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Day 3 - Buenos Aires - Budget day
After a busy weekend introduction to BA, the first working day of the week was a welcomed change of pace for us both. Everyone was back at work and as we had a later start, by the time we got our act together it was rapidly approaching lunch time so the streets were full of suits and beautiful people ... we were able to blend in perfectly. The sun was shining and it was just a beautiful day. Business men sat perched on stools fiddling with their mobile phones as shoe shiners worked their magic rubbing and buffing (their shoes) all for no more than $1.50.
We spent the day primarily strolling the streets and watching the locals go about their daily business. We ticked off some of the other key sites on the map that we had previously missed such as Avenida Florida (equivalent to Queen St, Rundle St or Pitt St Malls only much larger); San Martin Square where there is a huge park, with specific areas laid out for professional dog walkers to let the dogs run free, as well as many statues of very large and important historical people.
We even stumbled onto Catedral Metropolitana which is the resting place of liberator Jose de San Martin, Argentina's most venerated historical figure. There was an opportunity to look behind the scenes at other parts of the cathedral however for an additional ARS$2, or less than a dollar, we decided to pass and put it towards our next steak or wine.
Brendan's Spanish is certainly improving. Today he ordered a toasted beef sandwich and got a cold chicken sandwich so things are looking up for him.
After a little more strolling and planning for the next few days it was time for dinner. We decided to head out to Palermo, another area which we had not yet visited which is a newer area of BA with some very flashy modern homes, restaurants, pubs and clubs ... long story in short ... failure.
Longer version ... Being a Monday it wasn't really pumping and neither of us were in the mood to fork out delicate pesos for an overpriced steak. So we walked a few more streets before deciding to take a taxi home and head out to one of the more local steak places near our hostel.
So, out of the cab and back onto the street again looking for the next place. We got lost, read the map wrong, headed down the wrong street and then started to get seriously hungry. Now we all know what it's like to be hungry and be far from food, not a good combination for us. We quickened our steps and reduced our conversation to guttural sounds and gestures. Although we were very hungry and it was 11:30pm by now, we still had a budget. We popped our head into about 5 restaurants but they were all too much. Before we knew it we were next to our hostel with the choice of porridge or empanadas next door. Empanadas it was. We inhaled 3 empanadas that were nowhere near as good as the ones from the market but they hit the spot. So yeh, a pretty nothing day really. Time to sleep.
Day 4 - Buenos Aires - Tango lesson and more steak
Today had to be better than yesterday. Again we slept in for a while, had some breaky and then headed out to down town to sort some money out for Patagonia. We decided to just take a few detours and see some more things in the city before heading home via the supermarket. Omlettes for lunch today. We bought some eggs, onion, tomato, capsicum and peas as well as a Fanta just for some vitamin C. For all of approx $3 we both had a great lunch, well I thought it was great as I was used to porridge but Brendan was not that impressed
We did some research into our next few stops and then took a nap. It's tough stuff this travelling. But we did need it before we headed out for our first, and if Brendan has anything to do with it, probably our last Tango class.
I only had to bribe him with the promise of steak for dinner and he busted out his best moves yet. We entered the cafe/dance studio which was just around the corner from our hostel. A lady wearing a frilly shirt and jacket combo with tights and high heels greeted us and then introduced us to the Tango teacher. After attempting to repeat his name 3 times Mia gave up and just referred to him as Tango Jedi Master, and Brendan as Tango Jedi Apprentice. He was smooth and very Spanish, sporting a sizeable gut and flavour saver, Brendan is still trying to develop either.
After walking, well stepping, around the floor letting the music and rhythm enter our bodies and the Apprentice complaining of his hip flexors getting tight, we were shown our first move. Tango Jedi Master took Mia's arms and directed her around the floor. She could dance, elegantly, rhythmically and with style. Now for the Apprentice to show up the Master "Skywalker Style" ... Epic Fail ... Feet were touching, steps were awkward, couldn't turn left, and bottom lips were bit with concentration as well as the Apprentice appearing to be counting. Together we were not doing too well. We decided that it was due to the larger sneakers we were wearing and not the Apprentices lack of rhythm, grace or style.
However, in saying that, 90 (painful) minutes later, we had a "solid routine" down pat. The Apprentice was more than disappointed that the Master did not think him ready for dips and twirls. "Bien Bien" we were told. The hold was next and now it was time to get romantic, close and passionate ... the Apprentice's Strength ... Ticked that box and have now completed what appears to be the Top 10 things to do and see in Buenos Aires, now let's get steak!
So after we finished our audition for 'So you know you can't dance Tango' we started the walk to our last BA steak house.
The staff fell over when customers walked through the door before 10 pm but they were happy to serve us. We were given an English menu and after asking a waitress about the size of each steak, we were told "they are all big". Something you definitely want to hear when sharing a meal. Brendan appears to have had another Chicken Sandwich experience as it looked like nothing that he ordered but it was still tasty and left Brendan reasonably satisfied.
Now for dessert which was Mia's idea. Brendan didn't want any of the chocolate brownie with ice-cream and nuts but was happy to 'try half' some when it came out. For all of $35 Aussie dollars we had a great meal and polished off a couple of beers and the bottle of red just to make the walk home interesting.
So we wandered back to the Hostel for an early night and an early morning start to get the flight to El Calafate.
Bring on Patagonia.
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