View Full Version : 2002-2005 WSG Reports
Originally posted by ibiza007
Calling cards
I purchased the card Saint recommended ( blackstone no connect)and
Ibiza
there may be no connection cost, but i'll bet there's a 80 cents semi monthly charge. and tax is back-charged if you don't kill the card with the first call (likely why you got 19c vs. 16c).
cards are still good, but you need to know the real price.
i've been using best priced telecom.
http://www.bptelcom.com
1-866-800-3171
ask for jim, say hi from me.
it's 6cents to b.a., rounded to nearest 10seconds! no connection, no tax, no fee - ever. 12cents to cell. great rate to columbia also. canada is 5c, as is usa. you dial an 800 number from your designated line (land, cell, whatever) and it recognizes you and you then enter your destination number. if you are on any other phone (payphone, your cell!!, friends, work) you dial the same 800 number, but you'll then have to enter a pin, then the destination number. what a deal - b.a. at 6c/min from my cell??!!
it's a prepaid card, but i've stopped using 1010-629 and moved to this card.
Ibiza,
I've only used Blackstone for Buenos Aires proper. (You gotta pay attention to their rate poster. Look at specific cities. It only says BA). I use it to call cell phones all the time too and I get the same rate. Leo's deal might be better...not sure. I've been happy with Blackstone though. I go through a $10 card a day talking to friends in BA and Rio. Rio is more expensive.
The great thing about Blackstone is as you noticed...other countries have cheap rates too. Yeah..I think there is some kind of monthly maintenance fee. I'm not sure. Like I said...I burn through a $10 card a day so I never have to worry about that fee. A $20 card does yield over 6.5 hours to Buenos Aires.
** I just checked out Leo's card. Seems to work good. I did have some problems getting set up. Took a few emails but it's fine. Also, the website is periodically down to check balances but seems great. Use whatever services work the best for you. Definitely cheaper than calling directly. Good luck.
There is a 79 cent bi-monthly charge. Saint, I did look at the poster and even printed it out, it says ARGENTINA other than BA and BA cell, 6.6 and the guy at blackstone even admitted the posted rate was wrong but he did not step up to make it right. Thats my only ***** with Blacksone, the guy admitted it wasn't the price as stated, but as they buy from IDT, he was powerless to give me any help. It is not a big deal, but it is about Blackstones integrity about the deal.
Just tell me the rules and I know how to play the game. I just hate when companies play bait and switch , doesn't matter about price - just principal of it.
So, I will use them for South Africa and BA proper as it sounds like they know their rates for BA, which is just fine.
Thanks for everyones input. End of of complaining.
Hey Folks: anybody there with any reference to Rosario? I´ve heard it´s a big city (2nd in Argentina) and I´m quite surprised that there are no reports... It´s just a boring hole, I´m looking in the wrong place or it´s my duty to break ground there??
Any tip will help.
Gatofelix:
Rosario used to be the main ports in Argentina, along with Bahia Blanca and Mar del Plata. The city thrived during the years in which the railroad was the main transportation mean and during the years of the imports substitution of WW2.
Today, however, after the desindustrialization of the 90s and the shutdown of many railroad lines, the city and vicinity have been suffering of very high unemployment ratios and extreme poverty (from time to time there are news spots reporting poor people eating cats). Tracing a parallel to our hobby, you will notice the lack of cash by means of the lack of escorts websites such as Platynum.
If you have to go there (because of business or whatever) you may find very cheap, very beautiful and eager to please girls. But I esteem that going there just for hobbying doesn't worth.
The few places beyond Buenos Aires that merit a visit for hobbying are Mar del Plata and Puerto Iguazu. Both places have significant tourist activity, which Rosario lacks.
Hope this helps,
Andres
I would just like to thank Andres for all the great information he has provided over the past few months.
Dickhead
14 days and counting
andresg1967,
Since we are on the subject of regions outside of BA. . . can you tell us anything about La Plata?
LALarry seemed pretty excited about it and said that we wouldn't regret a trip there, but Jackson gave sort of a mixed review.
