10 Days in Buenos Aires: Magellan's 40th Birthday Solo Trip Report
Jun 2nd, 2008, 11:07 AM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
marymarathons - Thanks for your kinds words. I'm sure you'll have a great time in BA, and I hope you post a trip report when you get back.
owlwoman - I know what you mean about Prune - if only I had more room in my carryon, I would have probably bought about 10 more bags myself!
yeadonite - I would say that most of the leather purses I saw were between $60-120 USD. I bought two killer bags at $60 each, and one $100 purse. I also bought a beautiful wallet for my mom that was about $30 US, and two scarves that were about $20 US each. I was in heaven.
owlwoman - I know what you mean about Prune - if only I had more room in my carryon, I would have probably bought about 10 more bags myself!
yeadonite - I would say that most of the leather purses I saw were between $60-120 USD. I bought two killer bags at $60 each, and one $100 purse. I also bought a beautiful wallet for my mom that was about $30 US, and two scarves that were about $20 US each. I was in heaven.
Jun 2nd, 2008, 11:07 AM
#22
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some comments or questions about your report:
1) I believe there is BA no such thing as "a non-smoking building."
2) In a recent thread, I said that the weather was unseasonally warm and it was bound to suddenly get colder than normal.
3) LOVED your "wild black dogs wagged their tales (sic) and jumped all over me, slobbering away, which was one of the best welcomes I got." Of course, you corrected that.
4) About your "the waiter would assume that I had simply paid the bill and tip in full, and then he never came back to the table.", I feel the waiter "misbehaved", to put it mildly. He was supposed to bring back to the table ALL of your change, unless you clearly indicated that it was his tip. Other tourists, beware!
5) Got a HUGE LOL out of the “use one of the potted plants.” episode!
6) About the rude "salesgirl in a leather good store in the Galleria": which "Galleria" do you mean?
7) Got another HUGE LOL out of the “it is ok to touch it?” episode with the old guys (I'm an older guy).
8) What is "Purell"?
All in all, a terrific trip report, one of the best, if not the best I have ever read and, believe me, I have read hundreds, maybe thousands of them.
Stand ready to answer a LOT of questions. I'll do whatever I can to help.
Are you coming back next week or next month? LOL!!!
1) I believe there is BA no such thing as "a non-smoking building."
2) In a recent thread, I said that the weather was unseasonally warm and it was bound to suddenly get colder than normal.
3) LOVED your "wild black dogs wagged their tales (sic) and jumped all over me, slobbering away, which was one of the best welcomes I got." Of course, you corrected that.
4) About your "the waiter would assume that I had simply paid the bill and tip in full, and then he never came back to the table.", I feel the waiter "misbehaved", to put it mildly. He was supposed to bring back to the table ALL of your change, unless you clearly indicated that it was his tip. Other tourists, beware!
5) Got a HUGE LOL out of the “use one of the potted plants.” episode!
6) About the rude "salesgirl in a leather good store in the Galleria": which "Galleria" do you mean?
7) Got another HUGE LOL out of the “it is ok to touch it?” episode with the old guys (I'm an older guy).
8) What is "Purell"?
All in all, a terrific trip report, one of the best, if not the best I have ever read and, believe me, I have read hundreds, maybe thousands of them.
Stand ready to answer a LOT of questions. I'll do whatever I can to help.
Are you coming back next week or next month? LOL!!!
Jun 2nd, 2008, 11:30 AM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi av - thanks so much for your kind comments.
1) Yes, to be fair, both avrooster and Scarlett did warn me about the unseasonably warm weather. But for some reason I wasn't really expecting it to be SO unbearably hot and humid. Coming from San Francisco (where it was cold and foggy), I think I was expecting "warm" as in the high 70's. And I kept checking the weather sites, and I think that's what it said it would be. But it really <i>felt</i> like it was in the 90's in BA to me, especially the second day I was there (I don't know if it actually was, but it sure as heck felt like it! I'm not used to humidity at all.) Also, it's funny, but no matter how many times I check weather websites overall I'm never quite prepared for the actual <i>experience</i> of weather in a certain place (especially in Prague, where I froze my ass off).
4) About the waiter thing, luckily, they never actually walked away with TOO much of my change - maybe just a few pesos more or less than I would have actually given them.
