My skepticism was clearly not warranted, and I thank you all for your input. I never thought to look for such tour guide organizations, and now I will when I travel. I was aware that in many cities, civic organizations have individuals who give fairly brief group tours -- historical, cultural, etc. -- but not the kind of long, individual tours that Cicerones volunteers provide. It now does appear that the tips solicited must be for the Cicerones organization, and not for the guides -- which would also have been okay.

On another note, since I seem to have drawn the rapt attention of several experts -- will wearing athletic shoes brand us as tourists? From other forum threads, I've read all kinds of warnings about not standing out as tourists, which of course is good advice anyplace in the world, including my own city.

And, again, my apologies that I offended anyone, least of all the gracious contributors to this Forum.

On another note, since I seem to have drawn the rapt attention of several experts --

:)


will wearing athletic shoes brand us as tourists?

Nope....

Athletic shoes are everywhere in Buenos Aires. I bought a pair of Adidas on my last trip. Athletic shoe stores on Santa Fe, Florida and in all the malls carry international brands such as Nike along with several local and Brazilian brands of athletic footwear.

P.S. I bought athletic shoes because I forgot to pack mine...not because they are a great bargain in Buenos Aires. I probably paid more for my Adidas in Buenos Aires than I would have paid at the local mall in my hometown.

Thanks, drd. And, is it true that cargo pants immediately brand one as a US tourist? I don't want to get mugged because of my excess pockets, but they're great for maps, etc.

Ed,I do see a lot of men wearing the cargo pants that zip off into shorts. I don't think the trousers alone will mark you as a Tourist :)

A caveat...I am not sure wearing cargo pants and athletic shoes out to dinner at a nice restaurant is common...but certainly during the day and for lunch at a pizza parlor or fast food establishment...

My favorite shoes and pants join me in thanking you for your advice. But how formal are people at nice restaurants in the evening? Do men generally wear jackets and ties, and do ladies wear skirts or dresses?

Speaking for the ladies here :) They wear skirts and dresses here all year round .. summer dresses and skirts are just more comfortable. But at night in a Nice restaurant.. which means more expensive and trendy I guess... black pants and a pair of nice shoes and a nice top will get you in anywhere.. A lot of good restaurants here are casual and jeans and a nice top and shoes will suffice.

You will see a lot of "Upper Eastside matrons" having dinner with their husbands so there will be those very well dressed with suits among the group.. really depends on where you would go.
I forgot, when will you be here?

I am seeing more and more tourist couples dressed alike. ( don't do that) :D

Here ya go...a fashion idea or two....

http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/kegallerypub/blank.gif

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.lemondrop...owercouple.jpg

LOL !!!!! my eyes ! my eyes !!

Will be in BA next week, Scarlett. But my wife and I won't be dressed alike, don't worry... It does sound like things are a bit more formal there than in California, where anything goes, anywhere and anytime.