last night at the party i attended the american host served warmed tocos shells, meat, chicken, refried beans, rice and guacamole. it was so cute to watch the argentine guests prepare their tacos. they don't eat tacos here, so they didn't know what to do or how to hold and eat them. one put the rice and beans in his toco shell instead of on the side.
another asked why I brought a lime with the the Corona i brought to the party.
then today i met a friend for lunch. we ordered tacos at a restaurant (which is very very rare to see on a menu here). when the 'taco's' arrived i looked at my friend and said, these aren't tocos these are fajitas (soft shell with cooked peppers inside). we also ordered 'nachos' to share. 'nachos' were tortilla chips that came with 3 little bowls with dipping sauce. one of the sauces was called '3 cheese' the other was 'hot sauce' that the waiter said was very spicy but i thought it had no spice to it AT ALL and the third sauce was mustard. yes, mustard was served with the nachos.
Showing posts with label food in bs.as.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food in bs.as.. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
movie night
Friday night a friend and I watched a movie at my apartment. We went out and rented an Argentine film, 6 pesos ($1.73) and bought a liter of beer 4.85 pesos ($1.40).
When we came back to the apartment we had hopes of ordering from our f
avorite Mediterranean place that we discovered together. When we called, we sadly found out that they were all out of the chicken and rice that we wanted. So, we started sifting through the menus that are at my apartment. I found myself getting so angry at the lack of diversity of food. Pasta, pizza and empanadas, nada mas (nothing more), oh, Chinese too. We ended up going with Japanese which I thought was pricey and I ended up not being enthusiastic about. Stir-fry with shrimp was 25 pesos ($7) and just ok tasting.
We watched the Argentine film "La suerte esta Echada" in Spanish with Spanish subtitles. It was really good. I was able follow too. I didn't understand everything...well not even close, but I was able to pick up enough Spanish to enjoy the film.
When we came back to the apartment we had hopes of ordering from our f
avorite Mediterranean place that we discovered together. When we called, we sadly found out that they were all out of the chicken and rice that we wanted. So, we started sifting through the menus that are at my apartment. I found myself getting so angry at the lack of diversity of food. Pasta, pizza and empanadas, nada mas (nothing more), oh, Chinese too. We ended up going with Japanese which I thought was pricey and I ended up not being enthusiastic about. Stir-fry with shrimp was 25 pesos ($7) and just ok tasting.We watched the Argentine film "La suerte esta Echada" in Spanish with Spanish subtitles. It was really good. I was able follow too. I didn't understand everything...well not even close, but I was able to pick up enough Spanish to enjoy the film.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
delivery please
I've heard rumors that you can get cigarettes delivered in Bs.As.
There is ice cream delivery; they bring it with a moped that has a cooler on the back. You can get your groceries delivered; you just go to the store, shop, pay and then give them your address. Of course you can get food delivered.
(photo below: supermarket delivery. they'll walk / roll your groceries to your house if you're close to the store. otherwise they drive it)
When you call for food delivery you have to specify what you're paying with (i.e. a 20 peso note, a 50 peso note) because they will only bring the exact change they need to give you.
Coffee-to -go is something a little different here. Yup, you got it, You can get a cup of coffee delivered! Waiters will deliver it to you. Imagine yourself walking down a busy city sidewalk and in front of you is a waiter, with his apron and his circular tray. On the tray are two cups of coffee in styrofoam containers and a bag with a pastry. The waiters walk your coffee to you, where ever you are (presumable close of course). I have to tell you, I think they have us beat!
I've only had food delivered. It was one night when a friend was over. I personally prefer walking and I'm also scared to use my spanish on the phone. Right now spanish in person is still scary.
I'm told that everything is deliverable because of the older people who live in the city.
I don't smoke, but I'm really curious about cigarette delivery.
Update: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I was at a cafe this morning studying. The cafe is near my lavenderia (they wash, dry and fold your clothes). I saw a guy from there (a worker) carrying dirty wash to the lavenderia. No Way! I can get my washed clothes delivered too?!?!
I also forgot to write about movie rentals. You can have a DVD delivered and if you don't feel like walking it back they'll come and pick it up for you too.
(photo below: delivery bicycles)
There is ice cream delivery; they bring it with a moped that has a cooler on the back. You can get your groceries delivered; you just go to the store, shop, pay and then give them your address. Of course you can get food delivered.
(photo below: supermarket delivery. they'll walk / roll your groceries to your house if you're close to the store. otherwise they drive it)
When you call for food delivery you have to specify what you're paying with (i.e. a 20 peso note, a 50 peso note) because they will only bring the exact change they need to give you.
Coffee-to -go is something a little different here. Yup, you got it, You can get a cup of coffee delivered! Waiters will deliver it to you. Imagine yourself walking down a busy city sidewalk and in front of you is a waiter, with his apron and his circular tray. On the tray are two cups of coffee in styrofoam containers and a bag with a pastry. The waiters walk your coffee to you, where ever you are (presumable close of course). I have to tell you, I think they have us beat!
I've only had food delivered. It was one night when a friend was over. I personally prefer walking and I'm also scared to use my spanish on the phone. Right now spanish in person is still scary.
I'm told that everything is deliverable because of the older people who live in the city.
I don't smoke, but I'm really curious about cigarette delivery.
Update: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I was at a cafe this morning studying. The cafe is near my lavenderia (they wash, dry and fold your clothes). I saw a guy from there (a worker) carrying dirty wash to the lavenderia. No Way! I can get my washed clothes delivered too?!?!
I also forgot to write about movie rentals. You can have a DVD delivered and if you don't feel like walking it back they'll come and pick it up for you too.
(photo below: delivery bicycles)
Friday, January 9, 2009
eating on the go
The other day I finally made it to the grocery store. I let myself buy the ($3) bread instead of my normal ($1) loaf of bread. Big spender right?? I also bought a brownie (a deep craving for chocolate). On my way home from the supermarket, which is only 3 blocks, I wanted to eat the brownie so bad. The thing is, nobody eats 'on the go'. I don't see people eating on the street, in the car, on the subway. Even drinking coffee. I have yet to see the morning rush crowd holding their morning cup of joe.I try to blend-in and not stick out, but the craving took over me. I ate my brownie while walking! Rebel... I know I know. It was so good that I didn't see people staring.
When it comes to eating and / or drinking coffee, Argentines make the time for it. They make the time to sit and enjoy their food. They actually make a lot of time for it. Its really nice.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
yellow vanilla
I've noticed on several occasions that vanilla is a yellow color in Bs.As. instead of white; not a tinge of yellow, but very yellow. The first time I was served yellow vanilla ice cream I hesitated. "Is this vanilla?".Just tonight I bought some vanilla yogurt at the grocery store. When I pealed back the top of the yogurt and saw it was yellow I immediately thought "how strange". Why do I so badly want it to be white? I guess it's like eating chocolate that is green. I should get use to it soon.
I didn't realize how much I like white vanilla ice cream and yogurt.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
the best gay breakfast
Saturday January 3, 2009
This morning I met up with a friend for a BA breakfast (coffee & 3 medialunas). Afterward, we walked to Plaza Serrano to look in some stores. The first time I went there, I didn't go into any of the shops, this time we went into most of them. I behaved, I didn't buy anything... ohh, shoot I lie. I bought a simple white top because the one I own has a stain on it. (my justification to myself). White shirt 35 pesos ($10)
* Exchange rate changed again. It's now at 3.45 Argentine pesos for 1 U.S. dollar
During our walk I was inspired to take photos of the house numbers on the sides of the buildings. They're very 'typical Buenos Aires'. (*see post below, on January 3rd)
Here are some more from the Plaza Serrano neighborhood...
