Don’t Cry for Me……
We arrived in Buenos Aries, Argentina, a week ahead of Big Bertha and stayed in a hotel in the centre so that we could explore this renowned city. Initial impressions are that it feels a lot like Paris – European architecture, cafés on every corner and pavements covered in dog s**t.
The monetary system takes some getting used to: there is the official exchange rate and the so called ‘blue’ exchange rate, an officially tolerated market rate. The difference in rates is substantial. A coffee at the official rate would cost £2 and at the blue rate £1. Spending on foreign credit cards yields a near blue rate – so this is very good for tourists like us. The best way to get cash is to send Argentinian pesos to oneself using Western Union. We transferred £400 to ourselves, queued for an hour to collect it, received 255,000 pesos and needed a rucksack to carry away the mountain of notes we were given. I wish we had taken a picture, but we felt a bit self-conscious.
Eating out is not a problem in BA. So many restaurants, but all offering the same fare: steaks, pizzas, empanadas (like a small pasty). After a while we were craving some vegetables. We did find a Sushi restaurant, which was a godsend. We couldn’t wait to get to BB and start preparing our own meals.
The weather was unseasonably kind to us – given it’s winter here. Blue skies and warm sun for most of our week. We took advantage and explored the city, visiting Florida Street, San Telmo’s Sunday Market, Plaza Dorrego (with tango in the square), Recoleta Cementary (to see Eva Peron’s grave), the outlying area of Tigre (where we took a boat trip), the coloured buildings of El Caminito, the water and sanitation museum (far more interesting than it sounds!) and the old harbour at Puerto Madero. And of course, we danced with the BA Scottish Country Dance group!
If you like cities, BA is definitely worth a visit!
Absolutely wonderful to hear from you after your recent touching down in the New World down south quite loaded with cash galore!!! Wishing both of you and BB thrilling adventures in the Argentinas. Awaiting sharing in those thrills!!! Good luck always.
Always lovely to read your stuff guys. Not quite Africa is it? What a difference you must be seeing.
I bet you cant wait to see your lovely home again. Have a great time and see you on the other side.
Cornish Pasties everywhere! – what more could you ask for?
Good to see you are back in business.
Lovely to hear from both of you. Very interested to hear about your new SA experience
Carole
What an amazing experience. How intrepid of you to explore South America. We look forward to hearing more. So different to Africa.
Have a safe trip.
Glad to hear you are starting your South American adventure, such an amazing experience.
BA looks so European, can’t wait for the next instalment.
Take care.
I am looking forward to your adventures in South America.
The summary about BA was excellent. Many good memories came up and I can see that BA hasn’t changed much in 20 years.
Discover many beautiful places and have a safe trip! Un fuerte abrazo para los dos!
Great pics again as usual.Will get Mum over to see on big screen soon.
Have a fab time and looking forward to following your adventures.xx
Hi there just catching up on correspondence since I am travelling. Was amused at your comments on BA. I spent a week there mainly to learn Tango and loved it, still learning the Tango!!! It is a fabulously exciting city and I am looking forward to reading more of your experiences. Just arrived in Istanbul last night after 23 years so brushing up Turkish furiously. Managed the formalities at breakfast this morning and listening into everybody’s conversation sounds like double Dutch😂🤣😂🤣. Sorry to have missed you in France☺️☺️
So glad to hear you were Scottish Country Dancing in BA. Anther exciting experience. Good Luck, Betty.