Well folks, its been four days in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and I am officially bouncing. I forgot that I had only paid for three nights here at my hostel (Miltown), so when they told me they were all full tonight I bought an all-night bus ride to Mendoza. Here I come, Mendoza, at the base of the Andes... apparently famous for its wine and trekking... I am very excited!
The past few days have been nonstop. As soon as I arrived from my 13 hour trip I hopped on a walking tour of the Boca district. Brightly painted houses, art, and tango in the streets... a bit touristy (the famous Caminito street is no longer residential). However it was fun to imagine the streets at their bohemian crescendo. A port full of ships from everywhere and drinking, singing, and fighting in the cobbled streets. I was practically sleepwalking at this point and totally forgot the camera so here is just a random stock photo of Caminito off the web (http://www.worldisround.com/articles/10723/photo21.html). 
I also got to see the Bocca Junior's Stadium... one of argentina's major futbal clubs. Seeing a game there is supposed to be a hell of an experience (on the todo list when I pass back thru).
The other two days were spent getting a feel for the city... errands, a night of tango (lessons, dinner, wine, and a show). I have never seen dancing like this... very hot, with sensational moves, and incredibly fast steps and variations. I was in awe.
Mornings are spent recovering. To my fellow bar warriors... get this... the night doesn't really start here until midnight or two a.m. That's right, I said 'start'. Pregaming is at 11. So lets just say I've been sleeping in a bit. Clubs range from Drum & Bass to 80's music. But last night was the best... argentinian club and argentinian partying.
You ever want an experience... go out with people who don't speak your language to a club where you can't understand shit, and hang on for the ride. Good stuff.
In any case... the decision to take spanish classes outside of Buenos Aires was easy. There are too many people that speak English in the city, people are generally less likely to engage in conversation, and the temptation to hang with hostel kids who speak English is too great. I have no question that I could make Argentinian friends, I have had great interactions with them, but I am severly handicapped by my complete and utterly embarrassing lack of Spanish. Priority number one is to learn the language... and since I want to trek as well... Mendoza it is.
N
3 comments:
I hear Mendoza is also well known for kayaking/white water rafting in the Rio Mendoza so go slay a river for me.
-Yin
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/argentina.html
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefAuxArt.aspx?refid=631522169
Not sure how much I trust these customs, so you might want to double check once you learned more Spanish. Until then, just act like the ignorant American! Just kidding, I know you can do better than the average ignorant American.
Umm...wow. Blogs. I really feel so technologically deficient and naive. What a great idea this blog thing. Anyways, I'm so sorry that I did not get to see you before you left. Had I known that you were going to Buenos Aires I would've suggested some places to see being that I lived there ( well I guess squatted is a more accurate term but whatev) yes....the place is incredible. It is true that the party doesn't start till well...3? Needless to say my lame ass went out about twice and was the first one up in the club as well as the first one to leave. Imagine my surprise when my Argentine pal invited us to a club where they have "drum and bass"...I thought that we were headed to a low key jazz club. It was pretty wild though. I think we got something robbed from us atleast once a week. How beautiful are the people down there? I mean really it doesn't seem fair. They know it though..do you recall the joke about lightning and god taking pictures? Don't feel bad about not understanding the Spanish..its a little sing songy spanish with an Italian accent...I didn't understand anything. My best advice. Drink wine. After a few glasses you'll be fluent, or you won't care that you are completely butchering their language. Eat a millanesa and lots of empanadas..they're money. Mate is gross... Unfortunately, I never got to make it to Mendoza or Cordoba...I hear Iguazu Falls are pretty incredible but you are headed in the opposite direction. Good luck and make haste Natey boy. You're like the little gringo that could.
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