(photo below: "Vuelve" means "He returns")
In the evening, another friend asked me if I wanted to get a drink at a converted mansion in Recoleta. We met up at 10 and headed over, via colectivo (bus). It was a bit pricier than I anticipated. A cosmopolitan martini was 25 pesos ($7) and we shared a 35 peso tapas ($10). Yes, it is inexpensive for U.S. standards and if I were working I would not worry, but I should be worrying, since there is no peso income at the moment.
(photo below: We sat outside, in the private garden. This is the mansion from the back. It was very beautiful and quite)
More friends arrived, then more drinks arrived (none for me), then a drunk Scotish guy interrupted our conversation, no one understood him, more drinks arrived and then 3:30am arrived. I said I wanted to take the colectivo home, but others said it wasn't safe and they didn't want me to take it by myself, so I stayed on board until 4:30am arrived. How did I do it? I have no idea!
Are you asking yourself, "what time do the bars in Bs.As. close"? I don't know. I haven't stayed out late enough yet. I'll be sure to post when I see the bartenders flipping the lights on and off and yelling out "last call".
Sunday January 4, 2009
Remarkably I woke up at 11am, showered and met a friend at 1:15pm. We took the subte (subway) to the street market (which is every Sunday) in San Telmo. Today was very hot (88 degrees). I had a cafe to go to in mind, because we both didn't eat breakfast, but the cafe was closed for vacation. We walked around and she spotted red table umbrellas and... ah-ha...there was a cafe, a cute one too. The male waiters were cute, but I wondered why they wore little sailor hats. Once the waiter gave us the menu the name of the cafe, "Pride cafe", tipped me off that it was a gay cafe. The breakfast was amazing! My favorite so far. The coffee was good, the display was beautiful, the fruit was fresh and the waiters were cute. coffee - 7 pesos, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal 10 pesos, water 5 pesos, one medialuna (it's a must!) 2 pesos. Total - 24 pesos ($7)
(photo below: my breakfast this morning. sorry, no pictures of the cute waiters. p.s. that is not a shot glass, well maybe it is but it's just a small...ok it's a shot glass, but just of sparkeling water. This is commonly given when you order coffee. I'm told you are to drink it before your coffee to cleanse your palet)
Walking around the market was fun. I didn't buy anything else. I did look for a present, but didn't find what I was looking for. My friend bought some art for her bedroom. Oh wait, I did buy helado. 5 pesos for a small coconut and vanilla ice cream. ummmmm
(photo below: taken in my neighborhood)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A bag of milk
Now that I've been in Bs.As. for 6 weeks, things are starting to become more and more normal, so I'm trying to remember now, before I slip into a Buenos Aires state of mind, what is different.
How you buy Milk.
warm milk.
Yes, unrefrigerated milk exists here, so do unrefrigerated eggs (seriously and it's quite common too). I was very confused when I first saw unrefrigerated milk. "Is it powdered milk?" "No, there is liquid in there". Apparently, if you pasteurize and sterilize milk, it can sit on the shelf for quite some time.
A friend and I discussed this. We both found it so strange. She said it's like saying "you don't need to keep ice cream in the freezer. It just goes against what you believe is necessary".
(photo below: this milk is on a regular grocery store shelf, no where near refrigeration)
milk in a bag.
I can just imagine some Argentine house wife calling her husband and saying "hunny, on your way home, can you pick up a BAG of milk". Milk comes in a bag. If you buy it this way, you'll need a plastic milk holder that looks like a small pitcher; that is if you plan on keeping it in the fridge (which I believe once it's open you have to keep it in the fridge). "But how do you close the bag?". I don't have the answer to this one.
How you buy Milk.
warm milk.
Yes, unrefrigerated milk exists here, so do unrefrigerated eggs (seriously and it's quite common too). I was very confused when I first saw unrefrigerated milk. "Is it powdered milk?" "No, there is liquid in there". Apparently, if you pasteurize and sterilize milk, it can sit on the shelf for quite some time.
A friend and I discussed this. We both found it so strange. She said it's like saying "you don't need to keep ice cream in the freezer. It just goes against what you believe is necessary".
(photo below: this milk is on a regular grocery store shelf, no where near refrigeration)
milk in a bag.
I can just imagine some Argentine house wife calling her husband and saying "hunny, on your way home, can you pick up a BAG of milk". Milk comes in a bag. If you buy it this way, you'll need a plastic milk holder that looks like a small pitcher; that is if you plan on keeping it in the fridge (which I believe once it's open you have to keep it in the fridge). "But how do you close the bag?". I don't have the answer to this one.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years
Today was a chilly day for Buenos Aires, 72 degrees. i heard stories about how the heat was so oppressive for last New Years Eve.
My friend was able to find 2 restaurants open within walking distance. Again, Buenos Aires shuts down. Everyone eats dinner and celebrates until midnight with their families. Nothing stays open, but everything does re-open at 1am.
For our 2 restaurant choices, we had to pay ahead and both were all you can eat / drink. So, it was either an Indian restaurant or TGI Fridays. Indian restaurant is was!
At 1:30 in the afternoon we met up and walked over to pay for our table reservation. When we got there, the woman / host said she was sorry; they were all full. I looked at the man sitting behind the bar doing paper work and gave a nice smile hoping he would help us out. We pleaded with the woman, but she only said she'd take our name if someone canceled.
How disappointing! So we walked outside the restaurant and stood there for a couple of min trying to figure out what we wanted to do. Luckily, the guy I smiled at came out of the restaurant and asked us to come back in. He said he'd set up another table for us, but in the foyer; not the best location, but we could eat. We jumped at his offer!
When we went to dinner around 9, there was a cancellation, so we were able to sit among the other party goers. yeah!
The restaurant was beautiful and the food was amazing. I ate chicken that I loved loved loved! (I really haven't liked how the chicken is cooked in B.A., too dry, but it was so good here).
At midnight everyone in the small restaurant stood up and toasted to the new year. There was a balloon hanging from the ceiling. The owner held up a small child to pop it with a fork. Confetti and candy went everywhere.
We left around 1am and walked to a square where there were many bars. Along the way children were out on the sidewalks with firecrackers. We headed home at 4am. (early for here)
2009 is going to be a good year! I made sure of it by wearing pink underwear. (an Argentine tradition to bring good luck in the new year)
Happy New Year everyone!
My friend was able to find 2 restaurants open within walking distance. Again, Buenos Aires shuts down. Everyone eats dinner and celebrates until midnight with their families. Nothing stays open, but everything does re-open at 1am.
For our 2 restaurant choices, we had to pay ahead and both were all you can eat / drink. So, it was either an Indian restaurant or TGI Fridays. Indian restaurant is was!
At 1:30 in the afternoon we met up and walked over to pay for our table reservation. When we got there, the woman / host said she was sorry; they were all full. I looked at the man sitting behind the bar doing paper work and gave a nice smile hoping he would help us out. We pleaded with the woman, but she only said she'd take our name if someone canceled.
