VUE

e amount of things to do in Buenos Aires is endless. However, there are two iconic activities that every visitor must enjoy in order to truly indulge in Argentinian culture. e first is a tango show, and MichelAngelo is just the place to do it. e best way to enjoy a night of tango is in the format of dinner and a show; ticket options include dinner or show-only. MichelAngelo is housed within a stunning warehouse that was originally built in 1850 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory featuring red brick vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and backlit cast iron staircases. ere are theatrical elements such as signs and labeling that lead to the tango show, the Dante bar, and the restrooms. Dante features a bar with eclectic decor such as arched shelving which follows the shape of arched ceilings that display wine and spirit bottles, giving an anti-gravity effect. e bar also features a large light fixture made with stained glass to complement the other restored glasswork in the building. ere are two main dining areas and a few private, reservable dining rooms. e entire staff is dedicated to elevating the tango experience from the second theater-goers walk through the door. ere are a number of performances once the curtains rise, from group tango routines to pair dance routines, singers, a special instrumental montage, and finally, a traditional dance that features a drummer and a dancer using boleadoras, a rope with tied balls at the end that was originally used to catch cattle. In the routine, these balls are spun in a variety of beats and patterns that hit the floor with accompanying foot tapping and dancing. e dance is rooted in indigenous Argentinian dances and is a sight to see in real life. Argentina's most popular drink is the yerba mate, a type of tea that can only be found along the northern border of Argentina, southern border of Uruguay, and southern Brazil. It goes through a special drying and siing process and has an herby flavor similar to green tea, but with more of a kick. Yerba mate is known for its potent antioxidant qualities and health benefits, and becomes milder as it's steeped and consumed. Mathienzo is a locally founded yerba mate distributor with headquarters near Buenos Aires' lively Chinatown. Here, founder Nicolas hosts a yerba mate experience where he deep dives into the cultural, social, and economic history of the tea, which was at one point ostracized by posh residents and has recently experienced a sudden rise in regional popular culture. Yerba mate is meant to be enjoyed as a community; typically one cup (a mate) and one straw (a bombilla) are shared amongst a group of friends or family all year round, but particularly in colder weather during gatherings. ere's a specific process that goes into brewing the loose tea leaf, including being mindful of water temperature and the amount of leaves used per cup. It is a common belief that one is not a full adult until they're able to brew their own yerba mate. Nicolas also shows participants how to brew their own blends of yerba mate using very simple and natural ingredients that can be found in the supermarket. Blends include rose petals, coffee, coconut, and spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, all dependent on the individuals' preferences. It's an incredibly educational and enjoyable experience that can only be had in Buenos Aires. While Buenos Aires may pay homage to its European ancestry, it is a hub for its own distinctive culture, cuisine, and art. ere's an endless list of adventures that can be found around every corner, and some of the world's most natural wonders are only an hour or two flight away. Buenos Aires is more than just a city; it is the experience of a lifetime. VUE ON | TRAVEL 60 VUENJ.COM

• Cover