Buenos Aires for seniors?
Oct 19th, 2009, 03:53 PM
#21
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Dear Avrooster,
Actually, I did phone the owner and left a message on his answering machine; his phone had a Philly area code. He phoned back from Argentina.
I am amazed about you being so observant and sometimes think you can read my mind. Never mind that. It is just that you care, am sure. We all appreciate your help.
Actually, I did phone the owner and left a message on his answering machine; his phone had a Philly area code. He phoned back from Argentina.
I am amazed about you being so observant and sometimes think you can read my mind. Never mind that. It is just that you care, am sure. We all appreciate your help.
Oct 19th, 2009, 03:56 PM
#22
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Remember you will be in Buenos Aires and other regions during the "high season" and that apartment rentals will cost more than in "low season."
Along with the sources which have been given already, I'd suggest another agency for apartment rental; try www.bairesapartments.com.
You select the area , and I'd highly recommend Recoleta since it is closer to the City Center and quite safe. I've stayed in this area twice and near the Micro Center once.
At the time as well as now, Martin was in charge. He spoke and wrote English, so I had no difficulty language-wise. The owner of the apartment spoke a little English, but she and I communicated rather well with each. I just spoke slowly (at a nice tempo).
If you are interested in looking at this specific apartment-- send me an email at [email protected]; I'll find it in "my favorites" and send the specific address to you. The place was attractive and comfortable and located in an area near museums, a variety of restaurants. cleaners. supermarket, etc...............
In conjuction with language-- learn the South American Spanish words, not the Mexican. There's a difference.
Hire a private or independent guide for a day or two. My guide Marcelo did more than just guide. He procured theater and opera tickets for my friend, and if I wanted to know anything related to everyday manuevering-- he helped there,too. His information is posted at www.circeroneba.com.ar.
As I being a senior, he related well since he's a charming and a concerned 28 year old certified guide. His clients come first with him.
Go to TIGRE for a day; you might want to do a tour for this or do it independently. I've done it both ways. Both times were much fun and enjoyable.
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In terms of Bairesapartments, Martin the manager,sent his representative to the apartment on the day of my arrival; we completed the paper work and financial end; I met the owner, who was a delightful widow, and I was set for my 17 days.
When she returned my deposit, she stated that she'd love to have me stay again based on how well I'd taken care of her property. In another post later-- I'll write the specific one for your perusal if you'd be interested. (I'm not pushing this; I'm merely suggesting based on my personal experience.)
Have a wonderful, wonderful trip for that month which is approaching. Feel free to post about your journey when you return, por favor (please)!
Along with the sources which have been given already, I'd suggest another agency for apartment rental; try www.bairesapartments.com.
You select the area , and I'd highly recommend Recoleta since it is closer to the City Center and quite safe. I've stayed in this area twice and near the Micro Center once.
At the time as well as now, Martin was in charge. He spoke and wrote English, so I had no difficulty language-wise. The owner of the apartment spoke a little English, but she and I communicated rather well with each. I just spoke slowly (at a nice tempo).
If you are interested in looking at this specific apartment-- send me an email at [email protected]; I'll find it in "my favorites" and send the specific address to you. The place was attractive and comfortable and located in an area near museums, a variety of restaurants. cleaners. supermarket, etc...............
In conjuction with language-- learn the South American Spanish words, not the Mexican. There's a difference.
Hire a private or independent guide for a day or two. My guide Marcelo did more than just guide. He procured theater and opera tickets for my friend, and if I wanted to know anything related to everyday manuevering-- he helped there,too. His information is posted at www.circeroneba.com.ar.
As I being a senior, he related well since he's a charming and a concerned 28 year old certified guide. His clients come first with him.
Go to TIGRE for a day; you might want to do a tour for this or do it independently. I've done it both ways. Both times were much fun and enjoyable.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In terms of Bairesapartments, Martin the manager,sent his representative to the apartment on the day of my arrival; we completed the paper work and financial end; I met the owner, who was a delightful widow, and I was set for my 17 days.