6) I can't remember now what the name of the Galleria was- it was off of Calle Florida near Ave Cordoba (I think), but it wasn't the really pretty historical one. It was more like a huge mall that has this one central location for all the Tax Free paperwork.
8) Purrell is a liquid hand sanitizer that you can use to kill germs. It's good to have in places where you can't wash your hands. I some folks engage in some rather <i>unsavory</i> habits in these Internet cafes, but that's true in any place, not just in BA.
Thanks again for all of your help, av, especially because I think you were one of the first people to persuade me to go there. I hope to return next year!
One thing I didn't mention: I did end up going with the gift recommendations of Havanna alfajores. I must have bought dozens of boxes of those. Also, I tried one of the best alfajores of my entire trip at a nice little cafe on the water in Puerto Madera, not far from Ave. Corrientes. Very, very good stuff!
1) Yes, to be fair, both avrooster and Scarlett did warn me about the unseasonably warm weather. But for some reason I wasn't really expecting it to be SO unbearably hot and humid. Coming from San Francisco (where it was cold and foggy), I think I was expecting "warm" as in the high 70's. And I kept checking the weather sites, and I think that's what it said it would be. But it really <i>felt</i> like it was in the 90's in BA to me, especially the second day I was there (I don't know if it actually was, but it sure as heck felt like it! I'm not used to humidity at all.) Also, it's funny, but no matter how many times I check weather websites overall I'm never quite prepared for the actual <i>experience</i> of weather in a certain place (especially in Prague, where I froze my ass off).
4) About the waiter thing, luckily, they never actually walked away with TOO much of my change - maybe just a few pesos more or less than I would have actually given them.
6) I can't remember now what the name of the Galleria was- it was off of Calle Florida near Ave Cordoba (I think), but it wasn't the really pretty historical one. It was more like a huge mall that has this one central location for all the Tax Free paperwork.
8) Purrell is a liquid hand sanitizer that you can use to kill germs. It's good to have in places where you can't wash your hands. I some folks engage in some rather <i>unsavory</i> habits in these Internet cafes, but that's true in any place, not just in BA.
Thanks again for all of your help, av, especially because I think you were one of the first people to persuade me to go there. I hope to return next year!
One thing I didn't mention: I did end up going with the gift recommendations of Havanna alfajores. I must have bought dozens of boxes of those. Also, I tried one of the best alfajores of my entire trip at a nice little cafe on the water in Puerto Madera, not far from Ave. Corrientes. Very, very good stuff!
Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:50 PM
#24
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great trip report, Magellan. Can you imagine how much greater it might have been if you hadn't gotten sick?! your report also highlights the glory of solo travel. I went with 2 women and I never receive as much attention if I travel with anyone than if I am solo.
I loved Colonia as well and post whenever I can that it is worth an overnight stay. So quaint and cobblestoned and such views! I've even picked out where I would stay next time...
Now on to those flirting tactics as soon as you recover,
I loved Colonia as well and post whenever I can that it is worth an overnight stay. So quaint and cobblestoned and such views! I've even picked out where I would stay next time...
Now on to those flirting tactics as soon as you recover,
Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:19 PM
#25
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great report! I am leaving in 14 days on a solo trip. I can hardly wait. I was glad to hear about Colonia. I haven't read much about it, but I am planning to go there. Any other suggestions for Colonia?
Your report was so great, I'm sure mine won't live up to it.
Your report was so great, I'm sure mine won't live up to it.
Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:32 PM
#26
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
teach2travel: we may yet have with you that forum members' dinner which never happened, among other things because Magellan was "too sick to attend".
In the "BA forum members' dinner" thread you will find instructions about how to find my e-mail, in case you are interested.
In the "BA forum members' dinner" thread you will find instructions about how to find my e-mail, in case you are interested.
Jun 3rd, 2008, 02:23 AM
#28
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
marymarathons: just like teach2 travel, you say you are coming to BA in two weeks.
If you are interested, see two posts higher, my post addressed to teach2travel about the possibility of a forum members' dinner.
If you are interested, see two posts higher, my post addressed to teach2travel about the possibility of a forum members' dinner.
