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We left you at the End of the World but are most definately back in the hustle and bustle of civilisation now.
Dancing a Tango, partying until 8am and guzzling down an offal barbeque - all things team Hiles have studiously avoided here in Buenos Aires.
We have had a great time in our own little way however, walking our socks off to see all the sights - markets, harboursides, tango show, La Boca, Casa Rosada (although with great disappointment we weren't allowed to belt out a "Don't cry for me Argentina" from 'the' balcony), Plazas, cafes, motor racing in the streets, the new Pope's former hangout and not forgetting the toilet museum! When we worked up an appetite we could always enjoy a giant steak, which are just getting better each time. After complimenting our latest best ever steak the waiter brought us some champers on the house to thank us (either that or just as he, like a lot of Argentine men, was enjoying Rhian's short skirt!) (NB from Rhian: this isn't saying much, the men here will perv over anything post pubescent in a skirt)
True to her word, Rhian was indeed "as fit as I will ever be" in Patagonia and a week and a half later, after enjoying the delicious treats on offer, an unfortunate split has now appeared in her jeans about which I will comment no further.
Things on the 'pretending to be Welsh' front took an unexpected turn as a friendly conversation with a local lady in our hostel turned into a rather passionate debate that contrary to her understanding Wales was NOT a province of England and not AT ALL like Quebec is to Canada - we didn't speak for the next 3 days until we left. What has happened to me....
Whilst not ones to take advantage of the declining economic situation here, we have enjoyed the abiilty to change US dollars on the semi-legal market (about 50% more than the banks). Transactions have ranged from what felt like drug deals in back alleys to our latest experience in a swanky office on the 12th floor of a skyscraper. Also, not usually a fan of McDonalds my 'thrifty' side was interested in the peculiar situation whereby the government has politely requested McDonalds charge a fixed price of 29 pesos for a Big Mac meal, while everything else on the menu (including Happy Meals) is 50 pesos. For those interested this is due to the 'Big Mac Index' where the cost of said meal around the world supposedly reflects the strength of a currency. Quite who would be fooled by this we don't know but boy did a half price Big Mac taste all the better for it.
From Buenos Aires we took a night bus to Cordoba, the second biggest city in Argentina and, as it is full of students, another great chance for Rhian and I to wimp out of the nightlife. The number of times we are getting up for breakfast while others are coming in is starting to dent our street cred. Things took an unexpected turn for the better on the bus when we were served a 3 course dinner accompanied by wine followed by coffee and an after dinner dissolver (Whiskey!) on board. The return leg even saw us presented with glasses of Champagne! How will we ever get on a Megabus again?!
Cordoba is in the centre of the country and is home to numerous 17th century Jesuit Estancias/Ranches which we visited along with the early home of Che Guevara. That's about all there is to say about it but we also took the chance to relax and try to face the real world in preparation for our return at the end of the month (ie try to get some work back home!)
Back in Buenos Aires now we are eagerly awaiting Fi and from here we will spend 10 days in Uruguay as Hiles adventures has its fourth customer :)
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