Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, we ended up loving. I say ended up because at first the air pollution, traffic and noise downtown can be a turn off. But don´t let it´s city facade fool you. The people are amazing - very genuine, very open and very friendly. We literally had 4 or 5 long conversations with strangers turned friends. All totally willing to share their opinion of anything, and at length. We loved it, because it meant they shared a lot of insight on their experiences, their country- the good and the bad.

Argentina just went through a bad economic crisis in 2001, so it was really interesting to hear their perspective on ¨bad times.¨ In 2001, their crash was so bad, their currency went on hold completely. Andres, one friend we made outside a bar at 2am hanging out, shared with us how he remembered thinking it so odd that his paycheck was just like any other piece of paper - worthless. The turmoil and instability of their political and economic situation has created an Argentinian people with very thick skin and a very well grounded attitude. They realize how this is just how it is, not much they can do to greatly change what they´re dealt.

Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/jenniferhlavac/BuenosAires#

Highlights of BA

* Futbol Game - went to a River Platte game, one of the two famous BA teams (Boca is their big rival.) The fans are cra-zeeee passionate about their team. At the end of each home game, they lock their fans into the stadium and have the opponents fans clear out and get a 5 minute head start before they let anyone leave.

* Los Girasoles, Camino Abierto Foundation (1 hr outside BA), An organic garden and farm and restaurant plus home to 12 at risk boys. Fabulous concept - they host an amazing, organic Sunday lunch, serving food that all comes from the farm and the proceeds all go back to the farm and care for the boys.

* Tigre - Delta that serves at a water playground for Portenos on weekends and holidays. Our friend Marcelo was kind enough to take us for an amzing day on the water and the best steak lunch we had! (see photos, one steak is as big as my head.)

* Steak - we ate lots of Asado (grilled steak) here, the hype is right on, its unreal and cheap!! And their fries, best I´ve ever had. We typically spent between $30-$40 on a really excellent meal. Favorite Parillas - Miranda, Don Julio, Bar Uriarte (all in Palermo SoHo)

* Malba - BA´s modern art museum is excellent, newly built modern spot with very chic lunch area on the park

Oh, lastly McLure is acclamating quickly to the Argentine ways. He´s purchased the setup to make Mate (traditional tea they drink here all day) and he is digging it. His Spanish is also improving daily, especially with the constant caffeine high. :)