When she returned my deposit, she stated that she'd love to have me stay again based on how well I'd taken care of her property. In another post later-- I'll write the specific one for your perusal if you'd be interested. (I'm not pushing this; I'm merely suggesting based on my personal experience.)
Have a wonderful, wonderful trip for that month which is approaching. Feel free to post about your journey when you return, por favor (please)!
Oct 19th, 2009, 04:09 PM
#23
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Steph, I was just telling you about the friends house in Bariloche to let you know about the weather :- )
Guido meets Juncal but I have no idea what that other word is, could it be Talcahuano ? IF that is still Recoleta, it is not that close to the heart of Recoleta.. imo.
It looks like an nice apt though.
I agree with AV, I don't like the location of the other one either. I avoid being anywhere near Florida Street if I can manage it.
Keep looking .. is my advice.
Guido meets Juncal but I have no idea what that other word is, could it be Talcahuano ? IF that is still Recoleta, it is not that close to the heart of Recoleta.. imo.
It looks like an nice apt though.
I agree with AV, I don't like the location of the other one either. I avoid being anywhere near Florida Street if I can manage it.
Keep looking .. is my advice.
Oct 19th, 2009, 05:29 PM
#24
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Well, Stephany, I MAY be able to read some people's minds. Thankfully, you don't seem to mind. Does hubby mind? Just kidding. LOL!!
The owner apparently did NOT give you an exact address, but I like the fact that the flat seems to have a high occupancy rate, even though it is clearly small.
If you related well to the owner, I'd grab it!
The owner apparently did NOT give you an exact address, but I like the fact that the flat seems to have a high occupancy rate, even though it is clearly small.
If you related well to the owner, I'd grab it!
Oct 19th, 2009, 07:13 PM
#25
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'Guido meets Juncal but I have no idea what that other word is, could it be Talcahuano'
Scarlett,
I have no idea. The best I could determine is that Guido becomes another street starting with T.. I was not able to find out where exactly the apartment is. The owner also implied that his assistant may meet us in the apartment. I guess he assumed I speak Spanish? Ha. It was a very quick conversation, he seemed in a hurry so I did not want to ask any more questions. I may e-mail him tomorrow. If I become homeless in Argentina then I’ll move in with AV, am sure his wife wont mind.
There are tons of apartments on the VRBO site but very few owners allow for reviews. And, many do not even post the availability calendar. Have you noticed?
Scarlett,
I have no idea. The best I could determine is that Guido becomes another street starting with T.. I was not able to find out where exactly the apartment is. The owner also implied that his assistant may meet us in the apartment. I guess he assumed I speak Spanish? Ha. It was a very quick conversation, he seemed in a hurry so I did not want to ask any more questions. I may e-mail him tomorrow. If I become homeless in Argentina then I’ll move in with AV, am sure his wife wont mind.
There are tons of apartments on the VRBO site but very few owners allow for reviews. And, many do not even post the availability calendar. Have you noticed?
Oct 20th, 2009, 02:13 AM
#26
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Stephany: "two little old shy (?) people", as you describe yourselves, would most certainly be always welcome in my humble abode, which is 40 miles out of town, however.
The "T" certainly stands for "Talcahuano". Guido/Talcahuano and Juncal is a quite busy corner (lots of buses along Juncal), but, if the reviews are true, the apartment is quiet, probably because, as the pictures suggest, it is on a high floor and most likely does NOT face the street. I was born a block and a half from that corner, "only" 69 years ago.
For further info, perhaps you could phone one of the reviewers, who posts his phone: 03/31/09 George and Sarah, Naples, Florida.
The owner's assistant certainly speaks English, or else would be unable to carry out her (his?) job.
I'll e-mail you a map of the area, pointing out the exact (?) location of the apartment, if you wish.
The "T" certainly stands for "Talcahuano". Guido/Talcahuano and Juncal is a quite busy corner (lots of buses along Juncal), but, if the reviews are true, the apartment is quiet, probably because, as the pictures suggest, it is on a high floor and most likely does NOT face the street. I was born a block and a half from that corner, "only" 69 years ago.