I've found several web sites about La Plata, but the place seems to be a squeeky clean college town. Not a whiff of sex anywhere, at least not on the internet.
Any thoughts?
Guillermo
P.S. I second DH's thanks. You've always been a very willing and helpful contributor of la informacion autentica about BA.
DickHead,
Let me buy you a beer in BA when you come down.
Will you be at the Dazzler listed as Norma Jean again?
BB
Guillermo:
La Plata has roughly 500,000 people, most of which work in the Provincial public sector (banks, ministeries, hospitals, University of La Plata, etc.), and a few work in the Ensenada-Berisso chemical industrial complexes (Petroquimica General Mosconi, YPF Refinery, etc).
That said, the city nurtures from the Provincial white collar sector, so no many high quality boliches would be found. In fact, in my last few journeys (1999-2000), I found that getting there is a real pain in the ass (specially at night) and the few boliches (3 or 4)have a quality well below the ones of, let's say, Suipacha St in BA. Most of these boliches were located in Avenida Circunvalacion, which is the sorrounding belt highway of the city, and in the last mile of Camino General Belgrano.
Avenida 8 used to be the usual commercial street. There may be some places there, but I wouldn't expect anything remakable. Also, there should be some boliches near the port of Berisso-Ensenada (YPF employees and sailors may visit these places) but nowadays that town is pretty dangerous at any hour.
The main local newspaper is Diario El Dia (www.eldia.com.ar) There is a section of clasificados in varios-acompañantes with about 50 ads.
The only Internet sites that I know are
- http://www.girlvip.w3.to/ (seems to be a typical sauna)
- http://www.geocities.com/nachoguido/ (seems a guide)
If you know more sites, please post them.
I guess that it is possible to find some boliches with young, college girls eager to earn Pesos (remember that provincial employees earn Patacones, not Pesos). But take into account that rich Platenses can hit Buenos Aires in less than an hour through the highway, where they can enjoy a broader selection of boliches and chicas. Thus, I wouldn't expect a copy of Recoletan quality down there.
Briefly, my advice is to go there only if you know at least the addresses of 3-4 boliches and if a remise driver accepts to bring you in and out of town (be aware that you must drive through very poor and dangerous neigborhoods of Buenos Aires to get there).
Hope this helps,
Andres
No, BB, the Dazzler was unavailable for one or more days of my stay so I will be at the Bisonte Palace, which has the same owners. I may get an apartment instead though so I will let you know.
andresg1967,
Thanks for the info. These are the websites I have found for La Plata:
www.laplatasexy.com.ar
www.laplatavive.com
www.guialaplata.com
www.lasdiagonales.com
laplatasexy - looked to be the most promising. There is a guia de lugares, but it's just a listing of some hotels mainly and a couple clubs. They are advertising for chicas to publish their pictures for a sort of escort listing, but it doesn't look as if anyone has taken them up on it.
laplatavive - has a long listing of what looks like clubs, but its just names addresses and phone numbers, nothing to indicate what kind of clubs they are. In the noche section there are lots of pictures of young college types drinking and dancing and generally having a good time, and there are lots of beautiful co-eds, but nothing to indicate commercial sex.
The other two are strictly general tourist info.
Apparently there is some kind of "Disneyland" there? Republica de los Ninos. Founded by none other than Eva Peron.
There is another site that comes up in all the searches,
www.calle52.com.ar, which I think is supposed to be some kind of an electronic newspaper, but I can't get a response from the server.
Of course, all these sites are strictly en Espanol. You may be able to glean something more from the first two than I did. Let me know if you do.
Thanks,
Guillermo
OK Dickhead,
I am thinking the weekend of March 8-9. Let me know where you'll be hiding your jewels, and maybe we can hook up for a grog. I don't know where I'll be staying yet. Haven't made up my mind. Somewhere central between Recoleta and Puerto Madero, probably. So I can walk around and get some excersize between rounds of bedwrestling.
BB
Guillermo:
I reviewed the sites that you mentioned and found the same kind of info as you did.
