Spring Showers Bring..... November Flowers?

As spring and the warm weather approaches, it’s a weird feeling to see the talk of snow and the cold weather among the Facebook walls of our friends from back home. Since both Jessica and I have now started working from home, we’ve really made an effort to enjoy this beautiful 70-degree weather. We occupy our days with long walks throughout the different neighborhoods, or with a book and a bottle of wine in one of the many nearby parks. With the warm weather comes an abundance of life that seems to be springing up all around the city…. And we don’t seem to be the only ones taking advantage of the sun and pleasant air; the parks and the streets are bustling with Porteños and other international folk like ourselves! (I’m starting to wonder when exactly the working population actually makes it to the office?) Restaurants and shops are constantly buzzing with people like us just enjoying this lovely month of October.

This past week has been one of a lot of activity, seeming as we have welcomed to new inhabitants to Buenos Aires. One of Jessica’s close friends from Tulane, Brett, and his best friend Tim have just moved from Pasadena to BA and are embarking on their six month living experience just like Jessica and I did almost a month and a half ago. Jessica and I decided it was our job to help integrate them to the city and show them what this place is all about. Thursday night we started with a typical Argentinean dinner at a parilla here in Palermo called Don Julio. A lot of delicious meat and a couple bottles of wine later we all headed to a nightclub here called JET. Judging from the state of everyone when we met up for breakfast the next day (yes, of course at Oui Oui) I think they had a pretty fun first night! Jessica and I had a very mellow Friday day and later ventured to our new favorite Friday night spot, ROXY. Unfortunately I think we showed Brett and Tim a little too much fun on Thursday as they decided to take Friday night off….

Saturday Jessica and I decided to venture to some places we haven't been yet. We visited Plaza San Martin, shopped at the popular shopping mall Galerías Pacífico, and then had lunch at a hip 80's decor Pizza joint called Filo's. With an extensive menu of over 100 different types of pizzas, Jessica and I decided to indulge in a veggie topped mozzarella and tomato pizza. After polishing it off I think Jessica and I would both have to agree that this is one of the best (if not THE best) pizzas we have both ever had! After our delicious meal we ventured on a 15 block walk, that actually turned into a 25 block walk after getting lost a couple of times, to the ever famous Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta. The Alvear Palace is a rather exclusive hotel here in Buenos Aires, and quite possibly one of the best hotels in the world. Opening its doors in 1932 when Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world, the Alvear Palace has housed a number of well known names: Antonio Banderas, Donatella Versace, the emperor of Japan, and Robert Duvall, to name a few. This classic French style hotel truly is a magnificent sight, and Jessica and I just couldn't resist enjoying a couple glasses of Sauvignon Blanc in the grandiose piano lounge. After be-friending the bar manager, we promised him that we would return..... however, we will have to be sure to make our visits sparse as the prices at this luxurious hotel don't come cheap! AFter an interesting effort to find a cab home in one of the most intense rainstorms we have seen since we've been here, we managed to make it home in time to get ready for a night out. Jessica, Brett, Tim and I concluded our night with a lengthy dance stint on the dance floor of CROBAR.

Sunday morning we all met for breakfast at a place called Cusic, another delicious restaurant that I think we are going to be adding to the top of our breakfast list! Located right around the corner from our house, Cusic has a delicious meal of scrambled eggs, toast, fresh fruit, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a café con leche all for the ripe price of 22 pesos (translated that’s about $6 USD)! After breakfast us four ventured to the Recoleta weekend flea market where we walked around and browsed the various trinkets. Jessica purchased a really beautiful photograph of her favorite street in Palermo and now we finally have something to hang on our very bare walls! A couple hours after walking around and sipping on some local beers, we met up with some fellow American’s at a place called Casa Bar to indulge in a little Sunday Football (and I'm not talking about soccer!). We actually had the privilege of watching the Arizona Cardinals beat the Houston Texans live on TV!

Last night Jessica, Brett and I had a rather amusing dinner at a place in Las Canitas called Las Cholas. Although the sister restaurant, Las Cabras, happens to be my favorite restaurant in town, I was a little disappointed by this particular location. After ordering a rather ridiculous plate of meat for 50 pesos, the food ended up becoming the subject of a bet rather than an actual meal! Brett dared Jessica to eat 1/3 of an unidentifiable (and rather bloody) piece of sausage in return for 3 bottles of champagne. Jessica, a former vegetarian and anti red-meat-eater actually took him up on this bet and WON! Truthfully I am still rather impressed that she went through with this bet as even watching her eat this made my stomach queasy.