For further info, perhaps you could phone one of the reviewers, who posts his phone: 03/31/09 George and Sarah, Naples, Florida.
The owner's assistant certainly speaks English, or else would be unable to carry out her (his?) job.
I'll e-mail you a map of the area, pointing out the exact (?) location of the apartment, if you wish.
Oct 20th, 2009, 12:33 PM
#27
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Oh Avrooster,
it really is not necessary. I can Google the map. Thank you for the tip to call Sarah and George. I would never think of it but unfortunately, that phone number is not in service (my luck). I was told that all comments on VRBO are first viewed by an owner who decides if he wants to post them.
I am checking various options for airline tickets now.
Option I. Miami-BA - Bariloche – Santiago- Miami (spending Xmas in Patagonia).
For some reason, these are the least expensive air tickets. It would be lovely to spend xmas in Patagonia IF I can get accommodations. I have not look at any cabins yet. Another question is if we can bus it –slowly- to Santiago- and see something on the way up.
Option II. Round trip Miami-BA
Bariloche – BA-Miami (spending Christmas in BA ).
For some reason, this option is about $1K more for air and also seems a little awkward to me. No?
So, this is where I am at the moment.
it really is not necessary. I can Google the map. Thank you for the tip to call Sarah and George. I would never think of it but unfortunately, that phone number is not in service (my luck). I was told that all comments on VRBO are first viewed by an owner who decides if he wants to post them.
I am checking various options for airline tickets now.
Option I. Miami-BA - Bariloche – Santiago- Miami (spending Xmas in Patagonia).
For some reason, these are the least expensive air tickets. It would be lovely to spend xmas in Patagonia IF I can get accommodations. I have not look at any cabins yet. Another question is if we can bus it –slowly- to Santiago- and see something on the way up.
Option II. Round trip Miami-BA
Bariloche – BA-Miami (spending Christmas in BA ).
For some reason, this option is about $1K more for air and also seems a little awkward to me. No?
So, this is where I am at the moment.
Oct 20th, 2009, 01:08 PM
#29
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Yes, Stephany, I figured VRBO owners could block unfavorable comments. Maybe you can try calling that fellow from NJ?
If option I is cheaper, that's OK. Bariloche won't get really crowded until after the New Year.
I'm not sure about a bus from Bariloche to Santiago. I guess it must be possible to go up to Mendoza by bus and then cross by bus to Santiago, which is supposed to be quite a scenic trip.
If option I is cheaper, that's OK. Bariloche won't get really crowded until after the New Year.
I'm not sure about a bus from Bariloche to Santiago. I guess it must be possible to go up to Mendoza by bus and then cross by bus to Santiago, which is supposed to be quite a scenic trip.
Oct 20th, 2009, 05:59 PM
#32
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Yes, Crossing the lakes is certainly another wonderful option. I will certainly look into it.
Just read about 'the monkey puzzle tree' (Araucaria). Have you seen it? Amazing. It has been around for 100 mil years and can live 1000 years. It grows only in Neuquen Province (Parque Nacional Lanin)and perhaps in some areas in Chile. The book says it takes a multi-day hike to get to it ..oh well..
Just read about 'the monkey puzzle tree' (Araucaria). Have you seen it? Amazing. It has been around for 100 mil years and can live 1000 years. It grows only in Neuquen Province (Parque Nacional Lanin)and perhaps in some areas in Chile. The book says it takes a multi-day hike to get to it ..oh well..
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:02 AM
#33
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Stephany, I think that there is a "reciprocity" fee charged to Americans and Canadians when they travel to Chile. It's quite pricey (I think maybe $130 USD?). We're planning to go to BA for a week in late February and originally I thought we'd go to Chile as well. But we've decided on Uruguay instead - no additional fee to visit. I guess if you're away 4 - 6 weeks, the additional fee might not be an issue overall, but for a 2 week trip, we didn't feel we wanted to spend the money.
Unfortunately there's also a fee to go into Brazil - I think it's a $91 visa fee for Canadians and $182 "reciprocity" for Americans. My husband has a US passport and we figured that $273 for the 2 of us to visit Iguazu falls on the Brazilian side for a few hours was just too much.
