Back in Buenos Aries again, where we are able to get a room in our previous B&B, due to a cancellation. The rest of the month was solidly booked. Spent the night and next day just getting ready for our trip back to Houston. Left BA at 11:40 PM on the 3rd of March (First Class seats--Thank you Continental) arrived Houston around 6:30AM (4th), caught a flight to Orlando around 9AM and rented a car in Orlando, one way, to Stuart, arriving home around 2:30PM.
A long and enjoyable trip to South America, but good to be home and back to the grind.
Monday, March 9, 2009
continuation
To continue our travels--
Docked at the city of Puerto Montt today, a city much like a Bavarian city, even one that has a large population of Germans. Along with our friends Jim, Merri Lynn, Donald, and Carol, we hired a driver with a small van for a 4 hour tour.
Our first stop, about 20 miles inland, a German flavored town of Fruitillar. This town is located along the shore of LLanquie (pronounced Junky-way). Two dark German beers, 4 coffees and some very rich pastries and we were on our way to the other side of the lake.
Next town on the lake, Puerto Varas, a larger town with numerous shops selling local crafts.
Our driver gives a running comentary as he drives us back to Puerto Montt, and his country pride is evident as he explains the history of the area. We are finally dropped off near the water front, where we have lunch at a very small eating spot. Food was good but not inexpensive.
Our cruise ship was anchored out in the channel, so we boarded "tenders" to go from the dock to the ship. The tenders are actually several of the enclosed life boats carried aboard the ship, that are lowered into the water and used to transport passengers to and from the ship.
Another day at sea, this time in the Pacific, and early the next morning we dock at Valparaiso, Chile, our last stop on the cruise.
After disembarking we (Merri Lynn and Jim) rented a driver and vehicle to take us to Santiago, about an hour away to the east. Along the way we stopped at a VERY modern winery, did a tour of the facility, and were treated to a wine tasteing. After several pictures, we were on our way but soon stopped at a typical Chilean restaurant for lunch. Dirt floors but really a very nice place with waiters dressed as Gauchos. Empanadas, cold beer, great bread and once again on our way to Santiago, where we spent the night. The people in this city have much more indian influence than in BA, where the people are very Euopean in their looks and speech, and what we saw of the city was not as impressive as BA.
Docked at the city of Puerto Montt today, a city much like a Bavarian city, even one that has a large population of Germans. Along with our friends Jim, Merri Lynn, Donald, and Carol, we hired a driver with a small van for a 4 hour tour.
Our first stop, about 20 miles inland, a German flavored town of Fruitillar. This town is located along the shore of LLanquie (pronounced Junky-way). Two dark German beers, 4 coffees and some very rich pastries and we were on our way to the other side of the lake.
Next town on the lake, Puerto Varas, a larger town with numerous shops selling local crafts.
Our driver gives a running comentary as he drives us back to Puerto Montt, and his country pride is evident as he explains the history of the area. We are finally dropped off near the water front, where we have lunch at a very small eating spot. Food was good but not inexpensive.
Our cruise ship was anchored out in the channel, so we boarded "tenders" to go from the dock to the ship. The tenders are actually several of the enclosed life boats carried aboard the ship, that are lowered into the water and used to transport passengers to and from the ship.
Another day at sea, this time in the Pacific, and early the next morning we dock at Valparaiso, Chile, our last stop on the cruise.
After disembarking we (Merri Lynn and Jim) rented a driver and vehicle to take us to Santiago, about an hour away to the east. Along the way we stopped at a VERY modern winery, did a tour of the facility, and were treated to a wine tasteing. After several pictures, we were on our way but soon stopped at a typical Chilean restaurant for lunch. Dirt floors but really a very nice place with waiters dressed as Gauchos. Empanadas, cold beer, great bread and once again on our way to Santiago, where we spent the night. The people in this city have much more indian influence than in BA, where the people are very Euopean in their looks and speech, and what we saw of the city was not as impressive as BA.
catch up time
Our blog sort of got "blogged down" after we left Ushuaia, the most southern town in South America because it was sometime hard to find an internet cafe, and, several days were simply sailing days without putting in to a port.
