Hola! We made it safe and sound. It was a very long day for most of us and if you were to see us now you would also notice that we all are tired.
Our experience began at the Atlanta Airport. Many of us got lost looking for terminal T. We had to take a little train that we did not know existed, and when we were finally together, we found out that our departure gate had been changed. But at least we were together by then.
The flight from Atlanta to Buenos Aires was a little bit more than nine hours. It went fine, fairly smooth. However, when we were getting close to Buenos Aires, we were given some face masks to wear when going through customs. No, do not worry. The Swine Flue is not a serious issue in Argentina… we are still wondering why we had to wear those masks
At the airport, we were greeted by Gustavo and our bus brought us to the hotel Posta Carretas. It is a nice place, in downtown Buenos Aires. We got to the hotel before 10 AM and we had to wait until 1 PM to get our rooms. We used the time to go to ATMs and get pesos. We also walked around and began getting used to this city of 11 million people… and we had our first coffee experience in Buenos Aires. This is a very European city and people are constantly having coffee (expresso, cappuccino, you name it) and talking in coffee shops. We went to one of the most traditional ones: Cafe Tortoni.
After getting our rooms, we rested for a little while and then went to have lunch to a Italian restaurant where they make their own pasta right there. The restaurant is located in one of the most exclusive districts of Buenos Aires: Puerto Madero.
After lunch we came back to the hotel and had free time to take a nap or shower or just chill until 8 PM. At 8 a bus came to take us to a Tango Show. It was a dinner show, because as soon as we got there they gave us the menus and we ordered food. Most of us had empanadas and beef sirloin. For dessert, an assortment of Argentinean “postres.” The show lasted until midnight. Then, rather that coming back in the bus, we walked.
As you see, it was a very busy day, full of new sounds, smells, tastes… somehow overwhelming but cool. By the time we went to bed, we were exhausted.
Today we had breakfast at 9 AM and a bus came at 9:45 to take us to a Fiesta Gaucha… but that is another entry.
We miss you and want all of you to know that we are doing great.
