THE VOTES ARE IN!
Folks,
I forgot to tell y´all, the votes came in and the majority vote was for Plan A.
So this is what im gonna be doing:
Stay in BsAs a little while longer, then take a slow route through Uruguay to Brasil.
Whats involved:
- A bit more time in BsAs. (though not enough time for Tango or Spanish lessons)
- Visiting the cities of Colonia, Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, which are supposedly stunning.
- Working up the south coast of Brasil, through Florianopolis and into Sao Paulo.
- Seeing Menna, a pilot who worked with my dad in Nigeria, that I havent seen for about 10 yrs.
- Flying into New York and hopefully hooking up with some old skool friends/ work colleagues
- Spending a long weekend in Philly with Rebekah.
- Flying back to London.
Whats being forfeited:
- The Northern Route
- Learning to Tango out here
- Spanish Lessons
- Getting to know BsAs through and through...
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS, MEANT ALOT...AND WAS FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
YESTERDAY I BOOKED AN APPT WITH THE HAIRDRESSER ON A WHIM,
ALL I WAS PLANNING WAS A SIMPLE TRIM.
(So the pic isnt actually of me....and my do isnt quite as messy...but if you combed the guy in the pictures hair...youd get mine! I would upload a piccy of me, but have been having trouble connecting my camera...so it could be a while..you´ll have to make do with the story and mental image each and every one of you is creating for yourselves)
Now you folks know me...standard hairstyle...its long, straight, no fuss...a bit on the boring side, gets washed everyday, dries naturally over the course of the morning...easy as pie! All good!
It has been looking a little long a scraggy of late, so I thought I would book in and have a little trim, keep it in tip top condition...
Uh hmm...well, I walked outta that hair salon with a rather interesting look...actually its more of a local look, now noone will mistake me for a tourist...Ive got an Argentine mullet! They are so keen on the look, its a nightmare. (I blame the Italians who have the look perfected, its due to their bad influence that the majority of Argentinians sport "interesting" hair-dos... even if they did migrate over here between 1876-1976!!)
I feared that this may happen and I attempted to go to great lengths to avoid it. I tried to describe what I wanted (just a trim of the ends, por favor) without wanting to offend my hairdresser who was sporting her very own mullet, her mulleted friend beside her, the receptionist who had her own version, or anyone in that room, or anyone in the country for that matter!! As they are all mullet-tified!!
Actually while on the subject of Argentinian hair...I reckon it would be great fun to be a hairdresser out here. You can do what you like...literally.
Guys walk around the streets with
1) Mullets (obviously)
2) Hair that is short at the front and long at the back (slight variation from the conventional Freddie Mercury mullet)
3) Short hair with random long strands of hair, on different parts of their heads
4) Rats tails
5) Crazy large Maradona style microphone dos
Its incredible. They either are...
a) blind
b) the hairdresser is blind
c) too polite to tell the hairdresser they dont like the cut
d) get some kind of discount
e) have a weird notion that bad hair = good style!
I havent cracked the code yet, but for the sake of my sanity, im gonna do it!!!! Stay tuned, this is better than unlocking the key to the universe, or unveiling the Holy Grail, or even learnind the secret of how to get a seat on the tube during rush hour and have room to open your newspaper...wide!!
LA BOMBA DE TIEMPO...UN GRUPO DE TAMBORES,
THATS A LIVE JAM SESSION WITH 15 PERCUSSIONISTS.
Stumbled across a snippet in the local paper "La Bomba de Tiempo is composed by a group of drummers that features some of the most prominent percussionists of Argentina. A festive event especially held for those who enjoy dancing to the rhythm of percussion instruments. The group does improvisation based upn the signals that the conductor creates to cause specific reactions. Improvisation therefore becomes a real time composition"
Sold!
Destination: Ciudad Cultural Konex, an old warehouse just out of Zona Central.
Time: 8pm
Ticket Availability: Sure thang!
A group of 15 percussionists were sat around on a small stage, facing a conductor. Each armed with a different but equally exotic percussion instrument.
People were milling about left, right and centre....lots of hippies knocking about, an abundance of dreadlocks, lots of multi coloured knitted outfits and that familiar sweet smell of marijuana hung heavy in the air!
After a brief introduction, they got going...and boy did they go. Wish I had the words to descibe the specatcle that I saw, but i just dont. Wanna know more, you'll have to catch up with me for a coffee in Fly One and I'll show ya the vid!