Our next port of call was Punta Arenas, Chile. A beautiful little port city with mountains in the background. This was a city we explored on foot and with our friends Donald and Carol we stopped by a small, non descript restaurant (recommended by a local) and dined on excellent seafood. Fried salmon, seafood stew, king crab over a bed of lettuce, and plates of calamari---all excellent. If this sounds like a lot of food, you are right. Donald, who was better at Spanish than the rest of us, also had his problems, as it seems in ordering, he mentioned a few too many items, and the mere mention of an item was interpreted as an order by the waiter.
Sailing the next two daysalong the western edge of Chile, on inland waterways that passed several very large glaciers coming right down to the water. The scenery at times is spectacular and the weather could not have been better. Even the coldest and most windy days were moderate, 48 to 50 degrees----the wind made it feel a little colder--and there were only 3 days that cool.
Our next port of call was Punta Arenas, Chile. A beautiful little port city with mountains in the background. This was a city we explored on foot and with our friends Donald and Carol we stopped by a small, non descript restaurant (recommended by a local) and dined on excellent seafood. Fried salmon, seafood stew, king crab over a bed of lettuce, and plates of calamari---all excellent. If this sounds like a lot of food, you are right. Donald, who was better at Spanish than the rest of us, also had his problems, as it seems in ordering, he mentioned a few too many items, and the mere mention of an item was interpreted as an order by the waiter.
Sailing the next two daysalong the western edge of Chile, on inland waterways that passed several very large glaciers coming right down to the water. The scenery at times is spectacular and the weather could not have been better. Even the coldest and most windy days were moderate, 48 to 50 degrees----the wind made it feel a little colder--and there were only 3 days that cool.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ushuaia
Since Montevideo we spent two days at sea--landed Port Stanley, the Faulkland Islands. Did a short tour to see the penguins--also past a mine field that was fenced off, a remnant from the was between Great Britain and Argentine. A rough ride the night before coming into this area--the South Atlantic was generating some fairly large waves. Cathy slept right through it.
Spent another day at sea, and rounded the southern tip of South America -- better known as Cape Horn, and located at latitude 56 degrees south--at 6:30 local time on the 22 day of Feb 2009--This point is farther south than any other land mass in the world, and is still about 2000 miles north of the south pole.
Today, we are tied up at the port city of Ushuaia, the southern most city (town of 140,000) in South America. This is the jumping off port for the ships going to Anartica. Beautiful bay, ringed with majestic peaks, many of them snow covered--the end of the Andes Mountain chain.
Leave today at 3 pm and will pass several glaciers before night fall around 8:30.
Spent another day at sea, and rounded the southern tip of South America -- better known as Cape Horn, and located at latitude 56 degrees south--at 6:30 local time on the 22 day of Feb 2009--This point is farther south than any other land mass in the world, and is still about 2000 miles north of the south pole.
Today, we are tied up at the port city of Ushuaia, the southern most city (town of 140,000) in South America. This is the jumping off port for the ships going to Anartica. Beautiful bay, ringed with majestic peaks, many of them snow covered--the end of the Andes Mountain chain.
Leave today at 3 pm and will pass several glaciers before night fall around 8:30.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Cruise
Boarded the Amsterdam last afternoon, took in an onboard show, later had a late meal and retired for the night. A VERY NICE room with an unobstructed view, port side. The ship was built in 2000, is 760 ft long, will accomodate 1350 people, with a crew of over 600. We are still in port today and sail tonight for Montevideo for a day and then reverse course for the Faulkland Islands.
Onboard they want $55 for 100 minutes on the internet, sooo, you can bet we will be looking for internet cafes at each port of call.
Problem with cruiseing is that if you have a few extra pounds around the waste (and elsewhere) when you board the ship, you can bet your sweet bippy that you will have MUCHO MUCHO extra pounds when you leave. And for Alan---the deserts and ice cream are great, and in too great a supply.
Onboard they want $55 for 100 minutes on the internet, sooo, you can bet we will be looking for internet cafes at each port of call.
