Buenos tardes folks,

Welcome to the 3rd in an ongoing saga of the trials tribulations and general anecdotes and stories of my travels. If you missed the first 2 where were you?.

Well all I have to say first of all is that it is rather warm here, a rather hot and humid 27ºC. How is it with you, has it stopped raining yet or even got light?.

Arrived yesterday morning after a long 13 hour flight from Frankfurt. Most of which I spent asleep, despite the apparent lack of legroom and small portions of food, Lufthansa appear be cutting back, so much so that they could not even make up the 30 minute delay in departure by the time we got to Buenos Aires.

It really feels good to be back on the road again after so much time.

Buenos Aires is a big, relaxed, cosmopolitan city, very European in feel. Most of the inhabitants are emigrants from Europe, the indigenous population has all but disappeared. That may change once I get out of Buenos Aires, we shall have to see.

Spent most of yesterday wondering around, finding my bearings. I did however, manage to get in a couple of museums, one cemetery, the ferry terminal, the congress, several parks and an art gallery on route as well as some fine food. The tapas bar at lunch time was great, olives, mozzarella, squid, beef and onions, all in a spicy olive oil dressing all washed down with a couple of espressos and some mineral water, all chosen for me by the very helpful waitress, who wanted to practice her English.

I also managed quite by accident to bump into a street carnival in the evening which was great fun, as everyone appeared to be having a great time. Having a camera with a flash sure does help!!!.

The accommodation is in a youth hostel in the centre of town, 4 pounds per night, not bad value. All new decor, friendly staff, warm water everything really.

Buenos Aires also has a great metro system. I will not start to do the comparisons with the London underground as I already think you know the answer.

A couple of observations so far.

At 12:00 the sun is in the north. Which can play havoc with you navigation if you are from the northern hemisphere and have not realised.

Because of the European feel and look, you fit in very easily, there is a distinct lack of the overt and obtrusive foreigner curiosity factor. All adding up to a relaxed, pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

Anyway its time for some lunch outside in the sun.

There appears to be no lack of internet cafes so keeping in touch should not be a problem

Regards

Martin Weaver - Born to travel

PS

If you have and questions etc... don't be afraid to ask.