Republica de los Niños was created during the first term of General Peron, back in the 50s. At that time, it was used partly to to amuse kids and partly to indoctrinate them, since the first term of Peron ressembled the regime of Mussolini, trying to create a "new man" different from the American capitalist type and from the Soviet communist type (usually referred as "Third Position").
By the time I was a kid, in the 70s, I toured the place with the school and found it pretty lame (not to say decadent). Today, the place may have suffered such degree of vandalism and disinvestment that no structure would remain in place. It was located near the suburb of Gonnet, if I remember well. Certainly, not a place to visit.
Hope this helps,
Andres
OttoGraham
03-03-03, 17:43
AIR FARES
I was just pondering a long weekend getaway to Buenos Aires and was frankly shocked to see how much air fares have jumped with the departure of Delta from the Buenos Aires market. A ticket which cost me $475 through Orbitz.com in January now runs close to $700! :-(
Anybody have some good advice on a source for lower cost tickets?
-Uncle Otto
Soon United will go belly up. Then American will have a monopoly and fares will shoot through the roof, at least until someone else enters the market. Therefore Unc I suggest if you have any United miles, you use them for the ticket, FAST. This might be worth doing even if you have to purchase some miles to top off your account to 50,000 (you could buy 20,000 miles and still pay less than the Orbitz fare). If you only have a few thousand miles, I suggest you trade them in for Hilton Honors points and get at least something out of them. This goes for all other mongers as well.
Your nephew,
Dickhead
Dickhead, do you have inside info on United shutting down? I have some relatives who work for them, including 1 at their Elk Grove HQ, who say the opposite!
Not knocking you, but if you do have inside info, I'd like to get it to them, so they can bail before hand. Thanks. thor
Dickhead -
I am also playing the United buy-some-miles game to hit 50,000 soon. I'm planning on using it this summer for B.A. But if you have some inside information that United will fold in the near future, please share it.
FYI - You can only purchase 15,000 miles per calendar year with United.
Originally posted by thor
Dickhead, do you have inside info on United shutting down? I have some relatives who work for them, including 1 at their Elk Grove HQ, who say the opposite!
Not knocking you, but if you do have inside info, I'd like to get it to them, so they can bail before hand. Thanks. thor
Nope, no inside information. But they have burned through the majority of the I believe it was $1.8 billion cash infusion they got, they are still losing money and hemorrhaging cash, and altough the pilots are starting to wake up and smell the floor wax, I just don't think they can avoid Chapter 7 with the debt load they have. I sure hope they do make it because I have a frequent flier ticket on them to BA in July. It's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy because a lot of the people I know are scared to buy advance tickets on them (I sure wouldn't) for fear they will go bankrupt, and if people are afraid to buy advance tickets on them, that increases the chance they will go bankrupt.
Originally posted by OttoGraham
AIR FARES
I was just pondering a long weekend getaway to Buenos Aires and was frankly shocked to see how much air fares have jumped with the departure of Delta from the Buenos Aires market. A ticket which cost me $475 through Orbitz.com in January now runs close to $700! :-(
Anybody have some good advice on a source for lower cost tickets?
-Uncle Otto
Carbone travel advertises $480 fares out of New York (+tax)http://www.carbone-travel.com/. Also cheap fares from other cities.
Originally posted by lotsafun
Carbone travel advertises $480 fares out of New York (+tax)http://www.carbone-travel.com/. Also cheap fares from other cities.
That price is for reference, you'll need to call to get the confirmed price, it could be lower or higher than the reference price.
For now, the lowest price advertised (travelocity) ex JFK-EZE is 479 excl. taxes, with an uncomfortable connection in Bogota.
For those who fly AA exclusively, wait until they reload their fares for travel thru July 03 later this month, hopefully around the mid $500. And since I've applied a 10% discount on all my AA purchases, and btw it's only valid till the end of April, it will come out to less than $520.
I'm hoping UA doesn't declare Chapter 7
The fate of UA is frequently discussed on www.flyertalk.com, which is a great resource for travelers. If there is ever a low, low fare, it will be posted in flyertalk first.
For the United section, start with http://www.flyertalk.com/milesfr.shtml, then click on United. Scroll thru a few days worth of posts for discussion of impending Chapter 7.
