Where Are We?

Cemetery and creepy cats

BMW 5 Series Hearse

Part of a high end hotel in Ricoletta

A Day in the Park

"Central Park"

For Mom

More Park

Italian Marble Statue

Buenos Aires is the 9th largest city in the world, with a population of 13 million. To us, it feels like New York, with the busy streets, subway, thousands of cabs, a central park, high end shopping, and apartments instead of houses. The difference is that it is cheaper than New York and hardly anyone speaks English!

The city has a real European feel to it, as well. The architecture reflects several influences from Spanish, French and other cities. There is a strong Italian influence as well, and many Italian restaurants to tempt us. We went out for pizza the other night and found a great spot, with dark wood, candles and the windows wide open so we could watch the action on the street. We decided to sit inside and had a large pizza and drinks for $20. We couldn't finish the pizza. It was overloaded with cheese, although tasty, it was way too much for us! Part of the bill referred to either "cutlery" or "covered", which we think meant that we paid extra to sit inside. Hard to say, but at the price, we were not going to question it

We have been spending most of our days walking the various barrios (neighbourhoods) of the city. Our barrio is called Palermo, and we are close to most of the tourist sights, and the other high end barrios. We spent a day in the park, walking the paths and watching families, couples and singles as they enjoyed the "Mothers Day" holiday in the sunshine. It is early spring here, so the 25 degree weather and blue sky brought the people out. They have a huge rose garden in this park, and it will be stunning in a couple of weeks when all of the buds open.

One thing we don't see a lot of here is littering. The streets are clean, and the city has a full force of garbage workers who keep the cans empty. In the evenings, they go through the garbage and split it up for recycling.

We have had no problems navigating the streets with our maps, although Brent is much better at it than I am.

I have made may way twice to my Spanish lesson location, which takes me about 45 minutes to get to by foot/subway combined. I blend in much better by myself without blondie by my side, as there are no fair-haired men wandering around the city. Brent really stands out. (but we already know that!)

I had my first two hour Spanish lesson, one on one, and really enjoyed it. I am learning mostly grammar right now, along with pronouncing letter combinations, numbers, etc. I feel like I am learning how to read all over again, just like grade 8!!!

Brent spent his lesson money on a satchel, which is better for carrying the laptop around in, as well, will make a better carry on bag than our tacky packsack.

After one week, we are settling into our apartment, and love the pace of life.

I am keeping up with my daily physio exercises, and have to watch how far I walk in a day, as that is when the arm gives me the most grief. Pace myself, right Mom?

Anyway, we hope to tour the large graveyard next week, after wandering through it in the rain the other day. It is where the famous are buried, one such person being Eva Perron. All of the tombs are above ground, and have gates on them, some glassed in, some open, and you can see the caskets right there. Very erie. Of course, lots of cats running around, too. Pet Cemetery all over....

By the way, we love to read your comments on our blog (thanks, Tara!) and look forward to seeing them when we open it up- so don't be shy!!!