How disappointing! So we walked outside the restaurant and stood there for a couple of min trying to figure out what we wanted to do. Luckily, the guy I smiled at came out of the restaurant and asked us to come back in. He said he'd set up another table for us, but in the foyer; not the best location, but we could eat. We jumped at his offer!When we went to dinner around 9, there was a cancellation, so we were able to sit among the other party goers. yeah!
The restaurant was beautiful and the food was amazing. I ate chicken that I loved loved loved! (I really haven't liked how the chicken is cooked in B.A., too dry, but it was so good here).
At midnight everyone in the small restaurant stood up and toasted to the new year. There was a balloon hanging from the ceiling. The owner held up a small child to pop it with a fork. Confetti and candy went everywhere.
We left around 1am and walked to a square where there were many bars. Along the way children were out on the sidewalks with firecrackers. We headed home at 4am. (early for here)
2009 is going to be a good year! I made sure of it by wearing pink underwear. (an Argentine tradition to bring good luck in the new year)
Happy New Year everyone!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
a buenos aires feeling
Last night took on the theme 'That's so Buenos Aires'.
A friend met me at my apartment around 9:30 to go into 'Micro Centro' (business district) to see a free concert. Once we arrived in the city, via subte, we walked just one block to the concert. The city closed a major street to set up a stage for an orchestra that played tango music. On our one block walk, a bus approached us and slowed down so that the driver could blow us a kiss. (That's so Buenos Aires) (I still find these gestures endearing)
The music was beautiful and there was a decent size crowd. It was a warm evening. Older ladies were fanning themselves with their oriental fans and there was a couple that began tango dancing in the middle of the crowd. It really had a 'Buenos Aires' feel to it.
(photo below: taken on Avenida de Mayo)
(photo below: man selling fresh bread on his bike)
After the show we walked to get something for dinner (around 10:30, which is typical dinner time here). We chose a restaurant in front of the Obelisco (pronounced: Obo - lee - sco). The Obelisco is a major landmark in B.A. We ordered a bottle of white wine. We chose the one we wanted off the menu but the waiter brought us the most expensive bottle (36 pesos / $10.50) and said they were all out of the other kinds of white wine; which was very Buenos Aires of him to do to us 'tourist' looking girls.
I ordered a Waldorf salad for 22 pesos / $6.50. When it arrived, it was obvious to me that I didn't learn my lesson when ordering salads in B.A. Again, my salad did not have lettuce on it. It was just a bowl of celery, apples, nuts and a cream sauce. "Ok, lesson learned now... don't expect lettuce with your salad unless it's written within the description."
(photo below: the view from our table. (the obelisco))
We spent around 3 hours having dinner, enjoying the warm evening weather, the beautiful view and chatting. (3 hour dinners are also typical in B.A.) When it came time to leave (around 2:00am) we both pulled out our Guia "T"; which is the bus bible of B.A.
My friend found both the buses that we needed to take and the location of their stops. The Guia "T" takes some practice to be able to read it. I haven't mastered it yet.
She was very kind and walked me to my bus first and she waited with me. We waited for the 110 but she saw that just 50 feet away was the stop for the 152. She saw the 152 coming and she said "oh you can take that bus also". The driver passed the 152 stop, but I just ran towards him and put my hand up. He waved me on, so I quickly ran back to my friend to give her an Argentine typical cheek kiss good-bye an then ran back to the bus which was now in motion. Like an Argentine, I jumped on the bus while it was moving. What a rush.
When I arrived back to my barrio (around 2:30), there were still quite a few people on the street. There was a group of girls singing and carrying an open bottle of wine (my American eyes again...that's a no-no...oh wait, we're in Argentina)
Unlike an Argentine on the weekend, I went to bed at 3am. 6-7am is typical bedtime for the weekends.
It was a very wonderful Buenos Aires evening.
A friend met me at my apartment around 9:30 to go into 'Micro Centro' (business district) to see a free concert. Once we arrived in the city, via subte, we walked just one block to the concert. The city closed a major street to set up a stage for an orchestra that played tango music. On our one block walk, a bus approached us and slowed down so that the driver could blow us a kiss. (That's so Buenos Aires) (I still find these gestures endearing)
The music was beautiful and there was a decent size crowd. It was a warm evening. Older ladies were fanning themselves with their oriental fans and there was a couple that began tango dancing in the middle of the crowd. It really had a 'Buenos Aires' feel to it.
(photo below: taken on Avenida de Mayo)
(photo below: man selling fresh bread on his bike)
After the show we walked to get something for dinner (around 10:30, which is typical dinner time here). We chose a restaurant in front of the Obelisco (pronounced: Obo - lee - sco). The Obelisco is a major landmark in B.A. We ordered a bottle of white wine. We chose the one we wanted off the menu but the waiter brought us the most expensive bottle (36 pesos / $10.50) and said they were all out of the other kinds of white wine; which was very Buenos Aires of him to do to us 'tourist' looking girls.
I ordered a Waldorf salad for 22 pesos / $6.50. When it arrived, it was obvious to me that I didn't learn my lesson when ordering salads in B.A. Again, my salad did not have lettuce on it. It was just a bowl of celery, apples, nuts and a cream sauce. "Ok, lesson learned now... don't expect lettuce with your salad unless it's written within the description."
(photo below: the view from our table. (the obelisco))
We spent around 3 hours having dinner, enjoying the warm evening weather, the beautiful view and chatting. (3 hour dinners are also typical in B.A.) When it came time to leave (around 2:00am) we both pulled out our Guia "T"; which is the bus bible of B.A.
My friend found both the buses that we needed to take and the location of their stops. The Guia "T" takes some practice to be able to read it. I haven't mastered it yet.
She was very kind and walked me to my bus first and she waited with me. We waited for the 110 but she saw that just 50 feet away was the stop for the 152. She saw the 152 coming and she said "oh you can take that bus also". The driver passed the 152 stop, but I just ran towards him and put my hand up. He waved me on, so I quickly ran back to my friend to give her an Argentine typical cheek kiss good-bye an then ran back to the bus which was now in motion. Like an Argentine, I jumped on the bus while it was moving. What a rush.
When I arrived back to my barrio (around 2:30), there were still quite a few people on the street. There was a group of girls singing and carrying an open bottle of wine (my American eyes again...that's a no-no...oh wait, we're in Argentina)
Unlike an Argentine on the weekend, I went to bed at 3am. 6-7am is typical bedtime for the weekends.
It was a very wonderful Buenos Aires evening.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmikkah
Christmas is quiet in B.A.; eerily quiet. There aren't a lot of Christmas decorations adoring the city, but Argentines take Christmas very seriously closing down everything so that everyone can be with their families.
At 2pm I walked to the park to meet a friend for a picnic. She brought a blanket to sit on, some fruit and some peanut-butter, which you can't get here. I brought two types of cheese, crackers, olives and water for us. It was a beautiful sunny day (82 degrees). There were people in the park. A group of boys played soccer next to us and an older couple sat on a bench near by.
Then this scary 'homeless' looking 20 something came over to our blanket. He wasn't wearing shoes or a shirt and he was very stinky. So he came over to our blanket and sat down and just started eating our food, which included the expensive peanut butter and drinking our water. I was pretty scared, I didn't know if he was going to mug us (which is kinda common), but after 5-10 min. we just got up and left and it was fine.
In the evening I went to dinner at a friend's apartment. Her roommates parents just arrived from the U.S., so they were cooking a traditional Jewish meal. They also invited one of their Argentine friends. It was a really nice dinner and I ate A LOT.