The consensus seems to be that no can predict what will happen, but that in the past, bankrupt airlines have limped along for many months or years.
I have Bangkok planned for late March and I'm not worried.
It's fruitless to talk about airlines going bankrupt. Eventually all of the major carriers will declare bankruptcy if things don't change. American, Delta and United are burning through obscene amounts of money and losing millions each and every day. For the end consumer though it won't make much of a difference. These airlines' ownership will simply change. If United declares Bankruptcy it will reorganize as will American. I would venture to guess that they will have to keep the frequent flyer programs in place. Without the most frequent flyers these airlines are through.
I'd say don't worry so much about this. If you are planning to go and can find a good price...book it. Life is too short to worry about these things. Where there is a will there is a way. You'll find a way to get down to BA.
Good luck.
Ummmm ... United Airlines has already declared bankruptcy reorganization (Chapter 11). The question now becomes will they go Chapter 7. That is liquidation. It is not reorganization. I am old enough to remember when Eastern Airlines declared bankruptcy. No reorganization, no refunds, no continuation of the frequent flier program, just a bunch of stranded, screwed customers who never saw a dime of the money they paid for their tickets. Braniff, same thing. But another poster is correct in saying that this has been discussed to death on FlyerTalk, where the posters are so-called experts on air travel. We are so-called experts on something else ...
JamesBond69
03-04-03, 19:00
Originally posted by Elvis
For now, the lowest price advertised (travelocity) ex JFK-EZE is 479 excl. taxes, with an uncomfortable connection in Bogota.
[/i]
Uncomfortable is the word. I waited 7 hours in Bogota for the connection and then the plane flies to Santiago, Chile before heading to BA.
Total trip time - 29 hours JFK (NYC) to BA...worth the extra $100+ in my opinion to take a direct 12 hour flight on Aerolinas Argentinas.
I've been looking at a lot of phone numbers lately (always one of my favorite occupations) and I think I understand how Argentine numbers work. Just wanted to verify what I think is correct.
Country code for Argentina: 54
City code for BA: 11
Local land lines are 8 digits, usually separated by a hyphen and always begin with the number 4 as in 4999-9999.
Cell phone numbers follow the same pattern, but are prefixed with the number 15 and then the eight digits. I've noticed that cell phone numbers usually begin with a 5 as in 5999-9999, but they may also use the number 4 as a prefix.
I'm wondering, does the first digit of the eight indicate anything? Does the number 4 prefix denote an area within BA? Is the number 5 prefix used exclusively for cell phones?
To dial a BA land line number from the U.S., you would dial:
011 54 11 4 999-9999
To dial a BA cell phone number from the U.S., you would dial:
011 54 9 11 5 999-9999
I know, I know, what's all this got to do with sex? There is a method to my madness.
Guillermo
Guillermo:
Below is the history of the new phone numbers, its reasons, and the actual rules
1) Country code: It is always 54.
2) Area codes: When the phone company was state-owned, Buenos Aires used to have the 1 and other cities had other area codes, starting with different digits. When the company ENTel was privatized, it was divided in 2 companies (Telecom Argentina and Telefonica de Argentina). Telecom got the northern provinces and half of BA and Telefonica the other half of the city and the southern provinces.
In order to assign the long distance billings properly, Buenos Aires got a special 1 digit before the city code (that's why BA is now 11), the Telefonica cities got a 2 before the previous area code (that's why MDP and all other southern cities have area codes starting with 2) and the northern provinces of Telecom got the 3 before the old code.
3) BA numbers: By 2000, there were almost no local numbers available for new lines, and by that time also Telefonica and Telecom were close to lose the monopoly protection conferred by the privatisation laws. Thus, in order to solve the number scarcity problem and to open the market to new players, the old 7-digit BA numbers (regardless of being mobile or fix) got a 4 before the local number. That's why they are nowadays 8-digit numbers.
New players such as ATT and PeCom can provide local lines starting with 5 or 6. Every number you see starting with a 5 or 6 is a non-Telefonica/non-Telecom number.
That said, having a local 8-digit number starting with 4 doesn't mean that it necessarily a fixed line number (it could be a mobile).
