If I was taking a trip to Argentina...

[spurschick]

By the way, when you get here let me know, I would love to meet a fellow spurstalker and Manu fan from San Antonio

Will do - I look forward to meeting the Argie peeps.

[Extra Stout]

With regards to safety, Alvarez over there LOVES to exagerate. I don't know who his family is, but if they ALL got mugged, they're doing something wrong. Like in every major city there are places where one shouldn't go. I have to go now, but I'll post some suggestions when I come back.

Are Alvarez and his family hanging out in the villas or something? I find it hard to believe that Bs.As. is that much more dangerous than an American city of similar size.

And isn't Argentina seeing something like 9-10% economic growth per year as it bounces back from the depression of '01? I would think that would take a chunk out of street crime.

[spurschick]

And isn't Argentina seeing something like 9-10% economic growth per year as it bounces back from the depression of '01?

All I know is, I'm taking an empty suitcase with me 'cause I'M GOING SHOPPING!!!!!

[Extra Stout]

All I know is, I'm taking an empty suitcase with me 'cause I'M GOING SHOPPING!!!!!

They don't call it "Paris at half price" for nothing!!!

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I believe Alvarez is exaggerating, I mean, this isn't Switzerland, but it isn't Iraq either. Just some common sense will keep you safe, and if it doesn't, you can always hire Manumaniac and me as personal bodyguards .

Like Stout said, remember the winter thing, right now is pretty cold here, 11ºC (51º Farenheit if my calculations are correct), and it gets colder in July and August (around 41º F).

The Argentinian variation of Spanish is different to the Mexican, in words and accent (Spanish friends of mine say that we sound like Italians speaking Spanish ) but it depends who do you speak to. Someone with decent education would be able to understand it and talk back to you without using too much slang.

Indeed we could organize an Argie GTG, finally, I believe we haven't made one in 4 years, we lazy bas s. Yeah, I know we Argies found the Internets useful only to about Manu's playing time and watch stupid videos on YouTube, but we could start to arrange it.

About shopping, there is plenty for you to do, specially women clothes and the change is very favourable. Also things like music CDs or DVDs are quite cheap too. However, things like mp3 players, DVD players are quite expensive.

[Extra Stout]

Are there many American expats in Argentina?

[spurschick]

About shopping, there is plenty for you to do, specially women clothes and the change is very favourable. Also things like music CDs or DVDs are quite cheap too. However, things like mp3 players, DVD players are quite expensive.

I'll more than likely be looking for clothes, especially a leather coat.

[marini martini]

[QUOTE=Extra Stout]Keep in mind that in Argentina, July-September is the dead of winter.

Hey, I'd be willing to change my summers with winter anytime wih anyone in Argentina

[ALVAREZ6]

I'm just saying two women walking around at night isn't the best idea...that's all. My mom doesn't feel safe there anymore, I always tell her it's fine, but she disagrees. We get into arguments where she brings this stuff that this crap happens more, that it's getting worse. I actually take the stand that you guys are against me right now against my mom.

[ALVAREZ6]

With regards to safety, Alvarez over there LOVES to exagerate. I don't know who his family is, but if they ALL got mugged, they're doing something wrong. Like in every major city there are places where one shouldn't go.

Who knows if they're all doing something wrong....my cousin working in a clothes store had a guy walk in and hold a gun to her head asking for money and took a jacket too. She was just doing her job.

Another cousin was coming home in broad day light recently had a guy hold a knife to him and asked for money. He led him into a mini store and my cousin slightly distracted him and took off running.


I'm not sure what's wrong with working in a store, trying to make some money as a college student, or walking home in broad day light...they seem pretty logical. Of course, these are only stories told to me, I wasn't personally there to see it with my own eyes, so it could be a bunch of bull .

[Marhq]

I'm not trying to scare you but you should watch your back, if it's just you two women, it's not even safe for you ladies to go out walking the streets at night.

Ok, now you're talking out of your ass. I'm sorry if one of your relatives got robbed, but you don't even live here so STFU. Hundreds of women visit the city without a macho bodyguard team and have no problems whatsoever.

Spurschick, I don't know what kind of traveling you like to do (nature, cities, culture, food), how long you'll be staying or what's your budget, but I can give a couple of ideas.

Unless you're coming here on a ski trip or something like that I suggest you to come in September, when the days start getting warmer. That's a great time to visit all the regions without having to deal with too much hot or cold weather.

There are plenty of places to go and things to do, but there are 3 things that you HAVE to see IMHO:
- Buenos Aires (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi61DAYGIkE)
- Iguazu falls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx-_NnwuC3c)
- Perito Moreno glacier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZJYN8qnirE)

I think is a good idea to read what other people are saying about their trips to Argentina; go to websites like www.bootsnall.com or www.virtualtourist.com and you'll find plenty of traveling tips from actual tourists.

Saludos.

[Extra Stout]

Who knows if they're all doing something wrong....my cousin working in a clothes store had a guy walk in and hold a gun to her head asking for money and took a jacket too. She was just doing her job.

Another cousin was coming home in broad day light recently had a guy hold a knife to him and asked for money. He led him into a mini store and my cousin slightly distracted him and took off running.


I'm not sure what's wrong with working in a store, trying to make some money as a college student, or walking home in broad day light...they seem pretty logical. Of course, these are only stories told to me, I wasn't personally there to see it with my own eyes, so it could be a bunch of bull .