When I was leaving their apartment, which is only 6 blocks away, we conversed which was the safest way home for me. Since there aren't many people on the street because of Christmas, we decided walking home wasn't a good idea. Their Argentine friend (guy) walked me to the bus stop and then asked how far from my apartment I was. Since we were so close he offered to walk me home, which was very kind. He also pushed me to speak Spanish, which I also appreciated.
I had a very nice Christmikkah in Buenos Aires.
At 2pm I walked to the park to meet a friend for a picnic. She brought a blanket to sit on, some fruit and some peanut-butter, which you can't get here. I brought two types of cheese, crackers, olives and water for us. It was a beautiful sunny day (82 degrees). There were people in the park. A group of boys played soccer next to us and an older couple sat on a bench near by.
Then this scary 'homeless' looking 20 something came over to our blanket. He wasn't wearing shoes or a shirt and he was very stinky. So he came over to our blanket and sat down and just started eating our food, which included the expensive peanut butter and drinking our water. I was pretty scared, I didn't know if he was going to mug us (which is kinda common), but after 5-10 min. we just got up and left and it was fine.
In the evening I went to dinner at a friend's apartment. Her roommates parents just arrived from the U.S., so they were cooking a traditional Jewish meal. They also invited one of their Argentine friends. It was a really nice dinner and I ate A LOT.
When I was leaving their apartment, which is only 6 blocks away, we conversed which was the safest way home for me. Since there aren't many people on the street because of Christmas, we decided walking home wasn't a good idea. Their Argentine friend (guy) walked me to the bus stop and then asked how far from my apartment I was. Since we were so close he offered to walk me home, which was very kind. He also pushed me to speak Spanish, which I also appreciated.
I had a very nice Christmikkah in Buenos Aires.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
mate and medialunas
(wednesday december 24, 2008)
mate (pronounced - ma-tay) is a traditional Argentine drink, somewhat like coffee and tea is traditional in the states.
today i drank my first mate in the park with an Argentine friend. she brought the mate, the wooden mate cup, the metal straw, the yerba and the hot water. I brought the medialunas (I've talked enough about the medialunas, everyone by now should know they're croissants, right?)
if you've never seen mate before, it looks like a drug with it's metal straw and wooden or natural gourd cup. The mate itself looks like dried grass and it gets passed between friends.
(photo below: the yerba in the plastic container and the wooden mate cup)
(photo below: fill half way with hot water)
(photo below: insert metal straw and full the rest of the way)
i only took small sips; it has a strong taste. i can't really compare it to anything. tobacco was my first thought. it takes getting use to.
after mate and medialunas in the park i braved the grocery store (christmas eve). there weren't as many people there as i thought there would be
(photo below: my american eyes still see things that 'wouldn't be right' i the U.S.)
on my way home, carrying two heavy bags i passed a familiar face...."who is that, who is that, how do i know him........shit, it's that guy from the park who wanted me to be his english teacher...crap" so I looked back and he was gone....then to my right i see him crossing the street coming towards me! (So, to back up and recap, he walked towards me, then past me, crossed the street, turned around and then re-crossed the street. creepy no?) then he started talking to me in Spanish about me teaching him English, i stopped walking, said no, i wasn't interested and then said good-bye. he re-crossed the street and walked away. i wanted to watch where he was going but the fruit stand guy asked me what I wanted. I bought some strawberries.
Since I was only 1/2 block away from my apartment and I didn't know where the guy went, I circled the block with my two heavy bags. I'm still not sure if he followed me.
In the evening I had two friends over to cook some Mexican food. We had chicken tacos, yellow rice, beans and guacamole! Arriba! Around midnight we went up to the roof to watch the fireworks that Argeninians set off. It was a warm evening. Each of us wore a summer dress and flip flops.
mate (pronounced - ma-tay) is a traditional Argentine drink, somewhat like coffee and tea is traditional in the states.
today i drank my first mate in the park with an Argentine friend. she brought the mate, the wooden mate cup, the metal straw, the yerba and the hot water. I brought the medialunas (I've talked enough about the medialunas, everyone by now should know they're croissants, right?)
if you've never seen mate before, it looks like a drug with it's metal straw and wooden or natural gourd cup. The mate itself looks like dried grass and it gets passed between friends.
(photo below: the yerba in the plastic container and the wooden mate cup)
(photo below: fill half way with hot water)
(photo below: insert metal straw and full the rest of the way)
i only took small sips; it has a strong taste. i can't really compare it to anything. tobacco was my first thought. it takes getting use to.
after mate and medialunas in the park i braved the grocery store (christmas eve). there weren't as many people there as i thought there would be
(photo below: my american eyes still see things that 'wouldn't be right' i the U.S.)
on my way home, carrying two heavy bags i passed a familiar face...."who is that, who is that, how do i know him........shit, it's that guy from the park who wanted me to be his english teacher...crap" so I looked back and he was gone....then to my right i see him crossing the street coming towards me! (So, to back up and recap, he walked towards me, then past me, crossed the street, turned around and then re-crossed the street. creepy no?) then he started talking to me in Spanish about me teaching him English, i stopped walking, said no, i wasn't interested and then said good-bye. he re-crossed the street and walked away. i wanted to watch where he was going but the fruit stand guy asked me what I wanted. I bought some strawberries.
Since I was only 1/2 block away from my apartment and I didn't know where the guy went, I circled the block with my two heavy bags. I'm still not sure if he followed me.
In the evening I had two friends over to cook some Mexican food. We had chicken tacos, yellow rice, beans and guacamole! Arriba! Around midnight we went up to the roof to watch the fireworks that Argeninians set off. It was a warm evening. Each of us wore a summer dress and flip flops.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
not far from home
This blog post was inspired by my friend Janet who is in South Korea teaching English. I loved seeing, in her blog, which American stores are in South Korea, so I 'borrowed' the idea for this post.
(photo below: do you think my Blockbuster card would work here?...darn it! I forgot to bring it.)
(photo below: there are, so far, only two in Buenos Aires. I'm predicting by next year there will be one on each corner)
(photo below: I just had to go in and see if it was like the Starbucks at home. Dork dork, I know. BUT I didn't buy anything, just browsing. If you squint your eyes, you can see they have 'Argentina' and 'Buenos Aires' Starbucks mugs on the top shelf!!!)
(photo below: too bad the security guard who normally works the door wasn't working on Sunday morning, that would have been a good photo. I'm serious, there is usually a security guard working at the front door)
(photo below: two days ago I just had to go in and peek at their menu. Was it the 'real' thing?? Oh yes baby, you got your Jack Daniel's seasoned steaks, your buffalo wings served with celery, your Cobb salad. yup, it's the real thing)
(photo below: The sign reads: "Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Dinner"
Staples just opened up in Micro Center (business district) and of course there are plenty of McDonalds here.
You know, I bet you if I dug deep enough CVS has to own 'Farmacity'. The two stores are eerily similar.
(photo below: do you think my Blockbuster card would work here?...darn it! I forgot to bring it.)
(photo below: there are, so far, only two in Buenos Aires. I'm predicting by next year there will be one on each corner)
(photo below: I just had to go in and see if it was like the Starbucks at home. Dork dork, I know. BUT I didn't buy anything, just browsing. If you squint your eyes, you can see they have 'Argentina' and 'Buenos Aires' Starbucks mugs on the top shelf!!!)
