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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.