Problem with cruiseing is that if you have a few extra pounds around the waste (and elsewhere) when you board the ship, you can bet your sweet bippy that you will have MUCHO MUCHO extra pounds when you leave. And for Alan---the deserts and ice cream are great, and in too great a supply.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Up the Lazy River
Took a mini city tour today that ended at a point on the Tigre River, where we boarded a very nice air conditioned launch that carried us North into the delta (many small islands and numerous additional rivers flowing into the Tigre and then into the ocean). The wealthy have hundreds of summer places along the river, and there was much boat traffic, including sail boats, motor launch, and Seedoo. This water is like mud---absolutely brown from bringing sediment down from the inland. Also as we were informed, the water is quite polluted--everything from industrial waste to human waste, and is not safe to swim in--so why did we see so many people swimming in it?
If you have ever flown over the delta formed by the Mississippi as it hits the Gulf, you will understand what I am describing. In this case, the water never changes color for hundreds of miles, north or south.
Our boat trip took one and a half hours, and brought us back to BA commercial harbor, and we finished up by going to a large street fair--swap meet--flea market, etc.
Another encounter with a "little ole lady", this time sitting on the curb with a goofy outfit and playing a home made horn. When Cathy approached to take a picture, she held up a sign that read "Show Me The Money". What a gal!!!!
If you have ever flown over the delta formed by the Mississippi as it hits the Gulf, you will understand what I am describing. In this case, the water never changes color for hundreds of miles, north or south.
Our boat trip took one and a half hours, and brought us back to BA commercial harbor, and we finished up by going to a large street fair--swap meet--flea market, etc.
Another encounter with a "little ole lady", this time sitting on the curb with a goofy outfit and playing a home made horn. When Cathy approached to take a picture, she held up a sign that read "Show Me The Money". What a gal!!!!
Funny thing, I can take a DC-10 and circumnavigate the globe, find a tiny speck of land in the middle of the Pacific to land on, but my biggest challenge here, when stepping out the door in the morning, is to remember whether to turn right or left to go to a destination that we have already visited numerous times. Now this is where the famous "Copeland" memory system comes into play, as she likes to remind me (many times). Seems she has memorized the landmarks along the way, and then gets to direct me as to the proper turns, streets, etc. She says that makes us even, reference my comments about the elevator.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
catching up
OK---some new news
Item 1: My smarter half seems to be having a small problem with the tiny elevator in our B&B. Seems like she was unaware that the elevator(room for 3 people) has a door on each side of it that can open depending on where it wants you to exit----soooo---Miss Cathy rode up to the third floor yesterday, and stood waiting for a looong time for the door she was facing to open, wondering what the hey was going on, and was about to throw a hissy fit when she turned to see the elevator door behind her standing open (for quite some time). That was funny the first time and was even funnier the second, third, forth, OK you get the picture. Cathy says, "Real hilarious! AND I don't have hissy fits!"
Item2: The subway. The subway in BA is the oldest one in South America, reported to have begun in 1912 (wow) and from the looks of part of it, I can believe it. Ever see the way they pack people into the subway in Japan during rush hour? Very similar but not quite as bad. Hard to find a seat, so we usually stand, with hand in pocket, over the cash. Even though it is usually quite warm, the travel is fast and cheap--and even with the crowding, every body is courteous, and very clean---i.e., no BO (except mine).
We were attempting to board a subway yesterday and a "little ole lady" with gray hair was moving a bit slower than the two of us, toward the open subway door. Joking to Cathy I told her to just knock her aside and go for the open seats. Happen to be three seats together and I wound up setting beside her. As Cathy and I discussed where to get off, the "little ole lady" turned and in perfect English, gave us direction as to which stop to exit. Gee---did she hear my comment earlier? I´m sure she didn't and anyway she was typical of the people we have met.
Had dinner two nights ago with our two friends here, at their home on the 9th floor of a nice mid rise building. He is an optician and also makes artificial eyes, so perfect you are unable to tell them from the real thing, and they also move from side to side as the good eye moves.
Saw an American movie last night, the Substitute, a great Clint Eastwood production, and would recommend it highly. It is a true story. Off today to an outdoor market.