(photo below: too bad the security guard who normally works the door wasn't working on Sunday morning, that would have been a good photo. I'm serious, there is usually a security guard working at the front door)
(photo below: two days ago I just had to go in and peek at their menu. Was it the 'real' thing?? Oh yes baby, you got your Jack Daniel's seasoned steaks, your buffalo wings served with celery, your Cobb salad. yup, it's the real thing)
(photo below: The sign reads: "Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Dinner"
Staples just opened up in Micro Center (business district) and of course there are plenty of McDonalds here.
You know, I bet you if I dug deep enough CVS has to own 'Farmacity'. The two stores are eerily similar.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
250 grams of helado please
this morning i defrosted the freezer. does anyone do this anymore??
i needed clear instructions for the process. during the 2 hours that it took, the fridge needed to be off and the freezer door left open. I needed to empty the tray of water underneath the fridge and I also empty a tray between the fridge and freezer where the defrosted ice fell. I emptied the trays two times. I'll need to do this every two weeks.
Next time a guy bothers me in the park, I'm going to say "I'm sorry, I have to go, I'm defrosting my fridge".
At 3pm I met with a person from conversation exchange. I really wasn't looking forward to it, I thought it would be the same as my last convo.exchage but it went much better (not that the last meet was bad). Anyway, this guy was very kind, spoke slowly with me, explained words I didn't know and I didn't feel like he was hitting on me. We spoke a lot of English but he kept pushing me to speak Spanish (which I need and liked). When I spoke Spanish he was very patient and corrected simple mistakes that I made, which was helpful. We met for a cup of coffee in the local mall (it's a busy area). I felt like i learned a lot and I was able to comfortably practice.
At 7pm I met another conversation exchange person. This time a woman. She's the same age as me and lives just 3 blocks away! We spoke majority English, but I really like her. We went to a cafe and shared a liter of beer (2 pints). Maybe once I have more Spanish lessons I can add more to the conversation in Spanish. We'll meet again. Even though we spoke a lot of English I feel like I learned a lot about the Argentine culture. Hopefully she'll be my first Argentine friend? (lol, I sound pathetic)
Both convo.exchange people bought my drink for me, which was very kind; I wasn't expecting it. So I didn't spend any money today....
BUT....damn it, that ice cream again! It's 11 o'clock at night and I think I'm going to sneak out for another 250 grams of my Argentine addiction.
Tonight I have to remember to sleep with the fan on. I think it keeps the mosquitoes from biting at night. Last night I didn't put it on and I'm paying dearly.
p.s. The ice cream was so good!!! 250 grams of heaven costs 10 pesos ($3). It was not only an ice cream run but a spanish practice session too! Tonight was the first time I pronounced vanilla correct. (via - knee- sha)
i needed clear instructions for the process. during the 2 hours that it took, the fridge needed to be off and the freezer door left open. I needed to empty the tray of water underneath the fridge and I also empty a tray between the fridge and freezer where the defrosted ice fell. I emptied the trays two times. I'll need to do this every two weeks.
Next time a guy bothers me in the park, I'm going to say "I'm sorry, I have to go, I'm defrosting my fridge".
At 3pm I met with a person from conversation exchange. I really wasn't looking forward to it, I thought it would be the same as my last convo.exchage but it went much better (not that the last meet was bad). Anyway, this guy was very kind, spoke slowly with me, explained words I didn't know and I didn't feel like he was hitting on me. We spoke a lot of English but he kept pushing me to speak Spanish (which I need and liked). When I spoke Spanish he was very patient and corrected simple mistakes that I made, which was helpful. We met for a cup of coffee in the local mall (it's a busy area). I felt like i learned a lot and I was able to comfortably practice.
At 7pm I met another conversation exchange person. This time a woman. She's the same age as me and lives just 3 blocks away! We spoke majority English, but I really like her. We went to a cafe and shared a liter of beer (2 pints). Maybe once I have more Spanish lessons I can add more to the conversation in Spanish. We'll meet again. Even though we spoke a lot of English I feel like I learned a lot about the Argentine culture. Hopefully she'll be my first Argentine friend? (lol, I sound pathetic)
Both convo.exchange people bought my drink for me, which was very kind; I wasn't expecting it. So I didn't spend any money today....
BUT....damn it, that ice cream again! It's 11 o'clock at night and I think I'm going to sneak out for another 250 grams of my Argentine addiction.
Tonight I have to remember to sleep with the fan on. I think it keeps the mosquitoes from biting at night. Last night I didn't put it on and I'm paying dearly.
p.s. The ice cream was so good!!! 250 grams of heaven costs 10 pesos ($3). It was not only an ice cream run but a spanish practice session too! Tonight was the first time I pronounced vanilla correct. (via - knee- sha)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
McDonalds porfavor
I'm not the type of traveler who crosses oceans or equators for some american cooken. i don't eat at mcdonalds when i'm in the states.... but i do love their $1 hot fudge sundays....ok, so i guess i do eat there, but just the ice cream.
i'm having difficulty with food here and i have a lack of appetite due to the hot weather. yesterday morning i had wafers (cookies) for breakfast. for lunch, my classmate and i walked around puerto madero. we past so many food vendors, it had to be about 10, and they all just sold meat. Parilla, parilla, parilla. (pronounced: pair-ee-sha). so, finally i found empanadas, my savior. i purchased 3, but barely ate 1. it just wasn't good and i wasn't hungry.
at night i still wasn't hungry but i knew i needed to eat if i didn't want to fall over. so, i went to a restaurant and ordered a glass of wine (not so smart, a 1/2 glass got me tipsy) and i ordered a small pizza the size of a pizzahut personal pan pizza. the first slice of the pizza was amazing....i wasn't hungry for the rest, but knew i needed to have some food in me, so I keep eating.
after dinner i strolled by a mcdonalds and craved a hot fundge sunday. i didn't want to do it, but with not having an appetite...(so embarrassed to write this), but i went for it!.
i stepped inside and i didn't know where i was! THIS IS MCDONALDS? it's really nice, and stylish with a pod of computers, and leather sofas, and wooden chairs and a fancy cafe with upscale pastries and cakes and espresso! Wow!
I walked up to the ice cream girl and, as normal here, asked if she spoke english, she didn't so i ordered 'helado blanco con chocolate caliente' (white ice cream with hot chocolate). perfect!
5 pesos (more than the U.S?) but it was worth every peso. it tasted so good.
are you asking why don't i like argentine ice cream? er, um. no, not really. they put 'dulce de leche' in everything. it's like carmel and i'm not a fan of carmel. as moria and krista know, i like my vanilla ice cream plain.
i'm having difficulty with food here and i have a lack of appetite due to the hot weather. yesterday morning i had wafers (cookies) for breakfast. for lunch, my classmate and i walked around puerto madero. we past so many food vendors, it had to be about 10, and they all just sold meat. Parilla, parilla, parilla. (pronounced: pair-ee-sha). so, finally i found empanadas, my savior. i purchased 3, but barely ate 1. it just wasn't good and i wasn't hungry.
at night i still wasn't hungry but i knew i needed to eat if i didn't want to fall over. so, i went to a restaurant and ordered a glass of wine (not so smart, a 1/2 glass got me tipsy) and i ordered a small pizza the size of a pizzahut personal pan pizza. the first slice of the pizza was amazing....i wasn't hungry for the rest, but knew i needed to have some food in me, so I keep eating.
after dinner i strolled by a mcdonalds and craved a hot fundge sunday. i didn't want to do it, but with not having an appetite...(so embarrassed to write this), but i went for it!.
i stepped inside and i didn't know where i was! THIS IS MCDONALDS? it's really nice, and stylish with a pod of computers, and leather sofas, and wooden chairs and a fancy cafe with upscale pastries and cakes and espresso! Wow!
