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Published: February 12th 2008
Monday, Feb 4 -Friday Feb 8
I danced tango every night at a different milonga and had a wonderful time. I went out to dinner several times, mostly in the Balvenera Area. I took 2 tango lessons, one with each of the Luis’s. Gave several English lessons to Luis M. (tango teacher) & Tota (housekeeper). It was a very relaxing week -- just living in Buenos Aires.
Sat, Feb 9
On my way to Bariloche in the south for a two week stay. I arrived at the bus station in Buenos Aires (Retiro) at 2:00 for my bus to Bariloche which was leaving at 3:00. Luis gave me a ride. I waited and had a coffee at the bus station and while I was there I was robbed. Because I was alone I didn’t see two guys come up behind me where I was sitting. I had my purse and all my suitcases at my side. One of the guys asked if I had lost some pesos and held them out to me. When I turned to talk to him, the other guy snatched my purse and ran. I yelled for help and the police came, but the guys were gone. The police took me to the station and gave me a piece of paper to use for temporary identification. I had my passport (and stupidly all my identification) in my purse, as well as my credit and debit cards, my MP3 player and my camera. All gone. Even my Spanish dictionary. It feels really strange to be without documentation - it’s something I’m still trying to get my mind around.
Because the thieves also had my bus ticket, I wasn’t sure I would be able to take the bus at 3:00, but the drivers were kind and they read the notice from the police and let me board the bus. The bus ride to Bariloche takes 19 hours - it lasts from 3:00pm till 10:00 am the next day. It was a very comfortable way to travel - the seats recline completely into a bed. They served lunch, breakfast and dinner including wine and champagne if you wanted it. I had trouble sleeping though - I was really upset about the theft. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the situation - no passport, no money, no credit or debit cards -- luckily the place I’m going has been paid for in advance and they are meeting me at the station. Also, I had 200 pesos ($60) in a money belt, so I’m not completely broke. Why didn’t I have my passport and credit cards in that money belt? I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve asked myself that question.
No pictures for a while. Lo siento.
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Masaru Kibukawa
non-member comment
You Go Catherine!
Hi Catherine, I've been following your blogs with great pleasure, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with the rest of us, please know that you are in my thoughts and I wish you a very happy and healthy time in Argentina!