Is Argentina for me.... or is Buenos Aires for me...

I thought spending a portion of my afternoon writing about my present location would be a good way to spend a nippy (cold) afternoon with a nice bug cup of coffee in front of me as I listen to classical music. Hmmmm..

Oh my God no, my day did not start as fabulous...first of all it is Sunday. I had not gotten a wink of sleep last night because a condo owner decided to have a party that started from 11pm and lasted until 6:30am (the last person to take the elevator down). So between trying to get some sleep and my several trips to the bathroom (since I cannot sleep) it was a long night. The noise was non-stop. Let us see, there were talking at first, then some yelling followed by a lot of giggling and laughing, some doors slamming, toilet flushing, more people coming in (elevator and front door), then there were a few cases of dropped items on the floor (the party was at the floor above mine) and then some crying and yelling again. The TV was turned on at one point, then some jumping and roaring yelps whilst the TV was playing. Oh oh oh, there was some running around chasing someone around the room...boy, I am not sure how my neighbors can handle all this but I know a few people on my floor that did not get any sleep. But what are you to do?

Sometimes this place is quite as a cemetery...and then when it gets loud - it is just plain HADES!

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and I have been to several places around the world but I was never with people living in the same building making these much racket! I had loud neighbors yes, but to have a party until 6:30am, I mean I would have called the police if I was anywhere else but here. There is too much inconsiderate people in this building! There I said it!!

And they are not the owners that make the noise, I know that but their inconsiderate GUESTs from HADES!

So I sit here quietly listening to the humming of the heater, the nice music playing in the background, and the occassional passing by of a nice roaring Harley motorcycle or a BMW and I think to myself that as long as I pretend that all the noise does not bother me - these noise and these people - I am fine. They do not touch me, I will not touch them. They do not respect me and my time to sleep then...well...

I have done a lot of thinking last night and I think Buenos Aires is a place that will take a longer time to like. I am not from here and I am here just because "R" still wants me here. Argentina is full of wonderful things and wonderful people, I know that, it just so darn hard to fathom why all the noisy people live in my building - jajajaja...

I am not sure yet if Argentina is for me or if Buenos Aires is for me...I have to give it some more time to make that declaration. But in the meantime, let me crank up the volume of my radio and then walk heavily on the floor and slam some doors and just be plain nasty - you know when in Rome do as the ...

No, just kidding!

The noise revelers are animals I know that - I am more refined than that - I play a different game and I will not sink to their rat level. The last laugh is still mine - and let me tell you -it feels and sounds so good.

Oh BTW, there was this blog about a person who does not like to be greeted HI or Hello on the streets by the foreigners in that person's said neighborhood - and I thought - how sad. But like "R" always said - it shows that person has a problem and I say HOW TRUE, HOW TRUE.

And for those people wondering if they should come to Argentina, Buenos Aires - they should wonder no more and pack those bags, update those visas but just make sure not to give up your apartment lease from your point of origin. One day it will occur to you that it is always a good feeling to know that you can step away from this place to regain some REALITY and make a mental check and take that vacation where you last remembered having a great time.

But by all means come and come with loads of money, time and patience.

Today BsAs tomorrow Paris...and we keep the world tourism going..

Let the good times roll...

10 things you do not want your guy to say to you...