I walked up to the ice cream girl and, as normal here, asked if she spoke english, she didn't so i ordered 'helado blanco con chocolate caliente' (white ice cream with hot chocolate). perfect!
5 pesos (more than the U.S?) but it was worth every peso. it tasted so good.
are you asking why don't i like argentine ice cream? er, um. no, not really. they put 'dulce de leche' in everything. it's like carmel and i'm not a fan of carmel. as moria and krista know, i like my vanilla ice cream plain.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I love Tina
It's Tina and my 2 week anniversary! (argenTINA)
I had a really wonderful day. Today made up for my bought of sadness yesterday.
The people in the room next to me were loud last night. The hardwood floors and no pictures on the walls didn't disguise the noise either. When I woke up the bathroom (that i share with them) was terrible. there was water all over the floor with their used soap. Before they arrived the bathroom was spotless. (*they left today, so hopefully no one else will come. even so, it's just for 1 more day)
Around 10:30 I headed out to take the 'colectivo' (bus) to San Telmo. It was very easy, the stop was just two blocks down. I noticed a 'Farmacity' (CVS equivalent) across the street so I went over to buy some toothpaste. A medium sized tube was 3 pesos ($1.00). They have SO many of the same products as in the states.
After I bought the tooth paste I ran across the street to catch the colectivo. When I saw it coming I put my arm up to wave and he stopped (I'm getting the hang of this). On the bus I was looking at my map and trying to read the street signs. As we got close I stood up and stood at the front door. Another colectivo success.
My classmate and I studied for a bit at a cafe. I had a large cafe con leche, a bottle of water and two pieces of thick whole wheat toast for I think 20 pesos ($6)
After some conversation we walked around the San Telmo feria (outdoor market). There are many antiques, artists and crafts there. After walking through we were hungry again so we stopped at an courtyard restaurant for empanadas! Once we were already seated the waiter told us there were no more empanadas...what a disappointment...but we were hungry so we ordered pasta and had a glass of red wine each. I ordered seafood on my pasta, which I should have known better. Buenos Aires isn't good with seafood. It was so so. 35 pesos ($10)
I'm having a difficult time with the food here. I really don't like anything and I didn't think of myself as a picky eater. Everything seems to be bland or just not taste right. I do like the croissants, empanadas and the wine. I feel like I'm eating because I know I have to, not because I want to. I'm sure I'll find something I like, I just have to keep looking.
Afterward we went to a grocery store to get a bottle of water. 1.5 liters was 2.70 pesos.
^(photo above: the bottle appears to be the same size as a '40' in the U.S.... 3.30 pesos equal $1. A beer costs 85 cents)
^(photo above: $1.08 bottle of wine. not sure of the quality though)
Around 5:30 I started looking where I should catch the number 10 colectivo back to Recoleta. My classmate and I walked a couple streets. She suggested I ask a police officer that we passed. As I approached him, he got a huge smile on his face. how cute. he pointed me in the right direction and used every muscle in his face to smile. My classmate noticed it too and commented. i think argenine women don't give men a break, so any attention from a woman, just a glance and they light up. (i kind of like it, it's a real confidence booster)
I think when I return to the states I'm going to be too spoiled from living here. Wine and beer are inexpensive, having a maid is common, having your clothes washed for you is inexpensive and people take their time eating at cafes and restaurants, relaxing and/or enjoying their company.
On the colectivo home the driver was playing the Beatles. A John Lennon Christmas song came on and he turned it up. Yeah, another Christmas song in Sunny, sweaty sun burned Buenos Aires where flowers are blooming and palm trees stand tall. How conflicting to what christmas 'should' feel like. But I love it.
The driver noticed I was watching my map and smiling at the Christmas song. In spanish he asked where I was going. I did that best that I could pronouncing my street name. He tried speaking to me, but I didn't understand too much. He was very kind and pointed with a kind smile to where I needed to get off.
I came back to the hotel sweaty, sun burned and happy. It felt like I was on vacation today...sitting at the cafe, for an afternoon glass of wine, while two guys played acoustic guitar and the sun was shining.
What a good two week anniversary gift. Thank you Tina!!!
I had a really wonderful day. Today made up for my bought of sadness yesterday.
The people in the room next to me were loud last night. The hardwood floors and no pictures on the walls didn't disguise the noise either. When I woke up the bathroom (that i share with them) was terrible. there was water all over the floor with their used soap. Before they arrived the bathroom was spotless. (*they left today, so hopefully no one else will come. even so, it's just for 1 more day)
Around 10:30 I headed out to take the 'colectivo' (bus) to San Telmo. It was very easy, the stop was just two blocks down. I noticed a 'Farmacity' (CVS equivalent) across the street so I went over to buy some toothpaste. A medium sized tube was 3 pesos ($1.00). They have SO many of the same products as in the states.
After I bought the tooth paste I ran across the street to catch the colectivo. When I saw it coming I put my arm up to wave and he stopped (I'm getting the hang of this). On the bus I was looking at my map and trying to read the street signs. As we got close I stood up and stood at the front door. Another colectivo success.
My classmate and I studied for a bit at a cafe. I had a large cafe con leche, a bottle of water and two pieces of thick whole wheat toast for I think 20 pesos ($6)
After some conversation we walked around the San Telmo feria (outdoor market). There are many antiques, artists and crafts there. After walking through we were hungry again so we stopped at an courtyard restaurant for empanadas! Once we were already seated the waiter told us there were no more empanadas...what a disappointment...but we were hungry so we ordered pasta and had a glass of red wine each. I ordered seafood on my pasta, which I should have known better. Buenos Aires isn't good with seafood. It was so so. 35 pesos ($10)
I'm having a difficult time with the food here. I really don't like anything and I didn't think of myself as a picky eater. Everything seems to be bland or just not taste right. I do like the croissants, empanadas and the wine. I feel like I'm eating because I know I have to, not because I want to. I'm sure I'll find something I like, I just have to keep looking.
Afterward we went to a grocery store to get a bottle of water. 1.5 liters was 2.70 pesos.
^(photo above: the bottle appears to be the same size as a '40' in the U.S.... 3.30 pesos equal $1. A beer costs 85 cents)
^(photo above: $1.08 bottle of wine. not sure of the quality though)
Around 5:30 I started looking where I should catch the number 10 colectivo back to Recoleta. My classmate and I walked a couple streets. She suggested I ask a police officer that we passed. As I approached him, he got a huge smile on his face. how cute. he pointed me in the right direction and used every muscle in his face to smile. My classmate noticed it too and commented. i think argenine women don't give men a break, so any attention from a woman, just a glance and they light up. (i kind of like it, it's a real confidence booster)
I think when I return to the states I'm going to be too spoiled from living here. Wine and beer are inexpensive, having a maid is common, having your clothes washed for you is inexpensive and people take their time eating at cafes and restaurants, relaxing and/or enjoying their company.