4) Mobile numbers: In the first years, they got simple 7-digit numbers, then the 8-digit numbrers. As people complained of beng charged much more when calling from fix to mobile phones (among other reasons) and to simplify billing, the companies required to dial 15 before a cell number.
However, this rule didn't apply to international and long distance calls. In order to charge more for international calls (or to facilitate billing) now it is mandatory to use the digit 9 after the 54.
A damn regulatory salad. Jorge Luis Borges would have written a funny book about it.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Thanks andresg,
As usual, you're the man with the real info. This answers my questions.
Guillermo
Someboyinlima:
I say something simialr as Dickhead: Safe street (specially if the street number is 800 or above), many clubs at the 900-1000 block, and just 10 minutes to Recoleta if taking a cab (ask the cab to take MT Alvear, Libertad and Quintana), since it is roughly 15 blocks from many Recoleta clubs.
The neighborhood is a mixture of Downtown and Retiro. Most people know the zone as Plaza San Martín (the big park nearby).
Hope this helps,
Andres
Finally had a bad meal in BA: C'Est Bleu at Florida & San Martin. Made me sick. Suggest to avoid.
I am no longer convinced that it was this meal that made me sick, although it still wasn't very good.
Hello everybody. I'm getting excited about my trip--still working on logistics and accomodations. I can't help but noticing the RISING Argentine Peso...it's risen from $3.50 to $3.20 and now to $3.00 ! the last move having transpired in the course of just three days! I hope we don't break through $3. Could it be that all the attention this board is generating is bring the Argentine balance of payments deficit back into the black??
@ Dickhead: What do you think made you sick then if it wasn't the food??
@ All: Did you all see the news that Bin Laden was in Argentina en route to Iguazu in 1995? I wonder if he participated in the hobby as well.....
Hi gatsby67,
It's not the Peso that has gotten stronger, it's that the US Dollar has gotten weaker against all currencies around the world. It's just a phenomenon related to the impending war in Iraq. Presumably, after we've successfully won the "war", which should take all of a few days, the dollar will get stronger in the world markets.
Jackson
JustGotBack
03-24-03, 19:34
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gatsby67
[i]Hello everybody. I'm getting excited about my trip--still working on logistics and accomodations. I can't help but noticing the RISING Argentine Peso...it's risen from $3.50 to $3.20 and now to $3.00 ! the last move having transpired in the course of just three days! I hope we don't break through $3. Could it be that all the attention this board is generating is bring the Argentine balance of payments deficit back into the black??
I remember the days of the 3.80 dollar. It dropped below 3 for about a day when I was down there last week.
I have a question about escortsbaires.com. Other posters refer to chicas with numbers higher than 50 but I only see 50 when I log on. Is there a secret to accessing these higher numbers? Or am I just a stupid
Dickhead
JustGotBack
03-26-03, 04:02
Originally posted by Dickhead
I have a question about escortsbaires.com. Other posters refer to chicas with numbers higher than 50 but I only see 50 when I log on. Is there a secret to accessing these higher numbers? Or am I just a stupid
Dickhead
No there's no secret. It's just that a lot of girls have left. I was looking forward to seeing #68, but she was on vacation before I left and when I was in BA, she was off the site.
Sorry but that makes no sense to me. Every time I have logged on for months and months, there are exactly 50 chicas displayed. No more and no fewer.
PS, why do you think you met my amigovia at Madaho's?
Originally posted by Dickhead
I have a question about escortsbaires.com. Other posters refer to chicas with numbers higher than 50 but I only see 50 when I log on. Is there a secret to accessing these higher numbers? Or am I just a stupid
Dickhead
Dickhead:
The site with more than 50 girls is www.escortsbaires.com.ar
Hope this helps.
Andres
Thanks. Got it. There's 71 on there at the moment.
Dickhead
DH and others,
Escortsbaires.com and Escortsbaires.com.ar are two different sites that look almost identical. (Run by the Platynum Group.) The first is primarily for foreigners, with descriptions and profiles in English, restricted to 50 chicas, as well as posted list prices in US$.