I think that guys who talk to their girlfriends are great. It is wonderful to keep that line of communication open. It is also good that gals know what is up ahead when a guy starts his sentences with the following line...
1) Well, actually we need to talk.... - this is how most guys start the break up if I have ever heard of one. You the gal starts the conversation going and you direct it towards where you think the relationship should be headed and then he throws this in...just hold on it could be a very bumpy ride.
2) It is not you it is me....- this equals to a girl saying "I just think we should be friends". A guy would never say something is wrong with him unless he just does not want to be in this relationship anymore (with you). The crying should probably start around the ..It is not...
3) We are just not in the same page...WOW! this is a doozy. A guy loves to spread his wild oats and just when a girl starts to get comfortable - BAM!
4) Give me sometime to consider your request for a key to my place - self explanatory.
5) There are no more drawer space to spare - let me translate this nicely - it means I AM NOT WILLING TO TAKE OUT MY BOXERS OUT OF THE DRAWER FOR YOU .
6) My mother thinks you are just a rebound girlfriend - OUCH! Now, when you hear this, run fast and head for the hills. When he pulls the Mama card, you have no way to trump that one ever.
7) I am not sure why everyone is getting married, haven't they heard of long engagements? - Now there are 2 ways of looking at this. NOT! It means the guy just does not look at tan-tan-tadan - as a life decision he will make with you.
8) It looks the same to me - he uses this frequently as a response to any of your questions to give a non-committed response to anything you ask him that will require some thinking and god forbid had to make a choice.
9) Honey, look at those racks - and he is not referring to ribs or shelves. Rude, I say.
Last and not the least, the last thing you want a guy to say to you....
10) I need some space....This is a gals line and when a guy uses it...he is saying the ride has been good but he is getting off at the next stop.
Ciao.

The recent wave of crimes in Buenos Aires...

I do not know about y'all but lately I have been hugging my purse closer to my person and have at a couple of times opted not to take a purse with me when I left the house - something unheard of when I am in any other parts of the world - only in BsAs. I thought it prudent to not wear any jewelry when going out- not even a plastic pair of earrings, nothing! Again, unheard of if I was in any other parts of the world but BsAs.

The shootings and robberies in and around town have been hitting the news more than the desabastecimientos or the government vs. el campos or the fuel shortage...the deaths are just so brutal and so violent.

I used to feel safe in Buenos Aires but those days are gone. I have to have my street smarts and wits with me at all times and radar 100% functioning when I am outside of the house. I promise never to let my guard down as soon as I step out that door.

I have felt some prying eyes have checked out my small place but as long as they stay outside and on the otherside of that door, I am fine.

I like to be able to walk the streets of this nice neighborhood at night but no more. It is just not safe anymore. There were cops at both street corners that borders my side of the street but sometimes they are not there - and that is the time that I worry the most.

Years ago when my "R" and I came to BsAs, I did not feel any threat of walking the streets at night. But now with the shooting of a business right in front of his house or stories of home invasions featured in the news - I am not sure how safe I would feel anymore. Of course, my perception has changed about safety and BsAs. The fact that each of these crimes involved shooting a firearm tells me that gun owning (legal or not) is rampant than what the people of this place is made to believe. I am not sure if the substance they call "paco" has something to do with this. I have read somewhere that the use of this poor man's heroin o cocaine is prevalent everywhere in the country.

There are crimes in major cities of the world, but I am not in those places of the world, I am in Argentina and I am in Buenos Aires - that is what worries me.

I would love to live and carry on with life as if none of these exists but they do, so the best I can do I guess is be smart about it when I get out of the house.

Be prepared. Just as they taught me in Girl Scout years ago.

It is not a nice feeling but it is the times - people prey on people. Not a good humanely thing to do but presence of violence in our lives is a fact and we just prepare the best we can and hope that each day we survive with as much joy as possible.

We cannot worry about something happening to us, otherwise we are paralyzed with that fear and life full of fear about "what might happen" is life not as fulfilling and fun.

I am thinking I am just going to talk to my "R" about what I want to be done should something bad happen to me while I am in Argentina. And as macabre as it sounds, it is part of being prepared.

I will get out and enjoy the nice sunny day out there, I hope you do the same.

Ciao.

When is your Porteno not really a Porteno...

So far I have been seeing, listening and watching all kinds of Portenos. No, I am not in the prowl for anyone else - I have my very own Porteno but thank you for asking.. Going back to the topic...I watched and have heard conversations on public streets between gals and guys that are from Buenos Aires (thus Portenos); the most interesting thing is that when two Portenos talk to each other you learn a little bit about what makes them stand out amongst all the other guys I have watched, heard and listened to - and thought I should write about how MY PORTENO is not REALLY that much of a Porteno besides the fact that he comes from Buenos Aires. And that is about it! I am sure I will hear from him, once he sees this post - and I will tell you if my observations gets the nod or the shaking of the head :-)

When is your Porteno not REALLY a Porteno:

1) He does not use the word Che or Maestro to refer to and while talking to others; though he thought "La Piba" describes me very well.