On the colectivo home the driver was playing the Beatles. A John Lennon Christmas song came on and he turned it up. Yeah, another Christmas song in Sunny, sweaty sun burned Buenos Aires where flowers are blooming and palm trees stand tall. How conflicting to what christmas 'should' feel like. But I love it.
The driver noticed I was watching my map and smiling at the Christmas song. In spanish he asked where I was going. I did that best that I could pronouncing my street name. He tried speaking to me, but I didn't understand too much. He was very kind and pointed with a kind smile to where I needed to get off.
I came back to the hotel sweaty, sun burned and happy. It felt like I was on vacation today...sitting at the cafe, for an afternoon glass of wine, while two guys played acoustic guitar and the sun was shining.
What a good two week anniversary gift. Thank you Tina!!!
a touch of culture shock- day 14
(Saturday, December 6, 2008)
dinner last night
i went out with my two roommates to a 'parrilla' (pronounced - pair-ee-sha). I couldn't find a definition for it on the net, but it's where everyone goes to get some good Argentine beef. Even though I don't eat it, I wanted to check it out. I got some pasta and i TRYED a very small piece (not even the size of my pinky finger). Yup, still don't like it. It tasted ok, but I really didn't like the texture. So, there you have it...I ate some beef in Argentina.
A bottle of wine for our table was 38 pesos ($11.50). I think my pasta was around 20 pesos.
(photo below: I was a bit confused when I went to the ladies room. 'M'...men?? no no, mujer (woman)
this morning
i woke up, took a shower and packed, all within an hour. it was only 10:15 when i went over to my roommates rooms. they were almost packed and ready to leave. by 10:30 they were saying their good-byes while i lugged both 58 pounder suitcases out into the hallway. yes, i should have said my good-byes, but i still have an ol' chip on my shoulder.
alejandro followed the girls out of the apartment into the hall where i was standing. i said hola and gave him my keys with some money for the broken wooden shutter. he kindly refused the money, i tried again and he said no.
leaving the host family
we each took a separate elevator down (the elevators are small and with all our stuff we couldn't fit). alejandro took the last elevator. he had to come down to unlock the main door. before opening the door he spoke to the german about me (in spanish) and told her to translate. something like 'my wife wants 100 pesos for the broken shutter'. I'm thinking, huh? i just tried to give you money and you said no, now your demanding it! for real?. i responded with 'i want to give you 50'. luckily he didn't yell at me and took the 50.
taxi to the hotel
the german and the chinese girl got in the first taxi and drove away. that left me standing on the side walk with ol' alejandro. crap, i wish he'd just go in and leave me be. i flagged down a taxi that came to a stop, but when i went over to my bags the taxi drove away. at this point alejandro went to wave down a cab. this did not feel very good. i'm aware that there are shady taxis in buenos aires. the taxi that pulled up was reputable, but old. alejandro put my bags in the car, which was kind of him, but then started yelling something quickly at the driver. crap, is he telling the taxi to rip me off or drive me to get mugged...crap this doesn't feel good...
the taxi pulled away and i gave him my hotels address. i asked him if he spoke english, he didn't so i asked him in spanish what alejandro said. he said something about the taxi's number. the ride to the hotel was nerve racking. i was still worried alejandro was up to something.
safely and securely i arrived at the hotel. the taxi didn't over charge me and helped me with my luggage to the front door of the hotel. taxi from alto palermo to recoleta was 10.60 pesos ($3.20)
hotel
the hotel is old, simple, but clean and charming. after i checked in, the man at the front desk helped me with my bags up to my room. when he opened the door to my room, my first impression was 'this sucks'. it's an inner room, so no windows, just a single bed, night table, wardrobe and desk. (*my opinion has now changed. all the furniture in my room are antiques and in good shape. the floor is hardwood and the location of the hotel couldn't be any better. I'm happy to be here and only 110 pesos a night ($33))
(photo below: my floor is stone, marble and wood)
(photo below: they tried to fancy it up with a ting piece of artwork on a huge wall)
hint of culture shock
i had my first hint of culture shock. once i was in my room i felt so alone. i was afraid to go out (not really sure why because it's a nice neighborhood), and i just wanted the day to be over (it was only noon). knowing that i needed to snap out of it, i set out to have a cup of coffee and some croissants. i also wanted to find the Recoleta cemetery.
the afternoon
the day was sunny and warm (82 degrees). i sat outside at a tea house and studied. the tea house was on a corner. there was a police patrolling the whole time i was there, not sure why or if it's typical. but i did notice that nobody came up to beg for money or tried selling anything to me. a pot of tea, oj and two croissants were 14 pesos ($4)
recoleta cemetery
what a beautiful enchanting place. my words can't describe how beautiful the old mausoleums are. i will surely go back...
(photo below: outside wall of the cemetery)
(photo below: this one is my favorite. click on it so you can see it larger.)
another tinge of culture shock
i came back to the hotel and fell asleep, once i woke i had no desire to get up, so i fell back asleep. again i was wishing for the day to be over. i didn't like feeling that i was in transition and that i didn't have any plans for the day. i didn't want to go out, i just wanted to stay in and sleep. again, knowing it was some culture shock, i made myself get up and get out.
shopping
just a couple streets down is an avenue with many shops. i just went browsing to waist some time. there were a ton of shoe stores and i like to look at shoes, so that ate up some time. it seems like all the window displays in B.A, no matter what the store is selling, consists of the store putting everything they sell in the window. it's not attractive from a design perspective, but it is helpful. if you don't see what you want in the window you keep moving. even the hardware and underwear stores have everything they sell in the window.
i finally splurged and bought some sandals that seem to be popular here. since i had the time, i kept holding out for a better price. the guy who went to the back to get the shoes for me kept winking at me, i'm still getting used to how forward the men are and while working too! when i tried them on i noticed 'made in argentina'. i liked them, so i bought them. 80 pesos ($24)
grocery shopping with a touch of culture shock.
typically i love going into foreign grocery stores and trying new things. not today. nothing looked tasty, so i bought a big bottle of water, 10 oreo cookies, 2 apples and 6 croissants for 8 pesos ($2.40) i had no desire to try anything new (not like me)
going to the movies
once i came back to the hotel i asked the woman at the front desk about seeing a movie. the theater was just 2 blocks away and in a busy/popular spot. i read online about the films showing there, many american. then i read about the theater online and read that all american films are shown in english with spanish subtitles so, i chose an argentine film.
i walked to the theater. it was directly in front of the cemetery. it was in a new complex with restaurants, music and of course a mc donalds. the complex looked like it should be in arizona. i walked into the theater and there was no ticket booth. hummm, ok? what's the drill? the sign pointed up stairs. i stood in line and ordered my ticket in spanish (very basic) and was caught off guard with one question... the girl then said in english "middle or back seating", but when i walked to my theater only 3 couples were there, so i just took a seat. the seats were very very comfortable. the theater was very new and modern. 20 pesos ($6)
the film.
i really didn't understand a lot. i expected i'd understand more. i zoned out a couple of times, but i tried to pay attention. for not really knowing what was going on, i can't judge the film, but it was shot in B.A., so it earns some points there
back at the hotel.
i'm feeling much better and more happy. i've warmed up to the hotel and i'm liking it. tomorrow i'll meet with a friend to study spanish in San Telmo (neighborhood). i also talked to moira for an hour and a half (*big smiles*)
the culture shock thing
i know i'm going to get it, nearly everyone does. i'm prepared, or as prepared as i can be for it. so, if i sound a little down and out about things at times, its the culture shock taking it's toll. i want to use this blog to remember my journey, stay in touch with friends and family and to give a real perspective of moving abroad. if i just painted a picture that everything is perfect, than it wouldn't be real. overall, i'm glad i'm here and i don't regret the decision to move.
good night B.A., I love you.
dinner last night
i went out with my two roommates to a 'parrilla' (pronounced - pair-ee-sha). I couldn't find a definition for it on the net, but it's where everyone goes to get some good Argentine beef. Even though I don't eat it, I wanted to check it out. I got some pasta and i TRYED a very small piece (not even the size of my pinky finger). Yup, still don't like it. It tasted ok, but I really didn't like the texture. So, there you have it...I ate some beef in Argentina.