The latter is more for the local market, shows more girls, and does not show prices as such would no doubt offend local portenos. You will note some of the girls are different between the sites. Can't explain why, except chicas pay a monthly fee to be advertised and maybe some choose to only appear on one and not the other?
#68 is come and gone. Rumor has it she didn't care much for this line of work. What a shame, fortunately the supply is seemingly endless in BA.
I would be curious to know what experience others have had with chicas from these sites.
BB
Looks to me like numbers 1 through 50 are the same on both and then the Spanish site has additional ones. Maybe they "work their way up" to the top 50? I should add that I never paid or negotiated in US dollars from the ones I called from the English site and I damn sure didn't pay them 100 US dollars. Prices are in my previous reports but it seems like it was 120-170 pesos for two shots.
I did wonder why there were no prices on the Spanish site, which I visited yesterday. Oh well, won't be back for a few months so no use thinking about it.
This is a Yahoo directory of escorts sites, referred by a local monger as "one of the most complete in its type"
http://ar.dir.yahoo.com/Zonas_geograficas/Paises/Argentina/Economia_y_negocios/Productos_y_servicios_para_el_consumidor/Sexo/Servicios_para_adultos/Acompanantes/
Hope this helps,
Andres
Does anyone know a good gym to workout in the Recoleta area? If so, what's the daily/weekly fee.
Look forward to meeting those who will be in BA next month. Drop me a line at Judd2120@yahoo.com and we can meet for beers.
Dashing Don, thanks for emailing me and will want to hook up with you in T-minus 20 days.
Late,
Judd
I was in B.A. 6 or 7 years ago (holy..time has flown) and now am an avid reader of this board, kinda reliving my good times thru all your posts. I used to love to go to Playwomen, Sodoma, and a place called The One. Not sure if Sodoma and The One are still around. Things were a lot more expensive then so I'm really envious now.
Here is a question for you - anyone recognize this girl?
http://www.vancouverxxxdirect.com/abigail.htm
Her pics look like they came from playtinum, (I think I recognize the wall!) and so I am wondering if she would really be coming to Vancouver.
Thanks guys!
nacho:
The One is now Tributo, and the quality deteriorated considerably there. Sodoma too.
Playwoman suffered a quarrel and quality deceased since that.
Andres
nacho,
That women looks like Belisa, from Platynum.
Is that her?
Thanks Elvis, Andres.
I'll check Belisa's pics out soon, right now I can't open platynum for some reason.
Too Bad about deteriorating quality in those clubs. I knew a few 9's at The One. A "blonde" brasilena named Delila was at the top of my list. Sounds like Madaho's is the place now. Is the quality there on par with what used to be at Sodoma, Playwomen, and The One?
Blacks will always be Blacks I guess. You think they are expensive now? they used to ask 300 pesos when the $ was at par! Some good looking babes though. I was very tempted the few times I was in there, but ended up just having a few expensive drinks instead.
JamesBond69
04-10-03, 00:06
Originally posted by Judd
Does anyone know a good gym to workout in the Recoleta area
There is a fantastic gym on the roof of Hotel Etoile. It has a heated pool, a full gym with all kinds of exercise machines and weights, and daily aerobic classes with some hottie amateurs.
I don't know how much it cost daily, since I stayed at the hotel and it was included in the room rate but I'm sure it can't be very much compared to the US daily gym rates.
Elvis:
Abigail coming to Vancouver may very well be Belisa from Platynum...the name on her email address from Platynum is abygailxuxita......and her pics really are similar, but maybe not taken at the same time period.
So...anyone seen Belisa/Abygail/Xuxita?
Nacho
JustGotBack
04-10-03, 03:47
Originally posted by nacho
Thanks Elvis, Andres.
I'll check Belisa's pics out soon, right now I can't open platynum for some reason.
Too Bad about deteriorating quality in those clubs. I knew a few 9's at The One. A "blonde" brasilena named Delila was at the top of my list. Sounds like Madaho's is the place now. Is the quality there on par with what used to be at Sodoma, Playwomen, and The One?