Item 1: My smarter half seems to be having a small problem with the tiny elevator in our B&B. Seems like she was unaware that the elevator(room for 3 people) has a door on each side of it that can open depending on where it wants you to exit----soooo---Miss Cathy rode up to the third floor yesterday, and stood waiting for a looong time for the door she was facing to open, wondering what the hey was going on, and was about to throw a hissy fit when she turned to see the elevator door behind her standing open (for quite some time). That was funny the first time and was even funnier the second, third, forth, OK you get the picture. Cathy says, "Real hilarious! AND I don't have hissy fits!"
Item2: The subway. The subway in BA is the oldest one in South America, reported to have begun in 1912 (wow) and from the looks of part of it, I can believe it. Ever see the way they pack people into the subway in Japan during rush hour? Very similar but not quite as bad. Hard to find a seat, so we usually stand, with hand in pocket, over the cash. Even though it is usually quite warm, the travel is fast and cheap--and even with the crowding, every body is courteous, and very clean---i.e., no BO (except mine).
We were attempting to board a subway yesterday and a "little ole lady" with gray hair was moving a bit slower than the two of us, toward the open subway door. Joking to Cathy I told her to just knock her aside and go for the open seats. Happen to be three seats together and I wound up setting beside her. As Cathy and I discussed where to get off, the "little ole lady" turned and in perfect English, gave us direction as to which stop to exit. Gee---did she hear my comment earlier? I´m sure she didn't and anyway she was typical of the people we have met.
Had dinner two nights ago with our two friends here, at their home on the 9th floor of a nice mid rise building. He is an optician and also makes artificial eyes, so perfect you are unable to tell them from the real thing, and they also move from side to side as the good eye moves.
Saw an American movie last night, the Substitute, a great Clint Eastwood production, and would recommend it highly. It is a true story. Off today to an outdoor market.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
recoleta
Great temp today in Recoleta, a really nice part of town. Went to the famous cemetery in this part of the city where many of the early governors and important leaders of the nation are entombed in large and ornate mausoleums. Of course we looked up and took pictures of the place where Eva Peron is laid to rest; as the wife of the President of Argentina, she was revered like none other because of her appeal to the working class. Short life, as she died at 33 of cancer, and is, of course the personality for the Broadway hit, "Evita". Might add that this cemetery, where all are entombed in "houses" as it were, is 14 acres in size.
Also toured a large and very lovely French designed mansion belonging to one of the very wealthy families of days gone by, and now a museum of fine OLD OLD art.
Today was spent in a very casual manner, taking our time to enjoy every thing large or small that we observed. Tomorrow we plan to again meet with our two friends that live here, tour his lab where he makes false eyes, and later have dinner at their home.
If my spelling gets to you---too bad---I only studied engineering.
Also toured a large and very lovely French designed mansion belonging to one of the very wealthy families of days gone by, and now a museum of fine OLD OLD art.
Today was spent in a very casual manner, taking our time to enjoy every thing large or small that we observed. Tomorrow we plan to again meet with our two friends that live here, tour his lab where he makes false eyes, and later have dinner at their home.
If my spelling gets to you---too bad---I only studied engineering.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
HOT DAY!!!
Yesterday was spent walking the large National Park on the border with Brazil--Iguazu National Park--where their famous waterfalls rival Niagra ( at least that is their belief). They are spectacular, and extend over a greater lateral distance but I don´´t think they are any grander in overall scale than Niagra. Even the natives were complaining about the heat. Every tourist, walking the trails through what amounted to, the edge of a rainforest, was soaking wet with sweat---as we were. Just had to tell yourself what a good time you were having--Cathy said she had NEVER been that hot before--temp was in the high 90s with humidity about the same. The spray from the waterfalls was a wecome relief.
We saw all we wanted in a day and a half, and cut our visit one day short and flew back to BA.
Today, the 10th, and we arrived back about 2pm and just after checking into our room, we have a torrential downpour here----sooo---time for a beer and a little snack, and later a meal about 8pm.
