So I write my next blog from the comfort of my 180* flat bed coach...As Chippy the maths extraordinaire will confirm you can't get flatter than 180*!! If you are going to be on a coach for 20 hours you may as well do it in style with duvet, TV and free booze!! National Express could learn a thing or two!
So now after leaving Buenos Aires the city has grown on me even further to the extent that it makes my top 5 cities I could live/work in (as you asked London, Chicago, Cape Town and Sydney make up the list!). Like London it continues to surprise...went for a walk and stumbled past the polo ground (capacity of Div1 footy club) into the racecourse...sitting in the sun nursing a hangover pretending to know what was going on was a great way to pass the time. Next door the local park with numerous roller bladers (that's how they deliver pizza!), skaters etc enjoying Buenos Aires and brought home great memories of Hyde Park...numerous parks/space is something some US cities I feel sometimes lack.
Nursing hangover really means knackered from my 5.30 am finish...still adjusting to this "lets meet for a drink at 11pm" lifestyle! Went to see Fuerzabruta the Argentine show touring in London...better and bigger production in London!
So now after leaving Buenos Aires the city has grown on me even further to the extent that it makes my top 5 cities I could live/work in (as you asked London, Chicago, Cape Town and Sydney make up the list!). Like London it continues to surprise...went for a walk and stumbled past the polo ground (capacity of Div1 footy club) into the racecourse...sitting in the sun nursing a hangover pretending to know what was going on was a great way to pass the time. Next door the local park with numerous roller bladers (that's how they deliver pizza!), skaters etc enjoying Buenos Aires and brought home great memories of Hyde Park...numerous parks/space is something some US cities I feel sometimes lack.
Nursing hangover really means knackered from my 5.30 am finish...still adjusting to this "lets meet for a drink at 11pm" lifestyle! Went to see Fuerzabruta the Argentine show touring in London...better and bigger production in London!
Life in BA...from late night acrobatics shows to the Derby there is always something to entertain you!!
Nothing says empire than Rhodesia biscuits! The local Empanadas...aka Cornish Pasty!! Hmmm Dolce de Leche!! Death by sugar overload!!
Well you will be pleased to know I have passed my Spanish course.. wouldn't say with flying colours but got a certificate so now my favourite phrase is "hable ingles?" which is followed by my hands gesturing a lot! Loads more to learn but at least picking up some vocab...most importantly the numbers!
Yesterday I went to the delightful colonial / smugglers town of Colonia in Uruguay (another country TICK!). Lovely old buildings and cars by the sea and more importantly pick up some USD to fund the next part of my trip. Met a German (blog in German but cool videos) guy on a BMW GS motorbike who I chatted to about his journey from New York..."well jel" as the kids say today!!
You may of noted "pick up some USD" from Uruguay...the Argentina Peso is up the creek without a paddle in sight! The official rate is 6.5 to £1....little did I know but the black market rate is 11.6 even to 13 last week. They love USD here and so no point using CC or ATM. Inflation is at a staggering 20%...my local cafe increased prices by 10% in the time I have been there. Meant going to a local illegal change house...although sounds dodgy when changing $580 you are not exactly Pablo Escobar laundering money!! Meant I also got ARP 6720 not 4160 via cambio!!
You may of noted "pick up some USD" from Uruguay...the Argentina Peso is up the creek without a paddle in sight! The official rate is 6.5 to £1....little did I know but the black market rate is 11.6 even to 13 last week. They love USD here and so no point using CC or ATM. Inflation is at a staggering 20%...my local cafe increased prices by 10% in the time I have been there. Meant going to a local illegal change house...although sounds dodgy when changing $580 you are not exactly Pablo Escobar laundering money!! Meant I also got ARP 6720 not 4160 via cambio!!
All I needed to do was photoshop me into the car for the classic Uruguay shot!! Nice views from the lighthouse but the River Plate estuary was not inviting.
Few things noticed about South American living:
- why do people clap when the plane lands? It's their job!! Wish I got round of applause every time I got some accounts signed!
- TV presenters are hot!! Not like Loose Women...gets my attention even when I don't understand them!
- remember those coin holders around the neck as a kid??? Well they have them here if anyone needs a replacement...thought they went out in the 90's with bumbags (note my dad still uses his!) but apparently not down here!
- cracking meat here. Even the supermarkets sell whole cows! Last night steak with cow throat starters at Don Julio was top notch especially with the 2007 Malbec being quaffed! All for $50 (a lot of wine!) long may it continue!
- why do people clap when the plane lands? It's their job!! Wish I got round of applause every time I got some accounts signed!
- TV presenters are hot!! Not like Loose Women...gets my attention even when I don't understand them!
- remember those coin holders around the neck as a kid??? Well they have them here if anyone needs a replacement...thought they went out in the 90's with bumbags (note my dad still uses his!) but apparently not down here!
- cracking meat here. Even the supermarkets sell whole cows! Last night steak with cow throat starters at Don Julio was top notch especially with the 2007 Malbec being quaffed! All for $50 (a lot of wine!) long may it continue!
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