Things done, places been...

Some things I have done in the last week...or so...

-Tried their local beer Quilmes: quite good.
-Went to the city of Tigre - a small town north of Buenos Aires. Took a river taxi up for a few miles and stop in the little neighborhoods and such along the way. Spent the whole day with Joanne and another crazy Australian lady in a little town called Tres Bocas: a network of houses along the river with such a chill vacation-y feel. No cars, just little paths, through the trees and bridges along the stream to get from one house to the next. Everyone was fishing or swimming, boating or kayaking, laying out. Such an amazing relaxing time. We had a great meal there and just sat in lawn chairs by the river.
-Spent a morning with Elsa walking in park and talking.
-Went to the artsy little town of San Telmo full of old colonial buildings and a great market.
-Listened to Tango and watched the dancers in the streets
-Saw the "Pink House" which is their White House and the Plaza de Mayo where much of the political movement takes place. 
-Went out with "the girls" to try a few new restaurants.
-Saw a two different crazy, rhythmic, Stomp-like dance/drumming performance that were incredible.

-Went to the famous town of La Boca- a southern neighborhood in the city- great tango dancing, historic houses and a fun market.

Some funny little things I have noticed:
-Soda water is the norm. You have to specify if you don't want bubbles.
-Things are a bit inefficient. At the bank there is the person who directs you to the floor you want.  The person at the bottom of the stairs who welcomes you. Then the person who you actually deal with. And the person who gives you a receipt.
-Dog walkers- a common and noble profession.

-There is no rule for dog defecation in the street. Its a new game of hopscotch walking down the street.

-Also have to watch yourself from up top- people like to water their plants on the balconies.
-PDA is EVERYWHERE. In the buses, trains and subways. On the street corners. In the parks. And sometimes the couples will just stop while walking down the street, go at it for a few while you walk around them and then keep walking. Haven't learned how to make that one not distracting.
-They love their beef and pork. Chickens and turkeys are largely forgotten.
-Hair styles: Little trails and patches of hair growing long on men is quite in. But only on the back of the head.
-The clothes and shoes are fantastic.
-Can't decide if the bidet is for me.