Blacks will always be Blacks I guess. You think they are expensive now? they used to ask 300 pesos when the $ was at par! Some good looking babes though. I was very tempted the few times I was in there, but ended up just having a few expensive drinks instead.
The One? Where was that?
No, the quality of Madaho's isn't on par with what was available even at Playwoman a year ago. There used to be some incredible blonds at Playwoman last year. Almost all of them were Brazilian. Even back then, they were talking about going to Mexico because it was better there. I guess they did leave.
justgotback:
The One is the former name of Tributo, which is located in Chacabuco St between H. Yrigoyen St and Alsina St.
Now, it was reported as a tourist trap: Expensive drinks and old, ugly ladies.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Justgotback:
I was just checking up my old map of B.A., trying to remember how I used to get there, from my old hotel on Lavalle. Andres is right , on Chacabuco, I thought a bit further along, but hey, it was a long time ago. I think they used to be affiliated with Top Secret on Artigas (if they are still around - I saved their matches so I still have the address). I remember one night at the One they were folding up invites for a party night at Top Secret so that is why I think they were affiliated. Top Secret was bigger inside, but the rooms were not as nice.
Andres at that time they weren't cheap but I wouldn't say the chicas were old and ugly. 25 pesos to get in, incuded one drink. A chica and room for 45 min? was 140 pesos. I was working in B.A. at the time so it wasn't a mongering holiday, so I liked to have a few drinks and then get the deed done.
Times have changed, but overall it sounds like the city has improved from a monger point of view!
In comparison - the chicas at The One were a little bit better than Playwomen at the time. Blacks had the most beautiful, but pricey. I didn't know Hooks or Ness, but Cutty Sark and the bar beside it (Capt. Morgan?) I knew, and if the chicas at Black's were 9's and a couple 10's, then the One and Playwomen were 8's to 9's for the most part and the chicas at Cutty Sark were 7's. Cafe Orleans was just scary and those chicas don't even deserve getting rated Nobody should have been buying any of their wares!
nacho:
I remember the ol'good days of The One and Top Secret. Unfortunately, Top Secret followed the same pattern: The entrance fee is now ar$20 and the girls aren't even a shadow of the former quality and quantity. I reported about it back in January.
The owner (or former owner) was the same Argentine Intelligence officer (SIDE, local version of CIA), but he got caught a couple of years ago, so I don't know if both still belong to him.
I don't know if the city improved from a monger point of view. It is cheaper for the visitor, but many saunas ans other MP are practically gone respect to 5-6 years ago. After the Oyarbide scandal, many things changed.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Andres:
I do remember that bit about Top Secret. I guess I was hoping it was just temporarty, in case I was ever back.
If (when) I do get to go back to Argentina, there is a good bet I will also be in Mendoza or San Juan. How are those cities?
thanks
I've had a few good nights in Top Secret over the years, although it is sort of a fleece joint. The biggest drawback though is the ear-splitting music levels. It's simply impossible to carry on a conversation in the place.
A couple of years ago I met the guy who owned it, along with Tributo, Brut Champaniera (now closed), Oba Oba and a couple of other places including a hotel I've stayed in. I haven't seen him since the devaluation, and all of the places he opened in 2000-2001 are now closed, leaving just the original clubs (Tributo, Top Secret and Oba Oba) which have all been around for years.
Just a piece of BA history.
Jackson
Hello All:
Just arrived today in BA. Will be here for 1 month. Anyone in the area wanting to hook up, shoot me an email at judd2120@yahoo.com
James Bond:
Thanks for the info on the gym. There is a gym called Neos that is a 1/2 block from my apartment. It's a little pricey at 58pesos per month but could be worth it for the amateur action.
Nacho:
Sodoma still exists, I am staring at the front entrance from my apartment window. It was the first thing I noticed today when checking out my immediate surroundings. I thought to myself, Sodoma, there has to be some nastyness happening inside those doors. I will try to check it out one night this week and give a report.
Late,
Judd
Hi guys, I'm pretty tempted to go to BsAs, and I'm doing as much research as I can. I actually went through all the pages in this forum topic (!). I have one question and an observation that people can feel free to chime in on.