We saw all we wanted in a day and a half, and cut our visit one day short and flew back to BA.
Today, the 10th, and we arrived back about 2pm and just after checking into our room, we have a torrential downpour here----sooo---time for a beer and a little snack, and later a meal about 8pm.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
In an upscale part of town yesterday, a park area, couple hundred feet from entering the Japanese Gardens, and three men attempted to do a pick pocket. Scam went like this: one man walks past us and uses a squeeze bottle to blow a wet gob of something on the back of my pant leg--turned out to be a caramel type of chocolate--but was a string of it about a foot long down my leg--almost immediately, two "nice gentlemen" rush to tell me about this mess on my leg and one starts to clean it off with a couple tissues while the second man uses his bottle of drinking water to wet the tissues and the back of my pant leg--while telling me in spanish that it is bird crap from the tree limbs above--meanwhile the first guy has now appeared to offer his help and to act as a distraction. This all happens really quick, but while I was disgusted at what I thought was on my pant leg, something told me that all this was not on the up and up--so as the good cleaning man was bending over cleaning the "crap" off I became aware that he was feeling the bottom of my pant pockets(from the outside) so I kept turning my body and kept my hand near the pocket openings. Meanwhile, since it had not really dawned on us what was really happening, Cathy, thinking it was funny, unzipped my small backpact to get her camera, and after one picture, these three split the scene--and only then did it all make sence. It was a nice try, but they had no luck that time. Sure messed up my hiking pants.
Today, we left BA and flew to Igazu to see the famous water falls. Got here in the mid afternoon so will start our adventure tomorrow. We are about 700 miles north of BA but the temp is in the 90s and very high humidity. Even so, we walked about one and a half miles to the little town and downed two liters of COLD beer and had another excellent steak.
Today, we left BA and flew to Igazu to see the famous water falls. Got here in the mid afternoon so will start our adventure tomorrow. We are about 700 miles north of BA but the temp is in the 90s and very high humidity. Even so, we walked about one and a half miles to the little town and downed two liters of COLD beer and had another excellent steak.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Another beautiful day inBA. Today we went to the waterfront where they are building extremely large and expensive properties--many condos and comercial structures in an area much like Marina Del Rey in the LA area. This is the posh part of town where the real money resides, and rightfully so, as it has been laid out to form a most desireable area. Everyone loves the water.
Also moved from one B&B to another one today because the first place had no rooms for the next two days. This place is nice, but a bit overpriced. It is located on a street named "Palistina"--need I say more? Oh well, two days won´t kill us--we can always borrow from ¨"Uncle Jack Apgar" if we run out of cash--You listening, Jack?
Visited the largest bank in Argentina today-"The Banco National" a large structure--about 8 stories high, built much like the buildings in France, wrapping around a domed ceiling, reported to be the 3rd largest in the world. Quite impressive.
Been riding the subway but, wow, is it crowded--ever feel like a sardine? So today we tried the bus. Both the subway or the bus cost 1.25 peso to ride all over the city--that amounts to about 40 cents. A taxi will take you to most points for a max of 20 peso or about $5 US. When a language problem arises, like which bus do I take, or, where do I get off, there is always a friendly person there to step in and help you---many speak at least some english. Really find the people very friendly and desireing to help.
Well as usual, we have overdone it again today and find ourselves ready to turn in just as the city comes to life--old age, what a drag, but better than the alternative.
Also moved from one B&B to another one today because the first place had no rooms for the next two days. This place is nice, but a bit overpriced. It is located on a street named "Palistina"--need I say more? Oh well, two days won´t kill us--we can always borrow from ¨"Uncle Jack Apgar" if we run out of cash--You listening, Jack?
Visited the largest bank in Argentina today-"The Banco National" a large structure--about 8 stories high, built much like the buildings in France, wrapping around a domed ceiling, reported to be the 3rd largest in the world. Quite impressive.
Been riding the subway but, wow, is it crowded--ever feel like a sardine? So today we tried the bus. Both the subway or the bus cost 1.25 peso to ride all over the city--that amounts to about 40 cents. A taxi will take you to most points for a max of 20 peso or about $5 US. When a language problem arises, like which bus do I take, or, where do I get off, there is always a friendly person there to step in and help you---many speak at least some english. Really find the people very friendly and desireing to help.
