July 28: che boludo!

Well. In Argentina anything is possible...
Hard rock in the "colectivo" early in the morning, condom walking cross in the middle of typical oldish street, policeman tagging the walls with other junkies at 2AM, antique dusty shops selling fresh empanadas (local tortilla-filled tapas), teenagers exchanging mother's creamy pastries for 1 peso, "ancianos" (respectful word referring to old generations) dancing chacarera all-smiles with the energy of a twelve-year-old, "panaderos" (bakers) delivering warm bread by bicycle, cast-aside tiny office turned into a movie house. But I must say, older local women are the best-gig-ever winners! Rumors (and testimonies) say as soon as popular 70's argentinian singer Sandro appears on stage, young "ancianas" chicks passionately throw their panties on the lucky hero with love sighs. No need to mention the underwear is a "little" oversized!! Go girls!

July 25: living in a "teatro"

In Buenos Aires, making new friends is so easy. But I could not believe meeting the ambassador or having coffee with a celebrity was even easier. A contact leads to another and argentinians definitely enjoy connecting people. We got the chance to drink champagne at "Ambassade de France", grab a "cortado" (expresso with a (big) drop of milk) with leading local artists (mainly composers), give interviews to relevant Art curators and creep into fancy private Art galleries...

However attractive luxurious perfect spheres can be, I admit they are not worth "El Ateneo" bookstore! This wonderful majestic theater built by young Max Glucksman in 1919 quickly turned into a movie house in 1929 before becoming the most interesting, well supplied, avant-garde latin american bookstore. Where else can you have a seat in a theater box, delight in a Pablo Neruda volume and sip a warm "submarino" (thick hot chocolate) where Carlos Gardel once performed?! Besides, theater culture still is very popular, accessible and admired over here... On your way back, keep walking a few blocks further to pay a visit to charming "El Gato Negro" café notable (ancient coffee shop). As soon as you get in, orange-rose-chocolate-cardamon-curry flavours pleasantly reach your nose as this cute little heaven also sells spices from all over the world!! Locals find it exotic though since argentinian food barely meets piquant dressings. Yet Latin America have a crush on spicy-spicy!!