I'd love to be planning a 30-40 day trip! Lucky you!
Unfortunately there's also a fee to go into Brazil - I think it's a $91 visa fee for Canadians and $182 "reciprocity" for Americans. My husband has a US passport and we figured that $273 for the 2 of us to visit Iguazu falls on the Brazilian side for a few hours was just too much.
I'd love to be planning a 30-40 day trip! Lucky you!
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:40 AM
#34
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Susan,
I may be wrong, but I do not believe you have to pay if you cross over to Chile by boat or by bus. Lake crossing may be a great option if the weather collaborates. Or, by bus via the Paso Marmuil Malal (route RP-60) which connects Junin de los Andes with Pucon, Chile.
This route has been described ‘as the most scenic border crossing anywhere in the continent’ in the book entitled ‘The Rough Guide to Argentina’.
This book is very good, I think. Reading it, I wish I was 20 something but still, it offers plenty of excellent info for us old folks.
I may be wrong, but I do not believe you have to pay if you cross over to Chile by boat or by bus. Lake crossing may be a great option if the weather collaborates. Or, by bus via the Paso Marmuil Malal (route RP-60) which connects Junin de los Andes with Pucon, Chile.
This route has been described ‘as the most scenic border crossing anywhere in the continent’ in the book entitled ‘The Rough Guide to Argentina’.
This book is very good, I think. Reading it, I wish I was 20 something but still, it offers plenty of excellent info for us old folks.
Oct 21st, 2009, 10:53 AM
#35
There is no reciprocity fee when entering Chile by bus.We did the lakes crossing trip from Bariloche to Puerto varas last March. You will go through Argentine border control as you leave and then later at Peulla, Chile you'll pass through Chilean border patrol. They went through everyone's luggage in Chile, and gave us the paper Visa which you'll need to exit the country later. Do not lose this piece of paper! Later during our trip our passports with Chilean paper in them were stolen. We had much more of a problem replacing the Chilean exit Visa at the Santiago International police station than we did getting new passports at the U.S.Embassy.In spite of this, we loved Chile.
The lakes crossing is a very pretty trip, with lakes, mountains, and volcanoes. You do not have to deal with your luggage as its moved for you with each bus or baot transfer.
The lakes crossing is a very pretty trip, with lakes, mountains, and volcanoes. You do not have to deal with your luggage as its moved for you with each bus or baot transfer.
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:32 AM
#36
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Your passports were stolen in Chile? Oh no. Thanks for the warning, I am so careless. Is the boat trip usually booked thru the travel agent or directly with the boat company in Bariloche? Am reading it takes two days, which is ok. I did not look into any details yet. Am thinking I'll worry about it once I get there. Not a good idea?
Oct 22nd, 2009, 11:10 AM
#39
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Avrooster,
not quite ready to talk to a travel agent yet. Am also looking into taking a ferry from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. Not sure if my hubby can handle the rough seas though.
not quite ready to talk to a travel agent yet. Am also looking into taking a ferry from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. Not sure if my hubby can handle the rough seas though.
Oct 23rd, 2009, 11:31 AM
#40
Lakes Crossing: You can book through a travel agent or directly with www.cruceandino.com I would not wait to book it at the last minute. Our trip was full..only two others from the US, a bus full..so about 40 in our group.You can go straight through in one day or stop overnight as we did at the very nice Hotel Natura, a newly constructed lodge, or its older sister property,Hotel Peulla.
We felt very safe in Chile in spite of having our small carry-ons with passports, medicine,chargers etc in them stolen.They broke into our rental car when we stopped for a minute en route from airport to hotel. Could happen anywhere. To replace prescriptions we went to a pharmacy, Cruz Verde, and asked for them, no RX needed.
We felt very safe in Chile in spite of having our small carry-ons with passports, medicine,chargers etc in them stolen.They broke into our rental car when we stopped for a minute en route from airport to hotel. Could happen anywhere. To replace prescriptions we went to a pharmacy, Cruz Verde, and asked for them, no RX needed.
