Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Buenos Aires, Argentina
Monday, June 25, 2007

Day 11 (18th June): Buenos Aires, Argentina

Traffic Buenos Aires

From a scortching 30+ degrees, we were welcomed to 5 degrees in Buenos Aires (BsAs). A chaffeur picked us up at the airport and drove us to our homestay for the week. We didn't make any small-talk with the chauffeur...well, because, we didn't know any spanish small-talk. The first thing we noticed is how mad the drivers are (Fraser wouldn't have to actually drive on the right side of the road). Nobody pays attention to the number of lanes and people seem to go by the motto "if my car seems that it can fit through, I'm gonna try".  

When we arrived to our new flat for the week, we were welcomed by Graciela, our homestay host. After settling in, we told her that we needed to see a "medico" because Fraser's arm swelled up from the mosquito bites in Belize.

These mosquitos are real pests! They really like fresh blood, especially from visitors. We were eaten alive despite using a whole can of repellent in less than a week. Luckily, at this time in Buenos Aires, they're all dead!

So, we made our first bus trip to a medical clinic in town. Luckily, the doctor spoke some English and gave the news that every traveller feared ... because of an infection, Fraser would have to take a course of antibiotics, and that meant NO ALCOHOL for one week. Fraser asked the doctor to repeat, just to make sure he undestood him correctly. So, first week in Argentina without vino tinto!

Day 12 (19th June): First day of school
Our first day of school was Tuesday (since Monday the 18th was national flag day). Our first task was to write a test, so the school could determine what level we're at. Yo, we just came from chillin on da beach, and you want us to write a test?!?! Wassup wif dat?

Fraser and Sebastian at Recoleta Cemetary

After school finished we went on a tour to Recoleta (a barrio in BsAs) with our guide Sebastian, and then in the evening we went to Tango class. To top off of the evening we had some homework ... not too much to pack in one day.

Recoleta contained a very interesting cemetery (modelled on a cemetery in Paris), which contained the remains of Evita Peron amongst other famous & rich people and a few hundred cats!


Days 13 - 15 (20th - 22nd June)
On our second day of class, we were split up for the rest of the week. We spent three days in quite intense classes: 4-5 hours per day, followed by homework. By the end of the week, Fraser was and advanced beginner (pretty damn good for never attending a spanish class in his life) and Andrea was at elementary level (probably because the teacher really liked her).

We spent our evenings in tango classes, shopping for a scarf for Fraser (he had to find THE right colour and style) and of course, eating out.

Tango Dancers

By the end of the week, we were pro tango dancers. Fraser was especially good because he had to lead all the moves. We can't wait to show off our great moves on the dancefloor!

La Boca

Fraser visited La Boca (Andrea had quite a bad cold at this point, so missed out). La Boca is a very colourful neighbourhood with souvenirs shops, tango displays and surrounded by a rather dodgy ghetto area. It was a nice walk, but felt very touristy.


Day 16 (23rd June)
We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning in search for a place showing the Tri Nations All Blacks VS South Africa match. We went to two Irish pubs (which were closed...shock, horror!), but in the end found a friendly cafe in Recoleta, which put it on for us. To our luck, the game was delayed, so we were able to watch the full match. 

A tight match to watch, and after an initial scrappy display our boys pulled it around and won on the day!!

Fraser and Andrea in Recoleta

We are reliably informed that BsAs has a great nightlife (at least that is what the guide book said), however with Fraser no alcohol order, and Andrea's cold, our highlight on Saturday night was watching "The Punisher", a rather dodgy film, dubbed over in Spanish.



Day 17 (24th June)

Cafe Tortoni

We spent quite a lazy afternoon. We met with Chantal's cousin, Laura and her boyfriend at Cafe Tortoni in town. Cafe Tortoni is quite a grand old cafe. Makes you feel like you're in some 1920s film. Laura and her boyfriend wanted to order alcohol, however, since it's election day, alcohol cannot be served until 8pm to prevent people from voting "under influence". Laura and her boyfriend were very nice. If you're ever in town, you should hook up with them!


Day 18 (25th June)
We have decided to make our next stop Montevideo, Uruguay (just so we can get another stamp in our passport). Bye bye, BsAs. we really enjoyed our stay !!!