MarnieWDC

We're back in our 'summer in the winter' home...and so pleased to be here.

It's so great to be back in BsAs. Having left the bitter cold of the NE of the USA, we found ourselves splat into the record-breaking heat-wave down here. I may have been the only person in town who wasn't grumbling about the humidity - I like it. My slightly wavy hair got so curly, it looked like I had a perm. Then it got downright chilly - with howling winds and rainstorms - and now it's just plain gorgeous.

We spent some days settling into our apartment in Palermo Botanico - our 7th year in BA and our 3rd in this same departamento...felt so at home right away; the apartment, the barrio, the neighbors and the stores....so nice.

Today, DH and I followed one of our favorite, early days traditions: we took the collectivo to La Recoleta, went to the Palais de Glace where this year's exhibit of ceramics, tapestries and fanciful displays of unusual materials, artistically and whimsically presented was again, a treat. And free, too.

Then we meandered up Posadas to El Sanjuanino for our favorite empanadas with salad, wine and beer...just as good as ever. Next ( after the wine and beer, remember we went to the Recoleta Feria on the grounds in front of the Cemetery and the Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The Cemetery is one of the prime sites in BsAs, and I think the Basilica is well worth a visit - even a pause to think, rest, pray.

The feria has quite nice merchandise this year...and we took advantage of some of the items for gifts and, well, for ourselves too. I need to get back there without DH in tow !

So, a sunny, interesting, fun and productive day in La Recoleta. Now, I really feel as if we've arrived. Looking forward to the next months in Argentina and Uruguay.

avrooster

Hi, Marnie!

Anything further on your (on TA) "running a bit to try to benefit from the better exchange rates"?

Have a great time in our country.

geenance

Have a great time Marnie!

Those of us still 'trapped' in the cold weather are jealous!

Thanks for all of the many wonderful posts you've made, sharing your knowledge with us newbies. You have no idea how many people read them and benefit from them, even if they don't post.

Saludo!

Southam

Here is another vote to hear a comment from a well-respected BA visitor on the currency exchange situation. Blue market money? Surely that's the same as a black market? Or is it regarded as a fact of everyday life and easy to do? No darting down dark alleys with dubious men in overcoats? The dismal economic (political) situation and queasiness at what informal money-markets imply have discouraged my return so I would appreciate any reassurance.

avrooster

I have written extensively on the subject, but, as most readers know, I'm a local not a visitor.

Whether I qualify or not as "well respected" is probably "in the eye of the beholder". LOL!!!

Have a great time in our country.

MarnieWDC

Taking advantage of the 'Blue Rate' here, this year and last, feels, to me, to be without anxiety and without ethical constraints. The Government has, as I understand it, allowed a very dangerous economic situation to prevail here. There is no queasiness, no serious difficulty in changing money.; no dark alleys or scary guys.

Queasiness in the state and status of the economic situation, and predictions for the coming months and years is real, Southam. And I do find it so distasteful and awful - especially for Argentines. But then, there is so much in the politics in my own country (USA) that I find abhorrent, that I would still (obviously) want to be in Argentina at this time.

Gracias, geenance, for those nice words.

travelgirl2

Enjoying reading about your snowbird location, having just visited for the first time last fall (our son was studying abroad there). Have a wonderful time!