Still having fun here in BA, although our one complaint is that it’s so damn hot here. The temperature is at least in the 80s or 90s every day, and the sun is bright and blazing until 7pm. I ran around the dikes today (that’s not code for anything; I simply went for a run around the long row of water-filled dikes) but had to wake up at 7am just to beat the heat. And Wilkie can’t take two bites of any meal, let alone walk one block, without beads of sweat forming over his entire face. My peoples are built for the desert, so I’m doing just fine (except that I’m not).

La Boca

La Boca is a unique neighborhood that lies at the southern end of Buenos Aires. It is known as a very blue collar area that is notorious for street crime against tourists, even in daylight. You may be safe on the current street, but just one street over might be a dangerous one. However, the neighborhood is also known for its colorful buildings and lively street scene.

La Boca is also home of the Boca Juniors, the Buenos Aires football (soccer) team. Here, just outside the stadium where they play, is a star on the ground for each of their current and former players. This is the star for probably their most well-known player, the now disgraced Diego Maradona.

Nightlife

Buenos Aires has a very thriving nightlife, unfortunately it starts so late! Dinner is typically eaten 10 or 11pm; if you go around 8 or 9pm, you’re more likely to be eating with other tourists (not that there’s anything wrong with that). And once a few hours haave passed after dinner, only then do the locals really go out. People here love live music and clubs. We got lucky and were able to watch a fantastic live performance by one of the very popular local bands:

Below is Milion (shown in front and from the back), an awesome lounge built inside a vacated 3-story mansion.

One night Wilkie and I decided to check out a club, but we had to kill several hours in various bars just waiting until 2am, when the clubs opened. Once 1am hit, we were yawning and struggling to remain energetic for this whole endeavor. After we completely ran out of topics to talk about, couldn’t drink anymore, and got tired of each other’s faces, to stay awake we resorted to playing hangman with crayons on the tablecloth. The bar was not amused. Anyway, once we got inside the club, it was so packed we just left for home (not before having a few drinks, of course).

(fans of the show Big Bang Theory will be amused by something here)

In other news, when Argentinians ask where you’re from, they don’t like it if you respond “America.” Apparently South Americans think they’re from “America” too. The nerve…