This foot a mine is still a tapping!
STEAK, STEAK, STEAK..
I JUST WON´T GIVE IT A BREAK!
So I pose this question to you all.....how much steak can one eat in a week?
You should immediately want to know where the steak originates from, what it costs and how well it is cooked before you make a guess....
The answer to all the questions above are...
Argentina
4 quid for a helluva lot of the stuff
It is sublime....or is it divine....whatever its bloody good!
Easily able to consume the stuff at least 5 times a week. Gone are the anaemic (thats anaemic, not anorexic) days!
RESISTING THE URGE TO SHOP IN THIS PLACE IS HARD,
I AM NO LONGER FRIENDS WITH MY CREDIT CARD!
I merely walk out the door and sooon come face to face with shop after shop after shop...all stocked with glorious wares! What to do, what to do...well indulge...a little...everyday!!
There is an area with all the leather goods you can imagine...didnt realise that i was in such great need of a couple of handbags, a wallet, a pair of gloves and some luggage...until it was too late and the card had been swiped.
Then you amble on down to trendy Palermo, which is home to some local Argentinian designers. They are mighty talented and ONLY because I want to show my support for such talent, did i swipe, swipe, swipe!!
Then there Kosiuko, an Argentinian brand who has such great styles of jeans. Two pairs later and a couple on hold...hmmm.
Im sure i dont need to explain how deadly the weekend markets of Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta and Belgrano are....art, antiques, jewellry, the list is endless and the possibilities are infinite...oh dear!
This little girlie will be quite the pauper when she gets home!
IF YOU ARE WALKING DOWN THE STREET,
ENCOUNTERING SOME IMPROMPTU TANGO IS NO GRAND FEAT...
These folks certainly know how to turn up the heat and inspire you to get on your dancing shoes! Find myself spending hours watching The Argentines dance, dance, dance.
"EL HOMBRE QUE AMAMOS," GEORGE GERSHWIN....
IN TEATRO COLON, THEY CREATED QUITE A DIN.
After a day of wandering the streets of Buenos Aires, I got back to the hostal to find that a couple of friends, Adam and Michelle had bought a spare ticket for the theatre that night, in case I was interested! What a grand idea....and for only 25 pesos, these grand ideas come cheap!
So off we went to Teatro Colon, one of the most famous theatres in the city. Adam and Michelle were told that the seats would have a very restricted view, but they figured they could sit back, relax and just listen.
Got into the theatre, found our seats, which involved walking up 7 flights of stairs (where are we going?!) and settled down for a cultural night of music! Turned out we had a great view of the stage... and were clearly able to see the triangle being expertly played! The 40 piece orchestra came out, played an introduction and the night began...it was beautiful.
Then the conductor introduced the Navarro Trio (piano, double bass and percussion) headed by Jorge Navarro, a pianist. The rest of the night was a pure delight....the trio would do Gershwin songs in true jazz style and the symphony would join them during songs, take over, hand back the lead....the fusion was a work of art and the entire show was a total surprise!
As i looked over the 7 floors worth of people, i noticed I wasnt the only one tapping my foot and nodding my head. More than the jazz and classical music and the beauty of the venue, there was almost a comedy double act going on as the conductor and Jorge had a great tirade of banter amongst themselves, the audience got involved and all in all it was a phenomenal night.
KEEP YOUR OPINIONS AND VOTES FLOWING,
NOW I DONT KNOW WHETHER I AM COMING OR GOING....
Folks,
This is like Saturday night on the telly in England. Got some more voting for y´all to do. So DISASTER struck. Having a bit of a dilemma with my flight home (it is from Sao Paulo, Brasil).....
These are now the options you must choose between:
PLAN A
Stay in BsAs a little while longer, then take a slow route through Uruguay to Brasil.
Whats involved:
A bit more time in BsAs. (though not enough time for Tango or Spanish lessons)
Visiting the cities of Colonia, Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, which are supposedly stunning.
Working up the south coast of Brasil, through Florianopolis and into Sao Paulo.
Seeing Menna, a pilot who worked with my dad in Nigeria, that I havent seen for about 10 yrs.
Flying into New York and hopefully hooking up with some old skool friends/ work colleagues
Spending a long weekend in Philly with Rebekah.
