BUENOS AIRES

I´ll try to just give you some highlights now. The owner and the carrier, Fibertel, are coming to my apartment tomorrow morning to see if they can fix the internet service. The owner´s daughter, Eva, who speaks English came over with her bofriend on Saturday night at 10pm, and she made the appointment for Monday. So maybe NEXT week, I can catch this up from the apartment.

New´s Years Eve was uneventful. I went to some of my haunts along the Via Argentia early, however, like in the States, everybody goes to private parties. I ended up at the Casino, across the street from the apartment, and watched the Denver Bronco´s get beat, but I forgot by whom. Then, early to bed.

The taxi showed up right on time and took me to Toucomen Airport. The Copa flight left right on time, and arrived 7 hours later and 15 minutes early. No problem with immigration, and customs waved me through without checking my bag. (Probably because I looked like such a tired, hot, old harmless man.)

It was 8:30 at night, and it was HOT. I brought a sports coat with me so I´d have it for the wedding in March, and the only way I carry it is to wear it. The remis took me directly to the apartment, and then I had to wait for a half hour, as I was early. Not to worry, the apartment is over a cafe called Ristretto, and, at first, I sat on the patio outside. Then the waiter told me to come inside to the airconditioning; which I did, and had a beer.

Fast forward to Friday.....the weather changed drastically for the better. It was a really beautiful day with the high in the low 70´s, and in the evening, with a breeze, even a little cool.

I´ve checked out the immediate neighborhood, walking, for maybe as much as two miles or more in each direction.

A bottle of Wine at the grocery store can be bought for as little as ART 2.76, or $.90US. I paid a little more than that! A grilled ham and cheese is $3.00.

More of this later. I think I´ll take the subway, and see if I can find my way to San Martin Plaza. It doesn´t get dark here until about 8:30, so plenty of time.
jw