Today we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at a restaurant called Bar 6 in Palermo Soho and I am currently taking a time out on the rooftop patio of our apartment. I’m definitely making it a point to enjoy the weather while it is still enjoyable…. We have had multiple warnings that within the next month we will find ourselves in some rather miserable heat! It sounds like an Arizona-style summer is soon to be upon us….

Lost in Translation

As Jessica and I prepare for the expat bar-b-que we are attending this afternoon, I figured it was about time we updated you on what we have been up to since our last blog entry! I last left you with the fact that I was going on an interview for a job... After an offer to work for the companies sales force I have decided to turn it down because it just wasn't what I was looking for- therefore, my job hunt continues! Last monday Jessica and I traveled to the Pepperdine Campus located here in BA to meet with Rafael, the president of the University. It was a rather chilly and rainy day and it was more than reassuring when we arrived at this amazingly adorable Argentine style house that has been converted into a cozy home away from home for the Pepperdine students. Here, the abroad students have classrooms for their studies, a kitchen and dining area where they enjoy local meals, and cute rooms where some of the teachers reside. After a tour of the property Jessica and I were fed the authentic Argentine "beef stew" that had been home cooked by one of the men at the University. Our lunch with Rafael was more than informational, and in a way we feel like we made a life-long connection and friend.

Thursday day Jessica attended her first day of work so roomie Ferdinand and I roamed around Palermo Viejo/SoHo and I have officially discovered my favorite lunch spot. Kudos to Mike Lewis who recommended it to me! Mark's Deli is a modern NY style lunch spot and is perfect to get either a delicious (and FRESH) caesar salad, a ham and cheese sandwich, a cold iced tea, or to indulge in their delectable dessert selection! The American in me was also ecstatic to find a Starbuck's located right around the corner, and yes, it is walking distance from our apartment (Needless to say I think I've been there every day since this discovery)!

As you can see, the theme of this blog is 'Lost of Translation' not only because Jessica and I found ourselves at a German speaking get together in the middle of Argentina last Thursday, but because my inability to speak/understand spanish really does make for some entertaining experiences. One of the photo's featured in this blog shows you the name tags we received at the German/Argentine bar. My name reads CAROLINA (which is how my it is repeatedly pronounced here) and Jessica's reads JESSICKA, and sounds a bit more like HESSICKA when spoken aloud here.

While Jessica spent her second day at work on Friday I headed out for a day on the town ALL ALONE! I will say that it was a rather intimidating experience because I am usually comforted by Jessica's spanish abilities when traveling around. Not only did I know that I would have to buy a new subway pass, but I knew that if I were to get lost I wouldn't know how to ask for the way home. However, despite the fact that I tried using 'fake' money (which I guess can be rather common and you really have to look out for it) my daily adventure went great! I walked around for a bit, traveled to the Patagonia store for a new raincoat (their winter really does bring on the rain!), and even ventured downtown. That night Jessica and I met my family friend Sheldon for an amazing dinner in Recoleta. Sheldon is a worldly man full of amazing insight and guidance. Jessica and I were lucky enough to be given a first hand depiction on what life and business is all about; as the saying goes, "Under promise & over produce!" After dinner Jessica and I spent night #2 at Asia de Cuba for a farewell party to two Venezuelan brothers whom we met through our Italian friend Leonardo. Needless to say we ended up shutting down the place (at 7:00am that is....)

Saturday was another rainy winter day so I decided to take Jessica to Mark's Deli, my new jam! Needless to say she also fell in love with the place and I think we will be frequenting this particular spot. After lunch we wandered the area before meeting some friends at a nearby Hookah Pub to watch the Argentina vs. Brazil futbal match. Unfortunately, Argentina was beat 3 to 1, but Jessica and I vowed that we will definitely work up the guts to go to a futbal game one of these days!! After the match we went to a place called Fetish which was conveniently located three blocks from our a house. Fetish is a lounge/bar which was opened by a couple of Israeli guys, one of whom is a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend... Just kidding.... But we did go to meet this guy named Zohar whom I was introduced to through a friend in the states. Day after day we are making connections all around town and despite the melting pot of different origins, we sure have been able to meet an amazing group of friends here in Argentina! Tonight after the bbq we are actually going to watch another friend we made play at a local jazz bar.

