Author: stardancer
Date: 08/14/2007, 09:57 am
Hi!

Tried posting yesterday & again today but cannot find my post, so here it is a 3rd time, but with some MORE questions!

This really is last minute, but I only just learned that I will be going to BsAs this weekend (leaving NYC on Saturday 8/18)!
I still do not even know the name of my hotel yet, although I believe it will be somewhere in Microcenter.

Although I will be going with a small group organized by my tango teacher, I am a rather independent woman & so I think I will forego much of the group activities to go off exploring & taking photos by myself. (I would ask her but she is unreachable even by cell phone for a few days)

Because I am a petite woman who speaks no Spanish & has never been to South America, much of the discussion on the boards re crime in BsAs has me a bit worried!? Do you think my camera, etc will target me as a victim?

Am a bit worried re the camera thing: I only have a regular film camera, a fair size, which I usually keep in a small bag (w/extra film & small tripod) hung around my neck till ready to use. I don't really have time/$ to buy/learn to use a small digital one. What if I keep the camera bag strapped under my jacket unless in use during the day, then keep the small camera strap on my wrist while taking photos? What do you suggest?

What about travelling alone at night?

Also, before Antiques Roadshow helped drive the prices through the roof at the flea markets here in NYC, I scouted out antique clothing here on the cheap.
Does anyone know of any shops or markets where I might find dresses, etc from the 1920's or '30s, in relatively good condition but cheap? I have heard about the Sunday flea market in SanTelmo & know there are other ferias around, but as I will only have one weekend (arrive BsAs Sun 8/19, leave Thurs 8/30)& do not know the city, if anyone could tell me which would be the best (if any) source for such things, or knows of any such shops, please let me know the shop/market, days/times, location & any suggestions re bargaining or not (for an obvious tourist who speaks no spanish) to get a good price (I am a performer & starving artist so expensive is not for me!)


Also, exactly how cold is it there now? Do you think a waist-length, light down jacket with a sweater will be enough? What kind of clothing should I bring for exploring during the days & also for the milongas at night? (To be comfortable & stylish but not make me a target)

Is it true that the milongas are warm? This would be good as I really only have summer-type things to take with me (spaghetti strap Ts & ankle-length silk wrap skirts)-- Would this be appropriate?
(I tried a quick shopping trip yesterday & failed to find anything; have no more time to waste on this)
If so, I thought I could just layer up on the way; I assume there are lowcost coat checks at the milongas?

I have heard that there is No Smoking now in BsAs (none here in NYC-Yay!)....Is this everywhere? Enforced?

Also, how safe are bags, shoes, etc left at table while dancing?

Is property, etc, generally safe in my hotel room?

Also I need to buy some Pesos, have heard never to carry bills larger than AR20s as there is problem with change, forgeries, etc???

What do you suggest?

Also besides Tango, Food, & Shopping, what do you think are not to be missed activities in the city? (no sports please!) Anywhere a non-spanish-speaking non-touristy tourist can enjoy something special but authentic? (eg- i have heard there is a folk dance called chacarearra?)

Finally, I am a fairly good dancer-- not showy but a smooth follower; will people ask me to dance even though I am new to BsAs & speak no Spanish?

I hope someone will be able to answer soon.
Again I apologize for all the questions & the necessary rush & will be most grateful for any information anyone can provide ASAP!
Thanks!

stardancer

stardancer: click on your screen name and you'll find all your posts. This is the first reply you have. I don't have time for a proper answer now. I'll see what I can do later.

stardancer:
I see you have received some good input on tripadvisor.com
Trying to answer some of your questions:
I'm a local, so I'm here. LOL!!
Property is safe, in your hotel room safe.
Change your dollar bills at the Banco de la Nación's branch, at the airport. You also have ATMs there. Do NOT change at a place called "Global Enchange" and do NOT accept less than between 3,10 and 3,13 pesos for each dollar you sell. You MAY get a little more. Ask the bank for change, but that COULD be a problem.
NEVER pay a cab with a large bill. Keep plenty of 10s and 20s, or smaller. If returning alone to your hotel at night, have a radio taxi or a "remise" (a car with a driver, but without a meter) CALLED for you, from wherever you are.
You'll have a great time in our town.

Adding to my taxi and "remise" advice, you can also ask them beforehand for an estimate of the cost of the trip.

Thank you for reading and acknowledging these replies.

Regarding antiques and the San Telmo flea market: I went to BsAs last summer with a friend who is a veteran antiquer, and both of us frequent the Chelsea flea market when we're in New York. The San Telmo market was lots of fun, but there were NO bargains in antiques (and I speak fluent Spanish). The sellers there know what they have. My friend laughingly said she should have brought some of her New York finds to Argentina to sell at a profit!

We did find cute tops, purses, etc. at a local designers' market there. It is in a warehouse type place and sort of behind and in one corner of the San Telmo market. Maybe someone else can be more specific.

Also, my watch was stolen (off my arm) while in BsAs, so be careful. This happened in Palermo, not San Telmo. Don't let this scare you off, though. Palermo has a lot of cute and funky clothes stores.

There actually seemed to be better security at the flea market than just about anywhere.

I loved the MALBA (modern art museum). Very interesting collection, and not overwhelmingly big. Also Recoleta Cemetery should not be missed. Buy a guidebook before you go, get a map when you get there, and just set out walking. And if you get tired, cabs are really cheap.

Check the weather report just before you leave. BsAs is about the same latitude as Dallas--usually doesn't get terribly cold, and last year it was not cold at all at this time. This year has been much colder, though.

BsAs is not "dangerous" but picket pocketing and theft is common as is in any big city. Also be careful of fake money - that is a big problem for tourist. Fake money is thicker and usually clean, unwrinkled...basically looks brand new. Taxi drivers are notorious for giving back fake money. Real bills are thinner and tattered usually.

I wouldn't recommend women walking alone at night anywhere really unless you're in a busy well lit area.

Have fun.

Stardancer, take normal precautions that you would in any big city. BA is wonderful and the people are kind and usually can speak English. I'm jealous.

When should we expect you here?

The previous post was addressed to SharonG. LOL!!

Avrooster, I wondered if you meant me. I don't know when I'll be back. Sigh. I'm hoping Scarlett will offer a blank invitation to all her fans but my hopes grow dim. I was just looking at some pictures from my trip and apparently I was absolutely enchanted with my bathroom at the Four Seasons! Seriously, this year is devoted to US travel to see family members who are producing offspring at an alarming rate and all seem to need to see Aunt Sharon. Maybe next year????

Try to make it EARLY next year, to keep our hopes high, Aunt Sharon! LOL!!

Meanwhile, stardancer is leaving tonight, without (so far) acknowledging the input she got here.

LOL, Sharon, I am here with much thanks to you, all that encouragement and those good shopping stories If I had a home to share at the moment, it would be yours..but we have to wait a wee bit longer for the workers to finish their magic.
Stay at my little hotel the ArtSuites and come whenever you can..we will walk Pup and eat sweets and shop...
Next year sounds good, by then I might even be able to be understood by everyone

Scarlett, that sounds wonderful. I'm glad I had some small part in your move since I'm now living vicariously through you. Watch out, I might just see you there soon.

Bingo! Aunt Sharon said SOON!