper than in Euros).
After a long day out shopping you'd enjoy a great relax in one of our excellent spas, massages, aroma therapy, sauna, swimming a bit in the pool would help you to regain energy.
At night there's always something to do in the city of tango. Dinning out in our beautiful city is always a delight, local traditional Argentinean food, gourmet cooking, and world wide cousine are among the many options for each meal. This city is worldly known for its gourmet options as well as for the excellent wines. So you'll enjoy some of the worlds greatest wines and food, and if you're interested in wine tasting, there are many tailored tasting courses for you to take in an afternoon or even a day or two.
Of course you can't leave the city without enjoying the best of its music and dance
Learn how to tango with the same teacher who trained Madonna when she played Evita.
Enjoy a great Argentinean wine while listening to the best jazz.
Hope you have enjoyed reading! Bob Frassinetti.
Re: Antiquing in Buenos Aires,Argentina.
I am going to Buenos Aires in October to look for graet antique stuff,
may i ask you more about the Solano fair and Dorrego market ?
When are they open ?
All my best
PhiL
cicerone imposter wrote:Hi frass, I'm a 68 year old third generation Japanese American. I love to travel, and have visited over 80 countries - with many repeats to places in Europe.
Wow!..
I wish I'ld score such mileage. Does it mean you go abroad 3-4 times a year?
Galitite, Yes. I travel about 3 or 4 times every year. This year, my wife and I visited Japan in April. At the end of August, I'll be visiting Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia-Herzogovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. In January 2005 I'll be on a 18 day cruise to Antarctica, and will be spending three days in Buenos Aires before the cruise. Last year, my wife and I did the trans-Canada train tour from Montreal/Toronto to Vancouver in August. In May, I did the Machu Picchu and the Galapagos tour with visits to Cuzco, Lima, and Guyaquil. In March, I went to London for one week for the first A2K London Gathering, and met some great A2K participants including Gautam, Steve, McTag, FionaB, Walter, and kitchenpete. In November 2002, I did the cruise from Valparaiso, Chile, to Buenos Aires, going around Cape Horn and visiting the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia (where I will be visiting again on the Antarctic cruise).
BTW, I have flown to the highest point on earth, Mt Everest; touched the water at the lowest point on earth of the Dead Sea; and have traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska, the northernmost city for me.
cicerone imposter wrote:In January 2005 I'll be on a 18 day cruise to Antarctica...
I wonder - is it easier to do from Argentina or Australia?
By the way, what about you last riddle about the bird view of a town?
That's a picture of Acapulco, Mexico. I took that picture when we flew into Acapulco for our Panama Canal cruise on the Crystal Harmony. That was a special flight from Los Angeles to Acapulco of all Crystal passengers, and we were all served filet mignon steak for lunch with champagne. That's real class!
The 12 day cruise ended up in New Orleans where my wife and I spent three more nights. It was my second visit to NO, and my wife's first. We had dinner at Commander's Palace one night; that was a real treat. Emeril was one of the youngest head chef there before he started his own restaurants. The food was real special, but most of all, we remember the bread sufflate.
Looking for antiques in Argentina
Hi Phil,
Yes,you will just love BA,its just about full of small out of the way antique shops and markets,you have Solano fair way away from in the BA in places where only locales go, and Dorrego market named also as the MERCADO DE LAS PULGAS,Flea Market,in English .... wow,this will be just take you several days to check out, and then we have a new market that starts midnight Friady and ends around miday Saterday,but this one is really wild and dangerous,its only for the brave at heart to go..... its near the The Noria Bridge. Well I hope I've been of help,talk latter,Bob Frassinetti.
Hi Frass, I'll be in Buenos Aires for three days in January, and will be looking for lined leather gloves to take with me onwwards to Antarctica. If the price is right, I might be interested in buying two or three. I remember buying two high quality leather bags for my wife when I was in Buenos Aires in November 2002, so my expectations are really high - since you say that the peso is now cheaper against the US dollar. Where's the 'best' shop to buy lined leather gloves in Buenos Aires?
Hi C.I,
Good,you'll find leather stuff easy to buy in down town BA, Floiria Street, I would say thats your best bet ....... morte information email me, cheers, Bob Frassinetti.
Antarctica.
Antarctica ....... best bet from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, its down all the way south of Argentina. Hope I have been of help, if you need more information I'll get it to you...... Bob Frassinetti
Frass, Yup, we're catching our boat in Ushuaia. I can still remember the train ride in the park. The people who paid $120 from the boat for this tour did the same thing I did for $25.
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