Sunday @ The Plaza

Jessica and I rose sunday afternoon after a wild night on the river. The gathering attracted a variety of global travelers like ourselves, and made for a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. Between the Italians, French, Venezuelans, English, and German, Jessica and I had no problem dancing the night away. Arising with a desire to further explore the city, Jessica and I made our way down a new subway line to a new part of town known as San Telmo. San Telmo, the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires, is known for its antique stores, historical cafes lining cobblestone streets, and an ancient tango history. On Sundays however, San Telmo holds a 'must see' Feria de Antiguedades (antique fair) in its main public square, Plaza Dorrego. Exiting the subway we found ourselves among freeway overpasses, and thought that perhaps we had gotten off at the wrong station. After double checking the map we headed in the direction we presumed was right, and after a couple of turns found ourselves among the small cobblestone streets surrounded by the colorful and authentic homes. The streets were rather quiet but once we were within a block of Plaza Dorrego we knew we were in the right place. There we found hundreds of other curious amblers stopping by to watch either a local tango taking place in the middle of the square, or browse the abundance of antique stands covered in ancient yet unique paraphernalia. Jessica and I immediately got caught up in the hustle bustle of the square, going from stand to stand where Jessica found two antique bangles for a steal of a price, watched the local street performers, and quickly worked up an appetite! To satisfy our hunger Jessica and I moved upstairs to an exclusive table on the patio of a restaurant called 'Amici Miei' that landed us a view of the entire square. After ordering a delicious bottle of white wine, a spinach and parmesan ravioli for me, and a local fish similar to sea bass for Jessica-- we found ourselves in heaven! We would both have to say this was one of the best meals we have ever eaten and are certain we will find ourselves back there again.... probably very soon!

After the fair (which was still going strong when we left at 8pm) we wound our way back to Palermo where we met up with our German friends Helge and Ferdinand- whom we met through local friends. Strangely enough, Ferdinand was on a hunt for a place to stay for his three week stay and needless to say Jessica and I went home that night with a new roommate! Ferdinand has been a great addition to our wonderful apartment and has already agreed to treat us to some home cooked German meals.

On monday Jessica and I travelled to Recoleta, a very chic part of town, where we met with a travel agent to book our trip to Iguazu! We are traveling with a group of 50 (again, friends from a variety of countries) and could not be more excited! Our trip is planned for September 17th and we will be sure to blog all about it!

Last night we met up with our Italian friend Leonardo who treated us to a little bit of the underground Argentina flavor. Us and hundreds of others gathered in an open area theatre known as the Konex to watch a local drum group called La Bomba de Tiempo... The experience is undescribabel which is why I have added a link to their page! Afterwards Jessica and I went with our friends to a Japanese restaurant called To which is located right around the corner from our house. The food here was also incredible and Jessica claims to have eaten the BEST salmon she's ever had (even I thought it tasted good- now thats got to say a lot!)

Today I have an interview for a company downtown so instead of writing further I think I better go study up! Stay tuned...

For a little excitement click

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv8NDTIdh5I

Downtown

After waking at a rather shocking hour, Jessica and I decided we should probably do something productive with our day... We made our 10 block walk to the subway where we rode it to the downtown center. Walking up the subway stairs we emerged to find ourselves surrounded by some of the most beautiful European buildings. I thought to myself "now this is where the phrase 'Buenos Aires is the France of South America' comes from"! We walked around the Plaza de Mayo and eventually landed at a historical Tango Cafe. (The tango environment has encouraged us to sing up immediately for some classes!) Founded in 1858, Cafe Tortoni hosts nightly Tango shows and seems to be a must-go-to spot for both the Porteno's and tourists. Jessica and I enjoyed a delicious meal topped off by a delicious slice of apple pie (yum)!

After our meal we took the subway back to Palermo and we truly feel like we are getting our bearings in this rather large city! We picked up four bottles of wine (for $10!) and are catching up on our daily dose of the internet before heading to a farewell party for Jessica's friend Lindsey (DON'T LEAVE US LINDSEY!!). Lindsey and Mikki, fellow Americans, have now lived in BA for a total of 16 months or so and have already taught us many things about this magnificent city (note picture to the right). After the going away party Jessica and I are going to a club called Asia de Cuba (we also went here last night) which is a popular spot located on the river! We will probably find ourselves dancing well into the night.... Stay Tuned for what we have planned for tomorrow!