Frazier Blog

I woke up and was happy that I had slept in until 10:30. Different from my Europe trip, but I needed the rest. I had been woken up earlier when my roommates got ready for the day but I was able to fall right back asleep.

I looked at what I wanted to do for the day and decided my main goal was to explore the park area in Palmero. The jardin botanicas and japonasa sounded the most interesting. I also wanted to see the big cemetery in the middle of the city.

First I headed back towards the tourist area to see if there was a shop that sold my camera at a reasonable price. I found one the night before but it was $2000 us dollars. Only a $1,500 premium. I found the nikon shop hoping it would be cheaper but they did not even have it. And with that I was officially moving on.

I figured it made sense to get a quick lunch before I started my adventure for the day. I looked for a restaurant as I was looking for the right bus. I saw this one and knew it would be great.

Once I got inside I was the only American there. Perfect. I was great by who I think was the owner, as he was the most dressed up but still knew everything about the restaurant. I picked out a steak sandwich. Almost everyone drinking a beer with lunch and thought about it but said in reply to the question of which one I wanted “tengo auqa”. As I walked away from the the cooler I heard a local mocking my choice to only have water. Haha.

Once the sandwich was ready the chef showed me all the different spices or things I could add he warned me that the on chili like spread was quite hot. I tried a little bit and found it flavorful but a bit mild, so I used a generous amount. I took my first bite and it lived up to my expectations. I love finding a good hole in the wall place. I finished and paid. Despite a one dollar to 4.2 pesos things are not that cheap. My sandwich cost 5 US dollars. A deal but not a steal.

I headed on the search for my bus. On advice from Riley I bought the guia t which is a book that lists every bus route in the city. It breaks down the city into grids and tells you which buses serve that area. The problem I am having is that I don’t know where to go in that grid!! So I just start walking around playing a combination of batteship and the lottery. I see a bus coming read the number and hope it is one I won’t. The problem is like the lottery my number is not coming up often. After 10 minutes of searching for a stop that would take me to my destination I started asking locals for help. I was told, well I don’t know where that bus stops but the one I am waiting for will take you there. All of this was in Spanish and hampered by me forgetting the local word for bus, collectivos. Sure enough the bus got me within 3 blocks of where I wanted to be.

The gardens were alright. Not as lush as I expected. So I headed over to the Japanese gardens. Not what I was expecting at all. It was packed. People were dressed up. I was confused. Slowly I started putting things together. They don’t celebrate Halloween, it’s not tourists dressed up, they are holding fake weapons. It is an anime convention!!!! Surprise. I enjoyed walking around seeing all the different costumes and outfits there were some really crazy ones. I really enjoyed how tranquil the gardens are contrasted with the noise and activity of the city. A good timeout.

After spending sufficient time wandering and relaxing, And fighting through throngs of anime characters I headed out. Time for the cemetery. It is located in the center of the city and is often referred to as a mini city for the dead. Very crazy. Huge ornate mausoleums house the famous Argentinean dead. While slightly spooky I enjoyed walking around an appreciating the craftsmanship of the buildings. Again the juxtaposition of staring out and seeing the tall buildings of the city in the background and the houses of the dead in the foreground intrigued me. I crashed a tour group and listened to some explanations in Spanish.

I started my journey home. I hung out for a minute on a park/hill where local college students appeared to be gathering. Made for some good people watching. Again I struggled to find the right bus home and I walked further than I would have liked. Pretty sure I am going to have a blister on the bottom of my foot.

I stopped in at a local shop to buy a bottle of wine. I made a rookie mistake and helped the cashier make change and gave her one of my coins. Dang it. Coins here are the only way to pay for the bus and the shortage I read about is real. There is a constant game played between customers and merchants with each side trying to get as many coins as possible. I tried to get mine back but she was not having it. I faced this problem earlier in day and had to ask three shops for change before i got some. I spotted a bakery and a solution to my lack of “moneda”. I picked out a snack that cost 2.50. Forcing the shop to give me change. My plan worked but I needed more, so as I paid I asked for peso coins nicely. The cashier helped me out and I now had a snack and the money I needed to board the bus.

Finally I arrived back at the hostel after a long but good day. Really enjoyed exploring the city. I sat I the common area, drank some wine, chatted with fellow travelers and began to blog. I emailed Riley to coordinate our meeting up tomorrow and the saw I had one from Hannah wanting to go to dinner. Why not. So I met up with her and we began a search for empanadas.

As we walked through the plaza de mayo a concert blasted music our way. An interesting sound but I did not feel the need to stay and watch. With our backs to the plaza there was a loud bang and then more. We turned around to see a spectacular fireworks show. Perfect timing. Stayed and watched the 5 minute show that ended with an impressive grand finale. Really need as we had the presidential house as the back ground for the show. Surprise.

video of the fireworks

After passing on two restaurants Hannah asked for a recommendation. We soon entered a local shop and knew we were set. I ordered three, pollo,carne and jamon y queso. They were delicious.

We left in search of dessert, accidentally wandered into the main touristy area and then found a nice ice cream shop. Not as good as italian gelato but still tasty. Walked back to her hostel and then I walked home. My feet were killing me by this point.

Once I returned I wanted to go to bed but saw some of my hostel mates were hanging out and listening to music so I joined in. Got a world to tour of music as the french and Colombian girls went back and forth playing songs. I thought I should represent america well, so I put on teach me how to Dougie.

Then it was time for bed and once again I put my head on the pillow a…………