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Published: November 26th 2007
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Trevor and Kristena
Go Blue Team Go! - Not because we liked them, but because we sat in their section! So, we have not fallen off the planet, or gotten lost, or eaten by sharks ... we have been out camera shopping in Buenos Aires!
We arrived here last Monday (November 19) and spent the first three days hunting for a new camera, as we had no luck in either Ecuador or Peru (we were in Peru for only a few days - originally we had planned to see Machu Picchu, but because Trevor was so sick after the Galapagos, we ended up spending extra time "recuperating" in Ecuador and were only in Peru to catch a flight to Buenos Aires). We had heard that Argentina has great shopping deals, but apparently not for cameras! They are mother expensive here! We were after a newer model Canon, and after much frustration we've settled on one that isn't quite what we were hoping for, but it will do. It still hurts our hearts to think about the amazing camera we no longer own. 😞
Anyways, on to Buenos Aires! What an awesome city! It is so different from any of the cities we have seen so far in South America - though poverty certainly still exists here, it is less
In Pursuit of the Perfect Picture
This man is standing on ledge... it is a very long way down. abundant and a bit more "hidden" than other places we've been. We have heard that the city is called "The Paris of South America" and though we've yet to see Paris, it seems kind of true. There are funky little boutiques, charming resturants, and quaint walking streets everywhere. And everything is done with such elegance! There is a lot of money here; it is not exactly the cheap travel destination we had hoped it would be. There is so much to do, and so much to see - we could easily spend a few weeks in this city alone.
So far we have seen the zoo, which was pretty awesome because we saw many animals that neither of us have seen before: rhinos, hippos, baboons, white tiger, and lions, etc. Let's pretend we're warming up for our safari in Kenya! Also, a few nights ago we took a salsa lesson. A salsa lesson given in Spanish. We don't speak Spanish. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We walked into the hall and realized very quickly that it wasn't a "touristy" place and that we were the only gringos there. It was a little intimidating to
say the least! The
entire lesson was in Spanish
and we had to switch partners with locals, so we definitely did a fair bit of blinking and staring, but somehow also managed to follow along and actually picked up the basic steps. We were pleased as pie about that and can't wait to take some English lessons when we return home!
The highlight of Buenos Aires so far has been that today we went to a futbol game! The match was Racing Club VS Independiente - two rival teams from the same area in the city. It was an exciting and passionate match, definitely unlike anything we've ever seen in Canada!
Getting into the game was interesting: we had to clear THREE separate security checkpoints before entering the stadium. Women are outnumber by men by about 20 to 1, and apparently do not pose much of a violent threat because we (the women) were ushered through the checkpoints quickly. For the men however, the checkpoints are intense. They pass through the security slowly, patted down, lose clothing checked, faces scrutinized by the officers. After clearing security and entering the stadium we realized that the
The Obelisk
This is a major landmark in Argentina... sort of like the Jesus statue in Rio is to people in Brazil. fans of each team do not mingle or sit near each other as fans of opposing teams would at a hockey game at home. There isn't any friendly (albeit sometimes drunken or rowdy) camaraderie between teams. Instead, fans of each team are completely separated from each other. We were cheering for the "blue team" (Racing Club), and as it was their home field, blue team fans dominated the stands. The "red team" (Independiente) had their own cheering section at the opposite end of the stadium that, while significantly smaller, was still as packed as could possibly be. On either side of them there were two huge seating sections that were left empty to create a buffer zone between opposing fans. The buffer zones were filled with police in riot gear, just incase. Also, in the event that over enthusiastic fans want to join their beloved (or not so beloved) players on the playing field, the field and spectator stands are separated by a mote with water
and a barbed wire fence. Can't say we have that kind of passion at an Oilers vs. Flames hockey game in Canada! Fans also enter and exit through seperate entrances - when
"Putamero!"
We don't know what that means, but we sure heard it a lot at the game... usually followed by people holding their heads in their hands. the game was over, we had to wait inside the stadium walls for about 30 minutes while Independiente fans vacated. Helicopters flew overhead the entire time. Also, we found it amusing that alcohol is not served at the games because really, these people do not need any more incentive to kill each other.
As for the game, let's just say that neither of us have ever been to a hockey game with as much passion, intensity, or excitement as this soccer game had! The screaming, chanting, singing, cheering... the atmosphere was incredible. These people live and breathe soccer... what an awesome experience to share a game with them!
If you come to Argentina or Brazil, definitely check out a game - but do it through a tour company or your hostel, because although you pay more for tickets, you are guaranteeing your safety. Trevor unknowningly was wearing the wrong colors for where we would be sitting and was advised by our guide to change because he would be inviting trouble! After seeing just how crazy the fans get, we'd both agree that the extra money spent was well worth it, if only for the wardrobe change alone!
"So the guy said I got this many fingers..."
Trevor telling a story while waiting to get into the stadium. Happy Travels!
Team Canada
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Maria
non-member comment
hey!
Glad to hear you guys are having a good time! And your pics look pretty good to me even if the camera isn't exactly what you wanted...guess you can only find that in Canada :)