2) He does not fight with the taxi driver and try to find out who knows the BsAs streets better.

3) He uses his signal lights - always. And stays within and inside the lane, no drifting.

4) He refuses to honk at anytime.

5) He does not use profane language - though he knows them.

6) He prefers for me not to learn or use lunfardo words.

7) He opens the car door for me and never missing to do it every single time. ( I know, "WOW"!)

8) He never likes to raise his voice or argue about anything. He relates better with people who take their turns when talking.

9) He does not drink Mate.

10) He acutally knows the name of various beef cuts, what they are best used for (stew, grilling, stir-fry,etc) and what part of the cow it is from. And he is not a butcher or a vet.

11) He cooks various delicious dishes from scratch.

12) He never liked long hair on men but abhors it more when it is dirty! Yuck!

13) He knows where the best heladeria is within 1 block of any place and he knows which one is best. And likes to get only the best ones.

14) He knows cafecito, cafe doble, etc. are but he is not a coffee person.

15) He knows what a good flan tastes like or what the best dulce de leche is but does not care much for it either.

16) He does not have a favorite futbol team.

17) He expects excellent customer service both from private and public establishments.

18) He knows Buenos Aires has the best leather but prefers to shop for shoes at Nordie's.

19) He is punctual and on time. And is sorely disappointed when others are not.

20) He does not like loud or late night parties.

21) He eats his pizza, empanadas and migas with his fingers.

22) He actually says and admits that he does not know EVERYTHING.

23) He is not shy to ask for directions.

24) He can actually tell a story without waving his hands too much.

25) He loves his work, what he does and never complains about it.

26) He obeys parking laws, tax laws, driving laws and does this even when no on is watching - always.

27) He knows the work and reads Borges and actually have most of his books, if not all.

28) He knows of salsa golf but I have never seen him using it on anything.

29) He loves to shop T n Co. jewelry for me. And gives it without me asking for them... okay so I expect it on certain dates and occassions of the year.. but nevertheless..

30) ...(put you own observation here...)

This list by no means all of it, but I thought I should write these things down before I forget about how MY Porteno is not your usual, run of the mill Porteno. And in a lot of ways, he is who he is and I love him just for that - with sense of humor and a large heart - ALL SWEET - My R.

I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did in writing it.

Ciao.

She was shocked!

It has been very cold here in Buenos Aires the last couple of days. I mean 8degree to 9degrees. Brrrr! So you get to bundle up and drink lots of warm to hot beverages to stay warm. Then there are the fashionable shoes and boots with the sweater, jackets and scarves ( I love so love them!). But most of all the one item that is dominating the news is the farmers strike -3rd time already and so far no agreements in sight. It is a very long and tedious story and sad to say both sides are holding out as long as they can. One party has gotten almost petty to a ridiculous extent, but hey, I do not run the government here so I just sit back and see what transpires. It is sad really how it is dividing the people of Argentina..but on a lighter note, I am in the city and follows the news via the radio.
Funny, how that sounds coming from me, I do not speak the much castellano! But one we go..
So a day or so ago, I was in need of a "white out" aka liquid eraser or a tape like function of such an item. So I am familiar that on this street I live on, has book supply store a block or so away. SO all bundled up and with good walking shoes, I grabbed my keys, some money and my sunglasses - always have sunglasses - I do not recommend wrinkles to anyone. So I got there - they just opened and only one guy buying something while he talks with his wife over the radio-phone (so irritating and loud beeping sound!!) so I said , Perdon - as I tried to walk side ways past him on the aisle. I was assisted by a nice young lady and I told her what I was needing and she gave me that and then went to get an added item on my list - carbonica, I got 2 of those and then I found the tape version of my white out - I got that too, just in case the unknown brand of liquid white out does not work out for me. So I said that was all and I thanked her. I paid and she gave me the receipt and my loot in a bag. I also said - as a habit - que tengas un buen dia - as I turned around and started to walk away - SHE WAS SHOCKED!! - She went to the 2 other girls in the back (having mate) and said - that I said - have a nice day and that she never heard that before. I smiled as I slipped my sunglasses back on and pulled the door on my way out. I smiled some more because I knew she knew that my american-accented castellano gave me away but it was very good to know she first heard the phrase from me.
That made me feel good, and I never thought a cold day like that day would give me something warm and fuzzy to think about. :-)
My "R" would be smiling if he was reading this. I am learning and so far so good.
I miss my "R".
Ciao.