Flying back to London.
Whats being forfeited:
PLAN B
Stay in BsAs longer still, but have to take a bus form here to Sao Paulo
Whats involved:
A bit more time in BsAs with enough time for Tango and Spanish lessons
Taking a bus directly from here to Sao Paulo, could take a couple of days
Seeing Menna, a pilot who worked with my dad in Nigeria, that I havent seen for about 10 yrs.
Flying into New York and hopefully hooking up with some old skool friends/ work colleagues.
Spending a long weekend in Philly with Rebekah
Flying back to London.
Whats being forfeited:
- The Northern Route
- Passing through Uruguay
- Seeing Florianopolis, Brasil
- Potentially my sanity, if i have to sit on a bus for a few days!
PLAN C
Stay in BsAs, do the Northern Route and travel through Uruguay into Brasil
Whats involved:
A bit more time in BsAs with enough time for Tango and Spanish lessons
Travel the Northern Route of Argentina
Visiting the cities of Colonia, Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, which are supposedly stunning.
Working up the south coast of Brasil, through Florianopolis and into Sao Paulo.
Seeing Menna, a pilot who worked with my dad in Nigeria, that I havent seen for about 10 yrs.
Flying Home
Whats being forfeited:
So I want to know YOUR points of view.
Help me out here...c´mon...just mail your vote now...and it doesnt actually cost a thing for a change!!
WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO....
STAY IN BsAs, OR DO THE NORTHERN ROUTE?!
Folks,
The polls are open, but only for a short time.....pls vote on the option you think is the best idea.
1. The Northern Route:
Buenos Aires - Rosario - Cordoba - Mendoza - Salta - Buenos Aires.
Rosario Highlights:
- Beautiful architecture
- La Costanera, a beautiful waterfront
- Belnearios, river beaches
- Museo del Parana y Las Islas
- River Islands
Cordoba Highlights:
- There are 7 universities in this city...party time!
- One of the best weekend markets in Argentina
- Museo de Bellas Artes
- Nueva Cordoba
Mendoza Highlights:
- Heart of wine country
- Day trips to wineries close by
- Acuario Municipal Mendoza, a weird aquarium
- Museo de Arte Moderna
- Parque General San Martin
- The chance to ski/snowboard
Salta Highlights:
- Colonial Architecture
- The beautiful Plaza 9 de Julio
- Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
- Teleferico, a cablecar with beautiful views of the city
OR
2. The City Immersion Plan:
Possible Activities:
- museums
- art galleries
- spanish class
- tango lessons
To name but a few...
Advantages:
- get to know the city.
- its beautiful
- good shopping
- dont have to do 18 and 22 hour long bus journeys
Etc etc...
Diasadvantages:
- The shopping..its dangerous!
- I would miss the places mentioned above
Etc etc...
PLS VOTE NOW!!!!!!!!
(either via emails or by leaving comments on this blog)
THE NIGHTLIFE IN BUENOS AIRES ROCKS,
FIRST NIGHT AND I WAS IN BED BY 3 O´ CLOCK.....
Yeah, that would be 3pm...this little girlie has the flu (pls refer back to the 18 hour air conditioned bus journey)
Anyway, think I´ve been through the worst of it, and spent the day in intense retail therapy....this place is dangerous!
Nightlife in BsAs? Will let y´all know about it tomorrow!
THE JOURNEY TO BsAs CONTINUES.....
...AND ITS DEF NOT WITH GOOD NEWS!
So after my excruciating 'beauty' treatment, I spent the day milling around Lima, trying not to spend any money! That was a challenge, which I only just managed to succeed in, partly because when I tried to buy a jacket with my credit card, they required additional ID which i didnt have...phew. Close call!
So my flight departed Lima at 2055 and was due to land at 0310 (a 4 hour flight, taking into account that BsAs is 2 hours ahead) All good. I can do this. Oh yeah, except for the fact that due to weather conditions in BsAs, we were unable to land and were diverted to Rosario a city some 30mins away by air!
Ok, fine, I can still do this.....5 hours later....it wasnt quite so much fun. Sat on the tarmac, looking out into the darkness of the...airport...what fun! On the positive side though, i didnt actually have anywhere to stay for when i arrived at 0310 and wasnt looking forward to grabbing a taxi etc into town. So this way, i got to spend my third night outta the last four on some form of public transportation. Its making the accomodation budget look peachy. I realise that i dont actually have a budget, but if i did, it would be looking gooood!
