Que bolu!
Trip Start
Dec 29, 2007
1
6
42
Trip End
Ongoing
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Given BA is slightly larger than the metropolis of Carraig na bhFear, I should probably shed some light on my current location (see videos). BA is divided into 48 barrios (zones) & I'm in Caballito which is smack in the middle (see Map). It's a fairly quiet neighbourhood located close to downtown BA. Buses run reliably every 5-10 mins & on time for 1 peso (€0.22) which is a nice change from the joke that is #5 to Rossa Avenue. The past week has been one of lightening which cleared away that horrid humidity (see video), aloe vera, study & acclimatisation to BA which has given me plenty to ponder & chew on..
Morning view.....Where am I?
.A little thing that we have blatantly in common with argentines is the amount of swearing we indulge in in our native tongues. As you sweep through the scenic passageways of mystic Cork, taking in the unique aroma of the Lee, seeing the locals jostling and hollering 'F**k you ya gimp' it will feel like walking down the 'CALLES/AVENIDAS' (streets/avenues) of B. Aires watching bands of amigos yelling 'QUE BOLUDO/BOLUDA' (what an idiot but can be more offensive depending on tone), HIJO DE PUTA (son of a b***h), MIERDA (the 's' word) and 'NO JODAS' (F-off). Don't say I don't try to pass on valuable info.
Linked to swearing, as practised at home, is driving. As long & as wide as these roads are, they still cannot contain the catastrophy that is Argentine driving. I learned in the US that drivers from Massachusettes are termed Massholes because of their excess use of the horn (the one on the wheel) & scaling that for BA, drivers here are GIGAmassholes. The majority must have fallen out of the dummy tree & hit every branch on the way down. Why bother indicating or using mirrors when you can just drift your car over 2 or 3 lanes playing chicken with the cars next to you until they bottle it & let you in front or punch the horn & force you to surrender. On completion of the maneuver they return to 80s mode & commence Pacman eating up all those white lines, 2 wheels on either side, no point taking over just 1 lane
Barrios
. Also bonus points are earned by over taking on the inside & tailgating. It's no surprise that most cars have dents and scrapes as far as the eye can see. Argentines are more touchy feely with each other & display shows of affection in public unlike us. I think we are kind of stuck in the 'Philadelphia, Here I come' era, not that I'm canvassing for a love parade in Cork or anything. On greeting each other they give a semi hug & 1 kiss on the cheek & this holds for both guys and girls in the majority of S. America so if someone approaches you with this, you don't have to fear being called a 'PUTO' (fag & not the type you smoke ... unless maybe you are in Texas). Likewise with messages & mails, they usually sign off with 'un beso/besitos' (A kiss/little kisses) so that doesn't mean you lob the gob next time you see them.
Finally houses over here are really full of character visible in the old stonework & the decorative woodwork. What is truly remarkable is the amount of houses that have a terrace, literally a playground/greenhouse/whatever you want situated on the house itself surrounded by mini-battlements like a castle. One thing that has struck me about homes is the major fetish for plants & shrubs. I could probably count the number of properties on one hand that were not brimming with greenery. Vanesas mum is a prime example of this flock with 10s of cacti, bonsai trees & tomato trees although I'm convinced those bonsais have wacky backy in the trunk. Security as you can imagine takes a high priority within B.A. which is quite a shame as the iron bars covering all windows & large iron gates surrounding garage doors & footpaths to the front door would lead you to believe that you were at the gates of Mountjoy but unfortunately they are a necessary evil even with the large cop presence on the beat...
Comments
Awesome videos
I particularly like the lightning video, and enjoyed your cultural descriptions of PDAs. Ha!
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Manager
Kia Ora
Ola Senior
Como esta? Parlea vou englae?
With the entirety of my non english vocab gone, how's it hanging. Glad to see you're still as articulate with your writing and still know what's important to everyone (Bad language and bad driving!) How's the lobster syndrome? Extra Crispy?