Jun 3rd, 2008, 09:38 AM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ha! Thanks ncounty - Yes, I'm rereading all the flirting tips now, and hope to use them this week 
Thanks susanna - I hope you have a great time on your trip too!
teach2travel: For me, Colonia was so great because my nerves were a bit frazzled from the city. There wasn't a TON of stuff to do there - After visiting the historical sites and wandering (which took about 3 hours tops) I was mostly content to sit and just watch the sun on the water and sip my tea. I know that a lot of people I met stayed the day in Colonia, then spent the night and then took a bus to Montevido, where they then also spent the night. I wish I had done that. If you go on to the Buquebus web site, you'll see a bunch of different options for combination ferry/bus deal:
http://www.buquebus.com/cache/PuntosDeVentaENG.html
I printed out pages from the web site for the day I wanted to go, and the package I wanted, and then went to the Buquebus office in Recoleta. Remember to bring a copy of your passport with you to the office when you buy the ticket, and remember to bring your real passport when you go to Uruguay.
Have fun!
Thanks susanna - I hope you have a great time on your trip too!
teach2travel: For me, Colonia was so great because my nerves were a bit frazzled from the city. There wasn't a TON of stuff to do there - After visiting the historical sites and wandering (which took about 3 hours tops) I was mostly content to sit and just watch the sun on the water and sip my tea. I know that a lot of people I met stayed the day in Colonia, then spent the night and then took a bus to Montevido, where they then also spent the night. I wish I had done that. If you go on to the Buquebus web site, you'll see a bunch of different options for combination ferry/bus deal:
http://www.buquebus.com/cache/PuntosDeVentaENG.html
I printed out pages from the web site for the day I wanted to go, and the package I wanted, and then went to the Buquebus office in Recoleta. Remember to bring a copy of your passport with you to the office when you buy the ticket, and remember to bring your real passport when you go to Uruguay.
Have fun!
Jun 3rd, 2008, 12:42 PM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to print this out and sit down for a nice read...
I am SO sorry you got sick.
Gallerias Pacifico..it is a beautiful old building and I cannot stand that area lol Too crowded, Florida street makes me twitch and I really prefer shopping in shops on streets in neighborhoods.
But Patio Bullrich and Paseo Alcorte are nicer if you want to do the Mall thing..which is done verrry nicely there.
It is now cold..come back...
Now I am going to read every little bit of this- you are a doll for writing it all, sick and everything, you poor sweet thing...cool hand to your fevered little brow ...
I am SO sorry you got sick.
Gallerias Pacifico..it is a beautiful old building and I cannot stand that area lol Too crowded, Florida street makes me twitch and I really prefer shopping in shops on streets in neighborhoods.
But Patio Bullrich and Paseo Alcorte are nicer if you want to do the Mall thing..which is done verrry nicely there.
It is now cold..come back...
Now I am going to read every little bit of this- you are a doll for writing it all, sick and everything, you poor sweet thing...cool hand to your fevered little brow ...
Jun 3rd, 2008, 01:28 PM
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This has got to be one of the best Trip Reports I have read yet!!
So well done! The details!!
I just enjoyed it so much, I read it aloud to my husband, we like to hear what other people say about these things, nodding our heads in agreement, laughing at others..it was a splendid read and I am sorry it is over.
So I think you need to plan to come here in November.. Pre-summer..warm and everything is blooming.. no germs.
Really, they don't have germs here in November!
I so want you to be able to come back and feel good and enjoy it all even more.
And to buy more bags...Prune is just the beginning ~
Did you not think that overall, the men here are just good-looking? Even the old guys lol They all have something about them that is very appealing, even if you are only looking~
And they are gentlemanly..this counts a lot in my book..
Next time you are here, we will share a cortado at my own secret little cafe here in Recoleta.. and Pup can show you his favorite park with the best views in Recoleta ((&)
Muchas gracias for posting this, it is just Perfecto!
Suerte! Scarlett
So well done! The details!!
I just enjoyed it so much, I read it aloud to my husband, we like to hear what other people say about these things, nodding our heads in agreement, laughing at others..it was a splendid read and I am sorry it is over.
So I think you need to plan to come here in November.. Pre-summer..warm and everything is blooming.. no germs.
Really, they don't have germs here in November!
I so want you to be able to come back and feel good and enjoy it all even more.
And to buy more bags...Prune is just the beginning ~
Did you not think that overall, the men here are just good-looking? Even the old guys lol They all have something about them that is very appealing, even if you are only looking~
And they are gentlemanly..this counts a lot in my book..
Next time you are here, we will share a cortado at my own secret little cafe here in Recoleta.. and Pup can show you his favorite park with the best views in Recoleta ((&
)Muchas gracias for posting this, it is just Perfecto!
