Buenos Aires in a few words

First impression of Buenos Aires

- man, is this place huge!
- when will i be injured by a motorcycle or bus or car or taxi or cyclist?
- what's with the heat?
- how can i possibly get by in a city of 13 million where no one seems to know english and we can only "hablo en poco castellano"?

After a few hours these questions seem to sort themselves out, as we have now ordered food in a variety of restaurants and bars, taken el subte - subway - and made it through customs, taxis, buses and grocery stores. It's all good here. You cross streets when others do regardless of the lights, the heat is less extreme the more you sleep in it, and it's actually not that big (haha) when you walk and take el subte.

Specifically, tho, we've noticed a lot while wandering the cracked tiles they call sidewalks in B.A.

Bus Decoration
Unlike any public transport we have ever seen, each and every bus route - and there are hundreds and hundreds - have their own specifically painted - and themed - buses. Certain silver statues on the bumpers, curtains on the front windows, stylized drawings and words on the side, the colour of the bus itself, all painted permanently to identify the bus. Very cool! Getting from one end of the city to the other is another story - you'll have to see the guide to believe it. I think HotWheels may have a future here.

Federal Policia Argentina
They are everywhere, standing on beat on corners, smoking, eating empanandas and taking their own cars! and the subway! to get around. They also have huge "tank-like" vehicles that sit with officers sleeping inside while any variety of protest, or street party, goes on. Generally, they are ready for anything, at any time, and erect barricades almost randomly within the microcentre of B.A.




Lemon Popsicles
The best way to beat the heat, other than a $2.50 liter of Heineken. Why we have never had these before...who knows?

Miscellaneous dripping liquids
Ok, we know it is water, but because most of the buildings are very old and have balconies above, filled with plants, it is quite common to feel a drip or two every block you go. Sidewalks are narrow and frequently treacherous with missing tiles, so avoidance is not possible. Besides, it's just water...right?