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Published: February 2nd 2006
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People from Hostel El Firulete
People from Hostel El Firulete The two weeks at El Firulete went by very quickly. Going to Spanish lessons became more of a routine, and I was beginning to feel more restless wanting to leave Buenos Aires behind.
I decided to visit Uruguay briefly after my Spanish lessons were over, instead of making my way up to the falls slowly, as booking a bus to the Igazu Falls just before Christmas can be difficult, and I didn´t want to make my trip more complicated by stopping at small towns.
I´ve managed to to learn more Spanish grammar and improved my vocabulary even though my enthusiasm was steadily declining, finding myself chatting away with Monica about past adventures (which I suspect she enjoyed as much as I did). No doubt to spice things up she arranged the viewing of an Argentine film during one of my lessons, inviting fellow students from the institute to join us. Problems with the DVD player however resulted in us watching a documentary about the history of Argentina instead, which caused the premature departure of the Americans joining us. Although I still regarded my lesson as more or less a success, wanting to get back to the hostel to say goodbye to
People from Hostel El Firulete 2
People from Hostel El Firulete 2 Jonny who was leaving prevented me from watching the second half of the documentary.
One weekend I went to the market in ´Feria de Mataderos´ with a few people from the hostel, which was very good fun as apart from exploring the stalls I also saw part of a show at the main square, where I came across people dancing folklore. There was also some kind of performance at one of the side roads which involved people on their horses racing towards a pole suspended horizontally and hitting it with their whip (I believe). I didn´t fully understand what was going on, but the men sitting proudly on their horses wearing gaucho outfit looked pretty impressive. A chubby little boy particularly caught my attention, he looked very tranquil and formidable on his horse, no doubt very confident in what he was doing.
The apparent sale of my late father´s flat in Budapest forced me to pay a visit to the Hungarian embassy in Buenos Aires, in order get an authorisation letter verified.
My first attempt was unsuccessful as the embassy has moved and I only found a derelict building at the address in Gui T. I was almost beginning to
Feria de Mataderos
Feria de Mataderos think that lack of business and interest made the Hungarians widraw from Buenos Aires, when Monica came to my rescue presenting me with their new address.
The new home of the embassy is situated on 'Once de Septiembre' street, in very posh colonial style building, which certainly succeeds in reflecting it´s importance, although leaving me a bit confused, as the embassy is only open twice a week for four hours.
My fellow countrymen were very professional in their conduct, quizzing me about what I´m doing in Argentina, and why I´m doing the authorisation through them and not the embassy in London ( with an air of indifference). However they did validate my letter, after charging me USD 40 for their services, and swiftly commenting on my plans to travel with a sarcastic but polite expression.
I managed to visit the cemetery and market in Recoleta. After buying some gifts I was walking aimlessly around the cemetery, admiring the graves (or more like monuments) of the rich and famous, feeling slightly miserable. Later I looked at the map displayed near the entrance in order to locate Duarte crypt (which includes the grave of Evita). I thought this was relatively simple compared
Feria de Mataderos 2
Feria de Mataderos 2 to some of the others, which I find a bit strange considering how important and popular she was in Argentina.
On my last Saturday in Buenos Aires I went to see Boca Juniors play Independiente in the Boca stadium, known as 'La Bombonera'. My seat was in one of the 'safe' areas', away from the hardcore fans, so I was able to take pictures without my camera being stolen. It was good fun watching people around me getting very excited, in particularly two guys behind me were swearing and shouting throughout the match. I managed to make friends with one of the supporters who was there with his sons, I thought it was really nice of him to talk to me even though I did not join in the frenzy.
The end of year party of my language school took place in a rather remote part of town. During my bus journey I developed a good appreciation for just how mad bus drivers are in Buenos Aires as I was trying to follow the route on my map. Having a drunk striking up a conversation with me on my way back didn´t make my job any easier, especially after he
Feria de Mataderos - Boy on his horse
Feria de Mataderos - Boy on his horse got upset about something. Perhaps he expected me to be a bit more talkative.
The party was fun, I especially enjoyed Gunsar´s (Monica´s husband) selection of music. Although after a while I made a quick exit to go to a different party (organised by a hostel), as there seemed to be only couples and I felt a bit out of place, not exactly dressed for the occasion.
Before leaving for Uruguay I did a bit of sightseeing downtown, which I really enjoyed even though I felt it was about time to move on. I felt a bit sad leaving the hostel behind, I became good friends with the people working there, they all have been very helpful and genuine. I hope will will keep in touch in the future. I also got to know two very interesting people at the hostel. One of them an Indian called Bili, from Bangalore. He´s planning to open an Indian restaurant in Buenos Aires, and spends most of his time researching the details and spying on his competitor. He´s got a degree in Engineering, and instead of staying in the US to do his PhD he went partying around the world, and now he
Feria de Mataderos - Couple dancing Folklore
Feria de Mataderos - Couple dancing Folklore decided to settle in Buenos Aires because he likes the people and the lifestyle. I don´t think money motivates him as much as some of the other Indians I met in the past, I believe when he says he only wants to kill time until he´s 45, and then return to India to take over his family´s business.
The other guy I met is Franco from Bolovia. He´s a freelance graphics designer, travelling around South America and working on the Internet in the mean time. I´m quite impressed that he was able to learn English and start his own business, I doubt there are many Bolivians doing something like this.
On my last day in Buenos Aires I was feeling very dizzy, maybe because of the heat. I decided to get a haircut in the local barber shop. I´m sure the dodgy looking guy working there overcharged me, but then I should have asked for the price initially. I hopefully learned my lesson. To make matters worse he failed to style my hair (I thought I managed to explain to him what I wanted), and cut my hair short all over. When I realised this it was too late. Funnily
Feria de Mataderos - Couple dancing Folklore 2
Feria de Mataderos - Couple dancing Folklore 2 I kind of like my haircut now, I get the impression I get a lot more attention from people....
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vanesa
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just a few corrections and comments... Boca Juniors stadium is "La Bombonera". Bombonera means "box of chocolate", probably u already knew this but didnt mention it... The posh neighbourhood is "Recoleta", only one t. and last but not least, "Feria de Mataderos" BTW, be careful with locals overcharging foreigners. Ask for prices before and compare with other prices if possible. if u see prices in a shopwindow, make sure it´s in pesos, otherwise, u may be fooled and told that prices were in dollars actually and made paid through the nose (is this phrase old fahioned?...) luckily u liked the haircut :)