Suerte! Scarlett
Jun 4th, 2008, 04:54 PM
#34
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Magellasn, just wanted to say thanks again for all the specific details and tips, I have copied & pasted much in my 'argentina' file I have going. Really appreciate your comments on traveling solo, have done Europe & parts of Central America solo but BA has me a little timid, nice to hear the reassuring words.
Sounds like Prune is my kinda place! And I will be staying in Recoleta so maybe I will swing by El Sanjuanino & indulge in some flirting as well.
I've been debating a day trip to Colonia, so good to hear your thoughts on it. Would you say the time you spent was just enough, or would you have preferred more or less? Did you exchange money prior to the ferry or in Colonia?
Thanks again and hope you are feeling much, much better now.
Sounds like Prune is my kinda place! And I will be staying in Recoleta so maybe I will swing by El Sanjuanino & indulge in some flirting as well.
I've been debating a day trip to Colonia, so good to hear your thoughts on it. Would you say the time you spent was just enough, or would you have preferred more or less? Did you exchange money prior to the ferry or in Colonia?
Thanks again and hope you are feeling much, much better now.
Jun 5th, 2008, 08:40 AM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Scarlett - Thanks for your sweet post. I'm still (unbelievably!) sick, but am getting better. Yes, the men were wonderful - very gallant. When I come back, I'll be sure to take you up on that Recoleta cafe offer - Thanks!
Tully - To answer your question, on the one hand, a day trip to Colonia (leaving BA at 11:30, returning from Colonia at 5:30) was just the right amount of time. The guy at Buquebus said that's what the majority of people do. My advice is to do it on a weekday if you can, because the weekends are horribly crowded. I would have liked to have spent more time in Uruguay and would have liked to have continued on to Montevido, like I said, but overall, I think the day trip was more than enough time to see everything in Colonia itself.
Regarding your question about money, I did not exchange money. It just so happened that all of the places that I went to in Colonia accepted Argentine Pesos or my credit card, so I didn't bother exchanging money. If I had actually needed the local currency, however, I would have just used the ATM machine. Have a great time!
Tully - To answer your question, on the one hand, a day trip to Colonia (leaving BA at 11:30, returning from Colonia at 5:30) was just the right amount of time. The guy at Buquebus said that's what the majority of people do. My advice is to do it on a weekday if you can, because the weekends are horribly crowded. I would have liked to have spent more time in Uruguay and would have liked to have continued on to Montevido, like I said, but overall, I think the day trip was more than enough time to see everything in Colonia itself.
Regarding your question about money, I did not exchange money. It just so happened that all of the places that I went to in Colonia accepted Argentine Pesos or my credit card, so I didn't bother exchanging money. If I had actually needed the local currency, however, I would have just used the ATM machine. Have a great time!
Jun 5th, 2008, 09:03 AM
#36
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also cannot believe you are still sick!
"that woman with the ashen face next to me on the bus who looked like she was going to keel over right then and there" really got you!
More seriously, I assume you have taken tests, to see what is or was wrong with you.
See you next time you come to BA, but DO try NOT to sit next to people who are sick!
"that woman with the ashen face next to me on the bus who looked like she was going to keel over right then and there" really got you!
More seriously, I assume you have taken tests, to see what is or was wrong with you.
See you next time you come to BA, but DO try NOT to sit next to people who are sick!
Jun 5th, 2008, 03:14 PM
#37
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Magellan_5, thank you for this trip report! It's very informative, as well as being fun reading. I'm going to Argentina for the first time in September and will be taking advantage of some of your suggestions.
I do hope you're feeling better--recovered, even!--very, very soon!
Cindy
I do hope you're feeling better--recovered, even!--very, very soon!
Cindy
Jun 6th, 2008, 01:27 PM
#40
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
avrooster
Thank you for the invitation to a forum members dinner! It would be wonderful to meet you and other forum members. I believe the world famous dr dawggy will arrive in BA on the same day as me and my family- June 21. I wonder if he will join in on the forum dinner?
I will send you an email.
Mary
Thank you for the invitation to a forum members dinner! It would be wonderful to meet you and other forum members. I believe the world famous dr dawggy will arrive in BA on the same day as me and my family- June 21. I wonder if he will join in on the forum dinner?
I will send you an email.
Mary