What more. Well, a guy collapsed on the plane and the classic ''is there a doctor on board'' line was pulled....its times like that, that i wish i could stand up and be a hero, but with the 7 who had already come forward, i feel the 19 yrs (or whatever it is) of medical school would have been a waste had i not even had the chance to tend to the weak and needy on my flight!
Anymore for anymore...oh i have a cold. Its not just the sniffles, its a full on cold. I think the 18hour air conditioned bus of fun from Tumbes to Lima, finished me off. Nice!
The adventures in BsAs begin......
Yes, that would be my freshly manicured hand......
......and my apple!
THE PERUVIAN MANICURE....
....so much adventure for S/. 10!
So after my hectic journey to Lima, I decided on the spur of the moment, as I walked past a beauty salon, to treat myself to a manicure. I didnt have to dig too deeply into my pocket as it was only setting me back $3.50.
So this is what I thought would be involved:
- The lady would file my nails, she only really needed to do my right hand as I had been too lazy to do it myself.
- Push back the cuticles a bit, although once again, my nails are in pretty good shape, so not much work there.
- A quick buff, to get ´em shining.
- A slick of varnish
Estimated time to completion: 20 mins, give or take.
The following events are based on a very much true story....
- She filed. I had indicated the length that I wanted my nails to be, she got a bit overzealous with the ole nail file, but I was ok with them being slightly shorter.
- I put my little fingernails in a bowl to soak...who knew I was priming them for the horrors that lay ahead....
- Next, the fun part....she got out her, no doubt favourite, weapon of choice, a pair of cuticle cutters, which looked more like a pair of pliers or wire cutters or even wire strippers or anything type of instrument along those lines that would be more likely to be found in my grandad´s shed than a beauty salon, and she proceeded to cut! A pair of garden shears would have achieved the same outcome....I was left with very sore cuticles and skin surrounding my nails that looked like it had been gnawed at relentlessly for the last 10 years. Nice. So far, def value for money!
- In her defence, she did then whip her nail file back out and begin to file the skin around my nails, giving them the look that they had once been abused by a relentless-skin-around-the-nails-gnawer, but were on the road to recovery.....though only JUST on that road!
- Once that was done she grabbed what I thought was nail varnish remover. Before i had a chance to inform her that I wasnt in fact wearing nail varnish, she put the heavily doused cotton pad onto the ring finger cuticle of my left hand. I was bleeding (man down, man down) and although it wasn´t actually nail varnish remover, it was some variant of the same alcoholic stream....who said beauty doesnt come at a price -the STING!!!
- I took the pain like a lady, didnt wanna seem like an amateur, but when she introduced the rest of my cuticles to the world of alcohol abuse, I wasn´t sure for how much longer I could maintain my composure!
- I glanced around the shop, hoping to find something to distract me from the harrowing events unfolding under my nose....and a distraction was just what I found!
- A little old lady, much like the grandmother in The Wedding Singer (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0016687/photogallery-ss-0) was having her hair blow dried. I happened to catch the end of this phenomenal course of events....
her hairdresser was teasing her hair just like Danny Zuko does in Grease, and was quite obviously gunning for the "petrified look" He achieved it, the lady´s hair was a state. I wanted to run over and ask her to put her glasses back on and take a long hard look at herself in the mirror, before walking out into the public eye. No such luck. She was prob so high from the amount of hairspray that had been used, that glasses or not, she would have thought she looked great!!! And therefore what she did walk out with, was a pretty sturdy helmet!!! - Back to my nails. Well, what more is there to say. Once she had successfully hacked at them, and filed them a bit more, oh and a little bit more (so now there isnt much nail left at all, and I am almost surprised that the tips of my fingers are still intact...the sight of more blood, would NOT have shocked me!) she started on the nail varnish.
- I opted for a French manicure (the more natural look) -I have so many layers of varnish on my nails that despite the Nail Enamel Dryer (yes, I was able to partake in the aerosol abuse as well, despite not having my hair done) it took a LOOONG time for them to dry. So loong in fact that i got impatient, jammed my hand into my pocket to get out the S/. 10 and smudged the lot!!
- Whoops!
Actual time to completion: 85 mins, give or take.