Well as usual, we have overdone it again today and find ourselves ready to turn in just as the city comes to life--old age, what a drag, but better than the alternative.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
change in the weather
Yesterday as we started out for our daily exploratory walk, I was wearing jeans and t-shirt. After a fifteen minute walk away from our B&b it soon became apparent that I needed to change to walking shorts---sooo--I left Cathy to check out a botanical garden, and hot footed it back to the B&B and changed to shorts and fifteen minutes later I again joined up with Cathy.
This morning, I tried to get ahead of the game and we left here, both of us dressed for hot weather. As in Florida about now, the weather turned very cool and for the 2nd time in a month it rained for about three hours, as we complained we were not dressed properly. Go figure.
Also, on this rainy day, the subway decided not to work so the streets were very crowded.
We did a bit of window shopping today---beautiful stores--the Galleria more colorful than Palm Beach or Houston--and frequented by a equally rich crowd. Overall, we are very impressed with BA--it is not in anyway a second rate city.
Checked out their most famous cathedral and later saw a large pinkish building(palace) where Eva Peron led the way for revolt many years ago. Finished up our day back near our B&B, across from a little park, where we had a bit of local beer. Then to the Pizza rest. nearby for dinner and a glass of Argentine vino. The owners son, a young man in his early twenties served us and was such a neat, handsome young man that we wanted to take him home to the US with us. We have met several young adults (18 to 22) that are just so very courteous, and with such charming personalities that it has been a real treat to talk with them--thank goodness they speak a good amount of English. Also met a young working photographer from Milan, Italy, working his way across Argentina--he spoke English very well--in his early twenties also.
Back at the B&B now, dead tired and ready for a nap. Moving to a second B&B tomorrow for two days then to Iguasu Falls.
This morning, I tried to get ahead of the game and we left here, both of us dressed for hot weather. As in Florida about now, the weather turned very cool and for the 2nd time in a month it rained for about three hours, as we complained we were not dressed properly. Go figure.
Also, on this rainy day, the subway decided not to work so the streets were very crowded.
We did a bit of window shopping today---beautiful stores--the Galleria more colorful than Palm Beach or Houston--and frequented by a equally rich crowd. Overall, we are very impressed with BA--it is not in anyway a second rate city.
Checked out their most famous cathedral and later saw a large pinkish building(palace) where Eva Peron led the way for revolt many years ago. Finished up our day back near our B&B, across from a little park, where we had a bit of local beer. Then to the Pizza rest. nearby for dinner and a glass of Argentine vino. The owners son, a young man in his early twenties served us and was such a neat, handsome young man that we wanted to take him home to the US with us. We have met several young adults (18 to 22) that are just so very courteous, and with such charming personalities that it has been a real treat to talk with them--thank goodness they speak a good amount of English. Also met a young working photographer from Milan, Italy, working his way across Argentina--he spoke English very well--in his early twenties also.
Back at the B&B now, dead tired and ready for a nap. Moving to a second B&B tomorrow for two days then to Iguasu Falls.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Different View
Last night was a special occasion--Juan Carlos and Susana (a couple we met in Portugal 4 years ago) picked us up at the B&B and drove us to the next town north of BA--San Isidro--an area near some major horse racing facilities, and we enjoyed a great steak dinner (Argentine style), good wine and great conversation. Later a short tour of the REALLY NICE part of BA.
Today, the 4th, Cathy and I again set out on foot to explore ¨Palermo¨ an excellent part of the city. Very up scale, modern, 15 lane Boulevards, acres of beautiful parks (much like Central Park in NY), and high rise condos that would rival those near Central Park. Shows you can not pass judgement by one little section of a huge city. We walked along Embassy Row today and when you get to look at the US Embassy, you are able to see how the well placed politicians of our country live --looks like a HUGE palace. Oh those tax dollars at work.
