Llamo Estados Unidos desde Buenos Aires...

I only work 2 days a week and I still never feel like it. I really don't think this whole working thing is for me. Maybe I should concentrate my efforts on finding a rich husband... In the meantime I guess I'll continue to waste lots of time and write a little in between.

Yesterday I decided to revisit old stomping grounds so I ventured into high-end (read: tourist) Buenos Aires. I walked down Calle Florida where all the shops and, apparently, all the people are. It was eating in an overpriced cafe here that I got my first begging child (Andrea warned me). She was a cute girl and aside from a (cleanly) bandaged arm looked pretty healthy. I didn't give her anything and it's a good thing. After a collecting a peso from some older ladies at the next table, she ran back to a lady standing on the sidewalk holding two bulging bags of groceries. I saw it all through the cafe window. Figures...


Calle Florida on the block before it gets all congested.

Then it was on to Puerto Madero where I stayed in the Hilton last time I was in town. Passed a really cool building near what I'm guessing was a bus station. Don't know the name but here's a picture:



Puerto Madero, which I learned only started undergoing a massive revitalization in 1989, lines the river and it is a great place to walk as the sun is setting. The only problem is the commercialism of the place. There were lots of nice faux-ritzy restaurants then I see:



On the upside, they had a sign in the window that said (loosely translated): "Are you a Hooter's girl? Apply inside." Since I still didn't have access to my bank account and was looking at the very real possibility that I would spend the next month with only $150USD, I made a mental note.

More pictures of Puerto Madero:




Some nightclub modeled after the Opera House in Sydney that I probably won't be going to.

When I made it home after dinner I finally got my calling card to work but not until I got one key phrase down, "Llamo Estados Unidos desde Buenos Aires". I think I talked to the same operator all 3 times and by the end she was practically yelling the alternate number but at a much slower speed thankfully. How I kept getting "uno" and "ocho" confused is beyond me. The bank situation is finally settled so I guess I can kiss my aspirations of being an international Hooter's girl goodbye for now...such a shame.

I must write my listing now so ciao!