“Por los viejos cafetines

siempre rondan los recuerdos

y un compás de tango de antes

va a poner color

al dolor del emigrante.”

(del tango ´Cafetín´ de

Homero Expósito y Argentino Galván)

 

 

The rising hand, thumb and index finger indicating an imaginary measure is an urban icon at any Buenos Aires´ coffee shop. It is also a paradox that Porteños are devoted to their "own" bar, the one of the neighbourhood or that one close to the office, a sort of second home where they meet to discuss politics, sports, real or imaginary romances, a place where they develop theories in order to save not only their own lives, but also to save the world. For the porteño a simple gesture is enough to order a coffee. A great deal of confesion and complicity between waiter and client.

Besides, porteños are proud to have their coffee served before even ordering it; an absolute sense of belonging. This may be the reason why many old cafes still survive in Buenos Aires, because nothing can stop a porteño from having this routine. It’s not the coffee that he or she  will have at the office, or the one after lunch. It’s that one with that special and intimate taste, the one that is almost a communion.

 

Different styles and people, similar life stories told in several languages. So are city cafés, places where among tales, dreams, confessions and nostalgia porteños always appear sitting at a table and in front of a coffee cup.

  

 

 

gentileza de www.letstango.com.ar