Happy Thanksgiving from Buenos Aires

Settled in well; all "domestic" stuff down pat and on a normal schedule. Found a great Fitness club with top-notch equipment and facilities to keep in shape and healthy, where we work out usually 3 times a week for a couple of hours. Been trying to ‘tour’ the City in sections every other day or so – it’s really huge and lot’s of different neighborhoods to see. And of course we’re slowly trying different restaurants on our weekend nights out. They have a Chinatown neighborhood here, where we found a couple of excellent (and cheap) places to eat our favorite food. We even found a Korean restaurant (outside of Chinatown) which amazingly serves the real stuff. (We love it – and, missed it since leaving Chicago – if you never tried it, it’s very different than other Asian food and very spicy). Not to be missed in Argentina naturally, are the steakhouses known as Parrillas which serve up some of the best steaks and meats in the world. Had some adventurous fun at one where we had the platter for two that has many different cuts from all parts of the cow (i.e. sweetbreads, kidney, liver, intestine, blood sausage, as well as the ‘normal’ stuff) – liked most of it, though some is a little strong/gamy. Went to the Port last weekend, and ate at a fine seafood restaurant; and, unlike Mexico they have fresh seafood (and safe to eat). FYI – Buenos Aires is situated on a large bay/inlet leading directly out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Somewhat surprising, it is much hotter here than we were originally led to believe from our planning guides. While we knew, of course, that we would be visiting during Summer here (Nov. – Feb.), we had read that average temps. would be in high 80’s. In fact, it’s already in upper 80’s and summer has just started, with hotter temps. to come. Now, we understand that temps. in upper 90’s and even 100F by January are normal. It definitely could get a little uncomfortable ‘touring’ around; especially on public transportation (the city buses are not air conditioned, and usually pretty crowded – i.e. sweaty people here we come). At least our apartment is air conditioned, so we are comfy sleeping and when we get home. We will probably do what many Buenos Aires folks do in summer time, get out of town when it gets really hot. We can visit the beaches in Argentina, about 3 or 4 hours south on the coast; or, take a Ferry ride across the Bay to Uruguay and visit their better beaches and the beautiful small city of Colonia; or, head to the wine country in Mendoza; or, the southern highlands/forest/lake region of Patagonia. Probably, do several or all such side trips. Our Monks Pub friend Mike is planning to visit (again!) in January, so we may save a trip or two to go with him.

Cultural interests in BA are limitless, with too many museums and art galleries to count; numerous theaters and concert halls, a large zoo (not gone yet), botanical gardens, etc. Street musicians are abundant (especially in summer of course) as shown in our photos. One interesting site we visited is the War Memorial to the approx. 650 Argentine Soldiers killed in the Falklands War with the UK. (See photo with Bob) The Argentines are still ‘pissed’ with Britain about the War and consider it a very serious matter; while most of the Western World thought it was a minor silly skirmish. (Never say that to an Argentinean, or you’re going to be in deep doo-doo).

Last evening, we even attended an Opera performance of Figaro, at one of the finer Theaters. The performance was 4 hours long (and, didn’t even begin until 8:30pm). We bought cheap seats (US$10 each) in the nose bleed section, where it was uncomfortably hot (no a/c up there) – but, nothing keeps ‘us down’ (or up) – so during intermission after only the 1st Act, we strolled down to main floor where Bob had scoped out some empty seats 4th row dead center on the aisle (probably best in the house) where we stayed for the remainder of the performance.

Today, being Thanksgiving (in USA), we are going to celebrate in an ex-pat Grill and Bar called Kansas, where they advertised a Thanksgiving dinner of Turkey with all the trimmings.

Anyway, so far, BA is everything we had had heard. Large, beautiful, safe, friendly people, lots to offer culturally, great food and wine, easy to get around, and exciting. Could possibly be a place we’d consider living on a longer term basis; albeit probably seasonally. Best time to visit/live here, would be the Fall and Spring seasons, when weather is milder and more enjoyable. (i.e. summer is a bit too hot; and, winter does get cold as well as rainy).