A bottle of wine for our table was 38 pesos ($11.50). I think my pasta was around 20 pesos.
(photo below: I was a bit confused when I went to the ladies room. 'M'...men?? no no, mujer (woman)
this morning
i woke up, took a shower and packed, all within an hour. it was only 10:15 when i went over to my roommates rooms. they were almost packed and ready to leave. by 10:30 they were saying their good-byes while i lugged both 58 pounder suitcases out into the hallway. yes, i should have said my good-byes, but i still have an ol' chip on my shoulder.
alejandro followed the girls out of the apartment into the hall where i was standing. i said hola and gave him my keys with some money for the broken wooden shutter. he kindly refused the money, i tried again and he said no.
leaving the host family
we each took a separate elevator down (the elevators are small and with all our stuff we couldn't fit). alejandro took the last elevator. he had to come down to unlock the main door. before opening the door he spoke to the german about me (in spanish) and told her to translate. something like 'my wife wants 100 pesos for the broken shutter'. I'm thinking, huh? i just tried to give you money and you said no, now your demanding it! for real?. i responded with 'i want to give you 50'. luckily he didn't yell at me and took the 50.
taxi to the hotel
the german and the chinese girl got in the first taxi and drove away. that left me standing on the side walk with ol' alejandro. crap, i wish he'd just go in and leave me be. i flagged down a taxi that came to a stop, but when i went over to my bags the taxi drove away. at this point alejandro went to wave down a cab. this did not feel very good. i'm aware that there are shady taxis in buenos aires. the taxi that pulled up was reputable, but old. alejandro put my bags in the car, which was kind of him, but then started yelling something quickly at the driver. crap, is he telling the taxi to rip me off or drive me to get mugged...crap this doesn't feel good...
the taxi pulled away and i gave him my hotels address. i asked him if he spoke english, he didn't so i asked him in spanish what alejandro said. he said something about the taxi's number. the ride to the hotel was nerve racking. i was still worried alejandro was up to something.
safely and securely i arrived at the hotel. the taxi didn't over charge me and helped me with my luggage to the front door of the hotel. taxi from alto palermo to recoleta was 10.60 pesos ($3.20)
hotel
the hotel is old, simple, but clean and charming. after i checked in, the man at the front desk helped me with my bags up to my room. when he opened the door to my room, my first impression was 'this sucks'. it's an inner room, so no windows, just a single bed, night table, wardrobe and desk. (*my opinion has now changed. all the furniture in my room are antiques and in good shape. the floor is hardwood and the location of the hotel couldn't be any better. I'm happy to be here and only 110 pesos a night ($33))
(photo below: my floor is stone, marble and wood)
(photo below: they tried to fancy it up with a ting piece of artwork on a huge wall)
hint of culture shock
i had my first hint of culture shock. once i was in my room i felt so alone. i was afraid to go out (not really sure why because it's a nice neighborhood), and i just wanted the day to be over (it was only noon). knowing that i needed to snap out of it, i set out to have a cup of coffee and some croissants. i also wanted to find the Recoleta cemetery.
the afternoon
the day was sunny and warm (82 degrees). i sat outside at a tea house and studied. the tea house was on a corner. there was a police patrolling the whole time i was there, not sure why or if it's typical. but i did notice that nobody came up to beg for money or tried selling anything to me. a pot of tea, oj and two croissants were 14 pesos ($4)
recoleta cemetery
what a beautiful enchanting place. my words can't describe how beautiful the old mausoleums are. i will surely go back...
(photo below: outside wall of the cemetery)
(photo below: this one is my favorite. click on it so you can see it larger.)
another tinge of culture shock
i came back to the hotel and fell asleep, once i woke i had no desire to get up, so i fell back asleep. again i was wishing for the day to be over. i didn't like feeling that i was in transition and that i didn't have any plans for the day. i didn't want to go out, i just wanted to stay in and sleep. again, knowing it was some culture shock, i made myself get up and get out.
shopping
just a couple streets down is an avenue with many shops. i just went browsing to waist some time. there were a ton of shoe stores and i like to look at shoes, so that ate up some time. it seems like all the window displays in B.A, no matter what the store is selling, consists of the store putting everything they sell in the window. it's not attractive from a design perspective, but it is helpful. if you don't see what you want in the window you keep moving. even the hardware and underwear stores have everything they sell in the window.
i finally splurged and bought some sandals that seem to be popular here. since i had the time, i kept holding out for a better price. the guy who went to the back to get the shoes for me kept winking at me, i'm still getting used to how forward the men are and while working too! when i tried them on i noticed 'made in argentina'. i liked them, so i bought them. 80 pesos ($24)
grocery shopping with a touch of culture shock.
typically i love going into foreign grocery stores and trying new things. not today. nothing looked tasty, so i bought a big bottle of water, 10 oreo cookies, 2 apples and 6 croissants for 8 pesos ($2.40) i had no desire to try anything new (not like me)
going to the movies
once i came back to the hotel i asked the woman at the front desk about seeing a movie. the theater was just 2 blocks away and in a busy/popular spot. i read online about the films showing there, many american. then i read about the theater online and read that all american films are shown in english with spanish subtitles so, i chose an argentine film.
i walked to the theater. it was directly in front of the cemetery. it was in a new complex with restaurants, music and of course a mc donalds. the complex looked like it should be in arizona. i walked into the theater and there was no ticket booth. hummm, ok? what's the drill? the sign pointed up stairs. i stood in line and ordered my ticket in spanish (very basic) and was caught off guard with one question... the girl then said in english "middle or back seating", but when i walked to my theater only 3 couples were there, so i just took a seat. the seats were very very comfortable. the theater was very new and modern. 20 pesos ($6)
the film.
i really didn't understand a lot. i expected i'd understand more. i zoned out a couple of times, but i tried to pay attention. for not really knowing what was going on, i can't judge the film, but it was shot in B.A., so it earns some points there
back at the hotel.
i'm feeling much better and more happy. i've warmed up to the hotel and i'm liking it. tomorrow i'll meet with a friend to study spanish in San Telmo (neighborhood). i also talked to moira for an hour and a half (*big smiles*)
the culture shock thing
i know i'm going to get it, nearly everyone does. i'm prepared, or as prepared as i can be for it. so, if i sound a little down and out about things at times, its the culture shock taking it's toll. i want to use this blog to remember my journey, stay in touch with friends and family and to give a real perspective of moving abroad. if i just painted a picture that everything is perfect, than it wouldn't be real. overall, i'm glad i'm here and i don't regret the decision to move.
good night B.A., I love you.
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