Those vignettes sound like the sort of thing that happens everyday in large cities in the United States of America. I guess we all should be running for our lives.

[Extra Stout]

Marhq brings up a forgotten subject.

The area between Mendoza, Argentina and Santiago, Chile is full of ski resorts. It's probably the only place one could escape to go skiing during what in the USA are the hot summer months.

[spurschick]

Unless you're coming here on a ski trip or something like that I suggest you to come in September, when the days start getting warmer. That's a great time to visit all the regions without having to deal with too much hot or cold weather.

I think that September is probably when we'll plan the trip. I really don't want to go in the dead of winter and I don't want to be gone during the Olympics in August.

Great suggestions! I appreciate everyone's input. In terms of safety, I've heard the same advice when I go to New York. First time I went to New York, I was told not to wear anything that looked like expensive jewelry. Bottom line is that you never know when something is going to happen and it's good to be prepared.

[ALVAREZ6]

I think that September is probably when we'll plan the trip. I really don't want to go in the dead of winter and I don't want to be gone during the Olympics in August.

Great suggestions! I appreciate everyone's input. In terms of safety, I've heard the same advice when I go to New York. First time I went to New York, I was told not to wear anything that looked like expensive jewelry. Bottom line is that you never know when something is going to happen and it's good to be prepared.

New York is one of the cleanest cities we have. People don't realize that..everyone hears NYC and thinks of Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, etc. I've been there a lot of times, and that place is on a different level than most other large US cities. NYC's crime is very low compared to the size of the city.

[Extra Stout]

New York is one of the cleanest cities we have. People don't realize that..everyone hears NYC and thinks of Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, etc. I've been there a lot of times, and that place is on a different level than most other large US cities. NYC's crime is very low compared to the size of the city.

It was a filthy, crime-riddled disaster 15 years ago. Then this former federal prosecutor named Giuliani became mayor...

[CosmicCowboy]

If you like to wing shoot I've been there a few times and can help with tips.

I was thinking dove hunting too but didn't think this crowd would get it.

[smeagol]

Do you gals have a place to say?

If the Boss agrees (a.k.a. my wife), we could lodge you and your friend at chez smeagol for a couple of days.

[spurschick]

Do you gals have a place to say?

If the Boss agrees (a.k.a. my wife), we could lodge you and your friend at chez smeagol for a couple of days.

This trip is planned for next summer/fall, so I'm sure we'll have it covered by then. But thank you very much for the offer.

[smeagol]

This trip is planned for next summer/fall, so I'm sure we'll have it covered by then. But thank you very much for the offer.

You're welcome

[Extra Stout]

The prices down there are awesome. If Buenos Aires is "Paris at half price," then Bariloche is "Lake Tahoe at 90% off."

Scratch that. It's a cross between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite... at 90% off.

I was thinking the vaction deals were already pretty reasonable... until I realized the prices were in Argentine pesos, and I needed to divide by 3.

I may have to retire there.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

The prices down there are awesome. If Buenos Aires is "Paris at half price," then Bariloche is "Lake Tahoe at 90% off."

Scratch that. It's a cross between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite... at 90% off.

I was thinking the vaction deals were already pretty reasonable... until I realized the prices were in Argentine pesos, and I needed to divide by 3.

I may have to retire there.

As a long term plan, don't count on that, in 5 years time you may need to divide by 6 or don't divide at all. Macroeconomics isn't science here, it's more like gambling.

Bariloche is a great place indeed, but not my favourite place in Patagonia. There are lot of relatively unknown (and cheaper) options like San Martin de Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, El Bolsón, Chapelco, Trevelín, Esquel, etc. I went there for holidays last (Southern Hemisphere) summer, spend 22 days travelling up and down the Patagonia and was really worth every dime. The only thing that makes that kind of trip expensive is that you need a 4WD vehicle, because many of the roads there are gravel/mud in summer, or ice/snow in winter.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

As a long term plan, don't count on that, in 5 years time you may need to divide by 6 or don't divide at all. Macroeconomics isn't science here, it's more like gambling.

Bariloche is a great place indeed, but not my favourite place in Patagonia. There are lot of relatively unknown (and cheaper) options like San Martin de Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, El Bolsón, Chapelco, Trevelín, Esquel, etc. I went there for holidays last (Southern Hemisphere) summer, spend 22 days travelling up and down the Patagonia and was really worth every dime. The only thing that makes that kind of trip expensive is that you need a 4WD vehicle, because many of the roads there are gravel/mud in summer, or ice/snow in winter.

hey, I backpacked all that region last summer, we might have met and don't even know it

Hey Extra, I have to agree with MMLH here. San Martin, La Angostura, Bolson are all better than Bariloche right now. I have an apartment in Bariloche and I go there almost every summer, but I use it as base of operations I don't stay in Bariloche much. Still it is worth checking out, there is some beautifull scenery there.

As for skiing Chapelco, Esquel etc, I've never actually been. All I know is Bariloche's skiing center in Cerro Catedral has done a lot to improve its facilities. I went there last winter to snowboard and it was really well maintained. Still, it has suddenly become small for the amount of tourism its getting. Bariloche has quickly become the choice of destination for South America. You should see the mountain now, one can scarcely ski or snowboard in peace on high season.

[kolko]

Definitely you should go to Patagonia in the south and, if you want, the northern part of Argentina (Jujuy, Salta) is also beautiful.

[Extra Stout]

Salta and the surrounding area is Argentina's version of Arizona, sans the whiny Suns fans.