The Plazoleta Bomberos Voluntarios mural by Lucas Quinto. Influenced by Mexican muralism and Mayan artwork, it is a tribute to the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, an association of Argentine mothers whose children "disappeared" during the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983. The mothers began weekly peaceful protests in 1977, wearing nappy cloth around their heads as makeshift scarves, and still meet every Thursday afternoon at the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, in front of the Casa Rosada presidential palace.


La Boca is one of the poorer barrio's in Argentina, with its cheaper accomodation acting as a refuge for new arrivals to the city. Luke said the mural with the lady wearing the scarf was meant to symbolise taking shelter in La Boca. Gentrification of the barrio however is threatening to change this however, and it was quite ironic to see the construction of a new apartment building that would eventually cover up the mural.


Outside the bright blue and yellow La Bombonera (the chocolate box) for our last stop of our walking tour. Home of Club Atlético Boca Juniors, mostly known for its professional football team. Famous former players in the team include Diego Maradona and Carlos Tevez.


Luke related to us how the La Bombonera looks like a Ikea store with its bright blue and yellow colours. Apparently it was decided that the team colours were to be the same as the flag of the next ship to pull into port, which just happened to be from Sweden!

He also told us about how Mauricio Macri, the current President of Argentina, had a successful run as Chairman of the club for 10 years before turning to politics.

After the great walkabout through La Boca, Luke's top recommendation for lunch was the nearby El Gran Paraiso.


At the front of the restaurant was the barbeque with some delicious chorizos (pork sausages) on the grill.


We decided to sit outside and enjoy the sun. Some fresh warm bread to start.


Some empanadas de pollo to start.


Enjoying a tasty choripán with fries.


And a cappuccino to finish. A great, simple meal and very reasonable for less than 300 pesos.