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We've been in BA since Thursday night and are staying in a great B&B in a residential neighborhood. We even have a computer in the house that we can use at any time (much better than a cyber cafe), but we haven´t found the time to sit and add anything. the city is totally different from the other Latin Amer. countries we've been in and all the books say it resembles Paris because of the European immigration influence, so even though we've never been to europe, we think it looks like Paris, too! Because of the great financial crisis the country has experienced, prices are much diminished from 5 years ago -- the exchange rate is about 3 to 1, so it's nice for tourists. not so nice for the residents. They are very concerned about the rising poverty rates, crime, jobs, etc. So everyone is more cautious. For my part, I'm requesting prayer for all the taxis!!! They must communicate telepathically--they drive with other cabs 3 inches on either side and 5 inches infront and in back! No one travels very fast, but it's unnerving, so I don't look most of the time. So far, Gary and I have been to the street markets on Sunday afternoon in San Telmo, to the Recoletta cemetary where Eva Peron is buried, to the movies (we were going through withdrawal!), and to a Tango ballet "Tanguera" that was fantastic. We've met so many nice people--a couple from Chile, graduate students from SMU, and our B&B family. The mother is Belgian and speaks English, the father is Argentine and speaks little English. Their children are grown and living in other parts. We're using our spanish here, but BA has a language of it's own. The pronounciations are different, and faster than Mexico. I know THAT'S hard to believe. But most people can understand us and if they speak more slowly, we can understand them. So far, so good. Everyone is friendly. We'can't get the pictures on right now, but some of them are really nice-especially ones at the street fair. I'll post them later. Gary took some great special effects pictures of the decorative monuments int he cemetary that you will love. Digital cameras are wonderful! The weather is much cooler than Rio. About 65 -70 during the day. Everyone here thinks it's really cold, wearing heavy coats, scarves, etc. I purchased a heavy scarf from a vendor and have made it just fine. Our house has water pipes running through the floor, so walking barefooted is very nice and toasty! The father is an architect, so everything in the house is interesting to look at. Tanner, you would love the structures and landscape plans. Only, since the country doesn't have much money, buildings and grounds are not being kept up well and graffiti is rampant. But what magnificent structures! another interesting thing is reading the BA Herald (printed in english newspaper) and getting their view of world events. They are politically very competitive with Brasil and are upset that Condie Rice has made Brasilia her first stop on the South American tour, thus showing USA's preference and recognition of who has the power in this area. Reading about other countries from outside the US is a humbling experience. Guess I'd better stop-- Pictures are better than so much text. We'll post more soon. Pam and Ben, hope Miami was a blast and hope Tiffany and Ryan survived your visit. It was good to talk to our Mothers yesterday! When I mentioned it to the Canadian housemate yesterday, he jumped up, thanked me, and ran to call his mother. Mothers everywhere waited hopefully by the phones. Hello to you, too, Cloie, and Love you Tanner and Sarah.
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Wow! Glad you guys are having a great time. I got a new car. We stold it actually. 2004 Suburban, loaded (EVERYTHING) 10 inch DVD...everything... 6900 miles, demo, sales tax paid 30290.00. Ask Gary, he will tell you that we did well. Nothing else new here...going to K.C. this weekend! Anxious to see your pics. Love to both of you! - Angela