Tres. Buenos Aires

I arrived in Buenos Aires by overnight bus on Monday, 27th at 8am and went straight to Spanish classes once I had been tested for my level. My class was small, with only my teacher Pablo and three others.

I soon learned that what I had walked into was not really Spanish classes, but global affairs. With two Brazilians and Pablo an Argentinian; Julien, Swiss, may have been relieved to have a fellow European join the group.

If I recall correctly Julien was being interrogated on how Switzerland can be a neutral country. A concept Pablo admitted, as an Argentinian, he couldn't quite relate to. I made no attempt to bring up the Falkland Islands.

Class ended on the topic of football, where claims were made that the atmosphere in the UK is boring because of high crowd security. Of course it can't compare with Brazil. Something about decapitation of referees. Exhilarating.

And off we went to have lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in the city.

As the week passed we continued to interchange between brushing up on our Spanish gammar, and bonding over pure mockery of our home countries. Even Pablo said it himself, that if you rearrange the letters 'Argentino' you get un 'Ignorante'. Not that I had thought this about the Porteños I had met so far.

There were times when hours of intense discussion in Spanish did not come easily, especially with Argentinian pronunciacion; Ssshhh. However, it was always extremely inciteful and gave me confidence to get involved in the Argentinian lifestyle.

Brenda and Nico, brother and sister, were owners of the flat where I stayed. With a mother who lives in the UK, they survive by letting out spare rooms to foreign exchange students. I sure felt at home. 

Many times a day they would prepare mate to be passed around and get conversation going.

A popular Argentinian drink they claim is not tea. But it is related. Only it's not as healthy. Actually it's as addictive as coffee. So I bought one to try out at home.

Wednesday my parent's cruise stopped off in BA for the day, so I joined them as tourists. We ate meat for lunch and then went to see the sights. Followed by a late night tango show that evening. 

Friday night I had the pleasure of being invited to a real Argentinian asado (BBQ). A farewell to Julien in my class who had been in BA studying Spanish for 10 weeks.

Unfortunately I did not get a photo of the food, but take my word for it the meat was incredible and in no way limited.

I found it surprising to learn that despite indulging in a pretty unhealthy diet, meat being far cheaper than fruit, Argentinians are actually very beauty conscious. Botox is highly fashionable and included as part of standard life insurance. Many expressed concerns about getting wrinkles when in their 20's and most already had breast implants. Meanwhile shops selling diet and weight loss pills, which can contain unknown quantities of speed, are thriving.

Saturday was my final day before I left for Argentina's wine region, Mendoza. So I got up early and went to explore bits of the city which I had not yet managed to see. Unusually, the city's cemetery was highly recommended. So despite awful heavy rain, I went.

I soon learned the word for cemetery after asking for the CEMETARIO instead of the CEMENTARIO. "You know, where the dead people are buried." Ah ya, cemeNtario, por aca!

Y valio la pena...

Cementario

Cementario

I enjoyed my stay in BA so much that I decided to cut the end of my trip short in order to stay with Brenda again for my last weekend in South America. Until next time!