Back from BA and Iguazu Falls
 

My wife and I have just returned from 2 weeks in Argentina. We had a great time in the big old city of Buenos Aires and enjoyed the overnight trip to the fabulous Iguazu Falls (although part of two days was hardly enough time to take in all the waterfalls).

We recommend Argentina to North Americans wishing to visit a country not overrun by tourists. Their low peso means an inexpensive holiday (except for the cost of getting there). We found the 'portinos' to be very friendly people (even if we did sometimes have trouble between our English and their Spanish).

Our holiday was planned by Cintia Stella of WowArgentina. We cannot say enough about the help she gave us. We received personal attention at reasonable rates. It was a real confort to us rather timid older folks to know we had an English speaking person who really cared for us, that we could call on at any time. We highly recommend her to any visiters to Argentina.

While there is quite a bit of talk about BA being unsafe, we didn't hesitate to go for walks in the evenings, around our hotel (The Argenta Tower, which we were very pleased with)in El Centro.

I did have one experience. While walking alone in the Plaza by the Colon Theatre, I was sprayed with 'bird droppings'. A very nice couple offered to help me clean off, and tried to intice me down some secluded steps. When I refused, they became quite insistant and I had to raise a ruckus to get rid of them!
By coincidence, the next morning, we both took the subway to San Telmo (10? km away). On exiting to the street we were both liberally sprayed by the SAME couple. Revenge? While temporarilly upset, we later considered it just another adventure.
My recommendation? Just use reasonable caution.

In conclusion, we suggest a visit to Argentina. We saw a lot of BA, but very little of the rest of the country. Maybe someday we will go back?

I forgot to mention that I posted to the Internet a gallery of some of the pictures we took on this holiday.

It is at http://members.shaw.ca/bound4sa/

We recently came back from Brazil and my one regret was not having the time to see the Iguacu Falls. Still it gives a good excuse to return!

Thanks much for posting the pics....they are great!! You certainly appear to have had great weather...

Best wishes, Dave

Letsgosee-
How much time did you spend in Iguazu Falls and how did you get there? Did you stay at the Sheraton? I will be there in BA in January and want to spend an overnight at the falls. That's all the time I will have so I want to make the most of it. Any suggestions?

Dear Letsgosee,
I had the same "bird dropping" experience in Antigua, Guatemala during Semana Santa in a crowded church. Evidentally it is a very well known Latin American scam. I had traveled to Antigua 6 times during this season over a period of years and never had any bad experiences. The woman was very well dressed and soft spoken and offered to help me clean myself. Naturally, she just happened to have a handbag full of paper towels and tissues. I had gone to the tourist office on another issue and just happened to mention this. They were very well acquainted with the scam and her.
I am going to Buenor Aires, etc. in November and am looking forward to it.
Judy

Letsgosee:

Thank you for posting your photos! Did you arrange your trip from BA to Iguazu Falls or did Cintia? I am interested in traveling to BA in the fall and would like to make a trip to see the Falls but my traveling companion is uninterested in going there. In your opinion (or if anyone else could comment), would such a trip be safe for a woman traveling alone?

letsgosee, thanks for posting your pics, I enjoyed them very much.

Hi letsgosee, thank you for your report and beautiful pictures...enjoy them a lot. I am right here in Montevideo and Buenos Aires
(comuting between both, with a daughter in each city and lots of grandchildren too)
I am delighted that you were able to smart out the despicable characters that used the
bird droppings , good for you, ....
Lovely pictures, ....

Sorry to deviate from this post, but GraziellaB, would you know if it's worthwhile shopping in BA for home furnishing and get them shipped to florida? I've seen some nice made in Argentina leather furniture on the internet. Grateful for any feedback.

Im confused, Is this scam you are refferring to "bird droppings" supposed to get a tip out of you for them helping to clean you off? Or were they trying to lure you into an ally to rob you? Please enlighten me. If anyone knows please reply.

The Bird Dropping (works with mustard too) scam works like this....

You are squirted and hustled off to an alley, where several "nice" locals help clean you up.....while you are distracted, one of the nice locals lifts your wallet.

You are cleaned out as well as up!

When squirted....talk loudly and move away from the people trying to help you. Better yet, start yelling thief and point your finger at them. Never, never, go into an alley.

In BA this type of scam is found in popular tourist destinations such as La Boca, and in downtown.