Hola lotta hotta

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Wow it was hot today,in the sunshine probably 37 or more and there was lots and lots of sun. I started the day with my coffee and breakfast at a leisurely pace and read the spanish paper on the balcony. I supppose saying I read the paper is a stretch but I am scanning the words and making up the story as I do.Perhaps I am getting it right perhaps not but in any event the exercise pleases me and I think i am getting it. I also try to pronounce the words, so my neighbours may wonder about the mumbling going on above and below them.I wandered out into the heat with my mission for the morning to go to my school to get a sense of location and distance before my first day of class on monday.I suppose I should go and get some new clothes for the first day but then perhaps as no one knows me I can get away with wearing last years clothes!! School is about 11 blocks from my appartment along the same street so quite convenient for me and also quite by accident not gteat planning.

The school is closed until monday so it was just a logistics exercise but I did receive confirmation of my hours from school along with the warning that I must show up with cash to pay for the session and if I need to go to a bank machine then I should start now as the machines only allow you to take out 1000 pesos at a time.I have cash so am ok with that issue but it is another example of how everyone is looking for cash and many would be pleased if not overjoyed to get America dollars as the new President has clamped down on the flow of currencies. Lots of black market guys around calling out "cambio" as I pass.

I did buy some school supplies while walking around though getting a notebook and a pen so am all set once I get that apple for the teacher. After finding school I headed to the Obelisk sitting in the middle of the huge boulevard I spoke of before Avenida 9 de julio.As I approached there I heard the sounds of drums and chants and when I got closer realized that a demonstration was just breaking up.Not sure what it was about having mised the signs and chanting but the place was swarming with Federal police in uniform and other men in suits with ear phones and walkie talkies. I always seem to fund these things in South America and was remembering Ann and I getting tear gassed in Quito Equador as I turned away from the scene(taking a few pictures before I went of course) and headed down a side street. All the streets seemed to radiate like spokes from the Obelisk and i headed down a diagonal street named just that until I found Florida Street. Nw i had heard of florida street from a friend who said it was a pedestrian only street with lots of shopping but nothing to buy really and sure enough that is exactly what it was.Many vendors on the ground with their wares spread out infront or around them.Good to walk through though and people watch but the need to be vigilant for the pick pockets who love the crowds. Sun beating down on me, lots of street commerce and humanity ....wonderful but tiring and I was soon in need of rehydration. A large glass of water and a very cold beer later and I was on my way again into another plaza with another demonstration. this one was more permanent though with banners and what appeared to be a small encampment set up. Not the occupy Wall street people but what appeared to be a demonstration in support of veterans of the war in the Malvinas (falklands to the rest of the world). Argentina is still not happy with the outcome of that tragic little war and have not forgotten the deaths and the cost. I did not engage and meandered back along various streets towards Recoleta. Always lots to see regardless of where you go and I walked along a street named Lavalle,full of hustle and hustlers with cambio guys and hawkers pushing little cards into my hand about strip clubs and great restaurants,massages and messages all rolled into one.I do love a city!!

Back in my hood again I went to a Nikon camera store to see about a problem I have with one of my lenses.The rubber on the focus ring has come unglued and so it becomes difficult to focus.This was a challenge of course with a very specific issue of a technical nature in spanish but in no time I was out of there with the required information regarding the Nikon service center here in BA.That will be another adventure for another day!!

Exhausted back at the appartment for large glasses of water,supper and currently listening to an eric Clapton concert on the TV in the background. Tomorrow is market day down by the cemetary so I will be heading over there when I get up. Buenos noches.

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Comments

[Roly]

Fund vs Find
Hi Peter. Had a few drinks at Christopher's this evening and your absence was duly noted. I finally found your most current post re your arrival in BA by ascrolling down a bit. I am somewhat concerned about exactly what it is you are trying to accomplish in SA. i.e. "I always seem to fund these things in South America and was remembering Ann and I getting tear gassed in Quito Equador" I suggest you should be more careful about what you are "funding" in SA. Cheers, Roly