Monday - we took a not-so-leisurely 45 minute walk to "The Centre", BA's downtown district, but felt more like we were in Times Square - choking traffic, diesel fumes, hordes of pedestrians, graffiti, litter-strewn sidewalks. I couldn't wait to leave, but not before we walked through the Plaza de Mayo (main square) and the Cathedral Metropolitana (not shown) and took pictures of the Casa Rosada (Pink House), where Eva Peron (and Madonna, in the film version of "Evita") addressed the masses.
Tuesdsay - back on more familiar turf; i.e. our neighborhood, we headed over to El Ateneo, a fabulously renovated theater that now contains a cafe and the largest book store in South America. As we were snapping photos, a lovely older gentleman approached and engaged us in a lengthy conversation (by now, in that familiar blend of Spanish and English) about the history of the building, US politics (Bush, Obama, and Hillary), the tango, and his life. And, not 15 minutes away from our apartment, we found an artists' supply store, which may come in handy, as I've started doing some sketching.
Impressions:
Everyone we've met is helpful, friendly, warm, good-humored, eager to chat.
Several times, as we looked at our map, people offered to help.
We've felt absolutely no anti-American sentiments, though we've heard and read that the Argentines do not approve of either our politics or our President.
We feel safe wandering around the city during the day. Now that we are getting the hang of it we will start to venture out beyound our local neighborhood after dark.
The dollar goes a long way here as compared to Europe.
Staying in a rental apartment has been great. We highly recommend it to anyone coming to BA.
6 comments:
Thanks for the blog. I am glad lyou are enjoying yourselves and eating and drinking well. Keep all the good reastaurant names. It is a shame that we will be missing you in BA by two weeks. Do not complain about the heat David. You wanted warmth.
Debbie and Mike
Sounds like a wonderful adventure so far. We missed you at "First Tuesday" last night.`
-Laura P
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the comments...It's Barbara's complaints about the heat. I'm loving it!
Barbara - I blew up the pictures, and yes, the stress lines are gone and you look much younger and definitely happier. I knew you'd find stimulation in life beyond comp at MIT. What your doing sounds and looks so much more interesting.
annette
Hi Dave & Barbara:
Who needs to go to BA since I feel like I am practically living there through your detailed blog. I can almost taste the Malbec and and cafe con leche. Great pictures.
Enjoy it all and keep the food and drink commentary coming...
(the other) Barbara
p.s. Nikolai is wondering if kids watch Star Wars in Argentina.
Hi Barbara and Nikolai,
We'll have to check, so far we've seen lots of Hello Kitty stuff for girls, and lots of animation on TV, but we will have to look around for Star Wars stuff. Will keep you posted.
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