ryan

The flight landed early – on the bus to the depot to begin our adventure.

The first stop – the underground – set of 10 tickets; then off to find the destination we needed. Platform – found; await train. Train comes in; doors open; surge of people; lady pushes – and I am robbed!

One hour in Argentina’s capital and a petty thief steals my beloved digital camera. Shocked; disappointed; flabbergasted. How to feel? Were we to trust the underground? Maybe – but – not as naïve!

In ridiculous heat; still in our winter garments we hopped road after road to find our B&B – soon realising our map was upside down!

B&B found; we climbed the entry stairwell receiving a warm greeting before being shown our room – next to the reception; in fact four rooms all off the main hall with wafer thin doors and light latches. This made me feel slightly insecure following my mugging! However we were glad to dump our belongings after three days travelling and prepare to get out in the sun in shorts and t-shirts.

First thing about Buenos Aires – the sheer noise – the volume is not as bad as Havana – Cuba – but it is loud. Roads with six lanes; lined by filthy sidewalks, graffitied walls and crumbling abodes: a shock for one of the five new economic powerhouses of the world. After the theft I felt unsafe and worried; this may not be the city – just me.

Within one afternoon of traipsing the streets we had seen the government building and a few other areas. It was all a bit shabby and unappealing that we decided next day to head out to Tigre – the delta.

So far from the architecture and the way Buenos Aires is cared for I have been truly unimpressed – the people however have been warm, welcoming, inviting and hospitable.

Comments (4)

berlinzer 12-06-2011

Sorry things started out on the wrong foot for you there. I'm from the U.S. and LOVE Buenos Aires. It's my favorite place in the world to go and I go there a couple of times each year. I would recommend you just have to be a little careful because there are petty thieves who will pickpocket you and try to steal your shit in crowds. But the guys there are unbelievable if you go to the right places. Check out squirt.org if you're looking to meet some locals. I hope the trip improves.

berlinzer 12-06-2011

By the way, it's usually better to rent an apartment there -- either in Recoleta or Palermo. They're cheap and nice and it's the best way to go.

berlinzer 12-06-2011

By the way, it's usually better to rent an apartment there -- either in Recoleta or Palermo. They're cheap and nice and it's the best way to go.

ryan 14-07-2011

Yes - so we heard - but since we were in the city for just a couple of days we slummed it in great friendly hostels :-)

I still wasn't a fan of BA - but I do have a new video from there coming soon.

You have to Sign up and Login to post comments.