We are getting accustomed to the South American lifestyle of taking an afternoon siesta for a couple hours, then up and at them again around 8pm, for that is when the city slowly begins to awaken for long hours into the night. So far, having a real nice time.
Today, the 4th, Cathy and I again set out on foot to explore ¨Palermo¨ an excellent part of the city. Very up scale, modern, 15 lane Boulevards, acres of beautiful parks (much like Central Park in NY), and high rise condos that would rival those near Central Park. Shows you can not pass judgement by one little section of a huge city. We walked along Embassy Row today and when you get to look at the US Embassy, you are able to see how the well placed politicians of our country live --looks like a HUGE palace. Oh those tax dollars at work.
We are getting accustomed to the South American lifestyle of taking an afternoon siesta for a couple hours, then up and at them again around 8pm, for that is when the city slowly begins to awaken for long hours into the night. So far, having a real nice time.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Old Italy
Now the fun begins, to wit, Cathy wants to explore the early settlement of BA, which is call "La Boka", settle by the Italians in the 1500s. We were told that the middle class had abandoned this area for more upscale surroundings---an understatement perhaps. In any event following my better half on foot and soon found ourselves on streets closely akin to Harlem (without the black faces)---easy to see why the upper class has moved to better digs. Even though it looked pretty shady in places, no one bothered us and we located a great Italian Rest. for lunch (and anoth cold beer)--temp down her is in the 80s and dry.
This old section is like many cities, not too impressive (some impressive architecture), but mostly a working mans neighborhood.
One thing has come true--I was told that one could close your eyes then open them and from the surroundings one might think they were in Paris---True, true--I have been side stepping dog shit on the side walk all day--just like Paris.
Everyone we have met has been very helpful and kind to us so I only have good things to say about the people----
It is about 8PM and we are waiting to be pucked up by our two friends who live here in BA, and expect to have a great evening catching up, as I am sure they will take us someplace for a great meal, drinks and a Tango show. More to follow.
This old section is like many cities, not too impressive (some impressive architecture), but mostly a working mans neighborhood.
One thing has come true--I was told that one could close your eyes then open them and from the surroundings one might think they were in Paris---True, true--I have been side stepping dog shit on the side walk all day--just like Paris.
Everyone we have met has been very helpful and kind to us so I only have good things to say about the people----
It is about 8PM and we are waiting to be pucked up by our two friends who live here in BA, and expect to have a great evening catching up, as I am sure they will take us someplace for a great meal, drinks and a Tango show. More to follow.
Travel Day (1st and 2nd Feb 09)
After an early rise and a 2 plus hour drive to Orlando, a flight to Houston, a 6 hour layover, we finally find ourselves in (Thank you Continental) seats 1A and 1B, on our way to Buenos Aries.
A good steak dinner, SEVERAL glasses of wine, a hot fudge sundae (Alan), and a six hour nap we arrived at destination at 11;20 AM (left Houston at 9PM).
After checking in at our little B & B we decided to explore a bit----this turned into a couple subway rides, about 4 beers each (WE WERE REALLY DRY) and about 5 miles walking.
Just beginning to get the feel of the city but now DEAD tired. Back at the B&B and to bed by 8:30 and slept for 12 hours straight.
A good steak dinner, SEVERAL glasses of wine, a hot fudge sundae (Alan), and a six hour nap we arrived at destination at 11;20 AM (left Houston at 9PM).
After checking in at our little B & B we decided to explore a bit----this turned into a couple subway rides, about 4 beers each (WE WERE REALLY DRY) and about 5 miles walking.
Just beginning to get the feel of the city but now DEAD tired. Back at the B&B and to bed by 8:30 and slept for 12 hours straight.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Time is drawing nearer for our journey to South America. Today, the 29th of Jan, and we are running at top speed to put everything in order, including the river property plus numerous rental properties. I want no worries while I am far away. We will finish up with all our projects by Friday night, and cool our heels on Saturday. Plans are to drive a rental car on Sunday to Orlando, catch the 1:20 departure on Continental to Houston, then a flight to Argentina at 9PM arriving in Buenos Aries at 11AM. Updates to follow.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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