I beg to differ - Part II

So here I am again, tackling a huge topic. Do not get me wrong here by thinking all I am putting on my blog are negative comments because I am not. Read previous posts and I have highlighted positive attributes of Buenos Aires in particular and Argentina as a country in general. But there are still posters and thread contributors in various websites based in Argentina that are sooo in the dark when it comes to what their "paisanos" think and do to this country of theirs.

Oh pulleezze...do not start rolling your eyes and shaking your head thinking - "oh well, here we go again with nother pessimist from a first world country!" Well bud, you got that right but not all of it entirely- so read on...

First of all, for those who have read my previous postings, my "R" is a porteno (local of Buenos Aires) and he means the world to me. I have set foot and have established myself here solely because of him, just him. The country, the city and its eccentricities are are incidentals and unavoidable really. Now that was said...let me tell you what I have seen just this morning on our way to the city.

a) a man who thought the whole country was/is a big ashtray. Flicking his cigarette butt out a moving vehicle - come on!! What is up with that? Is that the meaning of freedom? Doing whatever you feel like it at anytime you feel like doing it - even if it equates to littering. No wonder the dirt and trash are everywhere - think ashtray. Next thing you know he would be spitting out his window as I drive by. Now that is purely gross. Yuck, is right!

b) drifters - people who drive on the white broken lines and swings to the left and cruises to the right and then repeats first part as he pleasures. I mean - has this guy ever used his signal light? It is that control on your steering wheel that indicates direction (lateral) that you will be taking, to warn us idiots of what the heck you could possibly be thinking. Oh well, if you say that you do not even know what you are thinking - we all ready know that; just turn that blinker on once in awhile just to see if it is working, ok? Please? Humor us. Thanks. See how easy that was?

c) Children not on car seats - need I explain this? Children loose inside car, car crashes, child gets thrown out window - you know the rest...

d) Mate while driving - I thought the safety billboard sign says - DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE - I think Mate counts as a drink ( I know so does coke - but there is no gourd passing involved with sipping coke) and have seen some horrible driving outthere involving mate - I mean it is so darn scary that I give out this nervous gaffe.

e) Texters - ay hell-ooo! I mean you can not even do one thing good with two hands (driving) let alone text and drive. Some people really think they can multi-task (in theory they could) but in reality, this is "attempting murder" by texting and "pseudo-driving" at the same time.

f) Cell phone - I know we have covered this in the past - but people should not be on the phone when driving it makes for a deadly mix. Deadly, irresponsible and a total lack of respect of the friver for the safety of their passengers. Drivers may not value his/her life but the last time I checked I have people who love me and are hoping that I make it for yet another day. And next time someone answers their phone while they are driving and causes the accident it could kill YOUR loved one - ever think of that? You know what I mean?

So far that was only yesterday and the thought stopped on my head as we passed by a nasty accident getting into the city this morning. Would not care to speculate what happened or who could have been at fault but it looked bad and admirably enough drivers were pretty good as they passed the accidents. Even giving way to the ambulances and first responders to the accident, that I would commend the people of Buenos Aires.

I am amazed by this city and some very selected people and a small suburb in particular but a city girl that I am I think I look forward to a quiet night under the stars a few nights a week and then when I long for a the noise and zany feel of the city - I will be in the city to get my neon fix.

There, and Ciao.