The question on my mind that I have not seen an answer to, is if anyone has observed or heard of racism problems (ie. toward asians).
The observation: It's kind of hard sorting out the two totally different viewpoints you can get on the safety of visting BsAs.
The newspapers articles showing people in the most dire straits and stories of express kidnappings, muggings and other crime makes one think it's not worth it.
On the other hand, experienced mongers such as yourselves have been down there and don't feel the risk is any higher than a large U.S. urban city.
My gut feeling is to go with the latter opinion, since I know the media likes to blow things out of proportion. And I recently started visiting TJ and it's not any worse than places in L.A., and I've been places in the U.S. where it's much more scary.
Fast
Originally posted by nacho
[i]Andres:
I do remember that bit about Top Secret. I guess I was hoping it was just temporarty, in case I was ever back.
If (when) I do get to go back to Argentina, there is a good bet I will also be in Mendoza or San Juan. How are those cities?
thanks
You can check my recent report about Mendoza in the "other areas" section.
gatofelix,
thanks bud, I did read that one.
JustGotBack
05-01-03, 04:07
Originally posted by fastfker
On the other hand, experienced mongers such as yourselves have been down there and don't feel the risk is any higher than a large U.S. urban city.
Fast, I don't think it's as safe as a large US city. I think it's safer. I would rather walk through anywhere in BA than in many American cities like Los Angeles or New York.
Originally posted by justgotback
Fast, I don't think it's as safe as a large US city. I think it's safer. I would rather walk through anywhere in BA than in many American cities like Los Angeles or New York.
Guys, I know everyone is fond of thinking that BA is simply the safest place on the planet, but this is simply an illusion. There are plenty of places that you shouldn't be walking through in plain daylight, let alone at night. Last year while I was in BA for business I went to meet my contact at the corporate offices of a large Argentinian transportation company and my contact told me that I shouldn't walk to the area under any circumstances lest I wanted to get robbed or hurt and that I should take a cab to the front door and get out of the cab and walk a straight line for the receptionist's desk. This advice came from native Portenos fellas. Do you think they made up this advice to scare the gringo? I doubt it.
While I was staying in Recoleta last year, on the other hand, I was talking to one of the mobsters standing on the street at 3 am about the security of Recoleta and he assured me that although the security of la Recoleta wasn't obvious that it was definitely in force. Of course this is true of Recoleta since Recoleta is THE adult theme park of Buenos Aires, one of the biggest cash cows in the whole country and the operators of this wonderful enterprise are protecting their business but this is NOT the case everywhere in the city so I caution anyone living under this false illusion that absolutely everywhere is safe to walk at all hours.
PS Re safety issues in BA...if you go back far enough in these posts you'll probably see me advising against thinking BA is so safe and recommending that people try not to see everything through rose colored glasses; I dont' want to be the self-appointed curmudgeon of WSG and I don't want anybody to think for a moment that I'm advocating not to go there or that I don't love the place to death...it's just that I want people to realize that at the moment the place isn't too much different than NYC in the pre-Guiliani 1980's when there were thousands of murders every year and more muggings than Carter has liver pills as they say in the USA. Just open la Nacion or Clarin's printed dailies almost any day and you'll read about some cop or some other innocent person being shot to death in la Capital Federal.
My native Argentine buddies were in utter disbelief when I told them that I was wandering around Plaza de la Constitucion alone one night.....this is a great place to get mugged, pick-pocketed or worse and probably isn't too much better during the day, to use one prime example, but there are many places like this and the neighborhood my transportation company contact from my previous post works in. Hope everybody takes this in the spirit in which it's intended. DownBA
DownBA,
You are right that BA has seen an increase in crime and murder over the last 2 years . . . but it is still much safer than most US cities . . . especially when it comes to murder. The BA murder rate has increased to 4.5 per 100,000. But NYC is over 10, Dallas 25, Philadelphia 27 and Wash DC was 69. New Orleans topped out at 95 several years ago, but now is only 35.
When it comes to violent crime, most US cities are 5 to 10 times more dangerous than Buenos Aires and 10 to 20 times that of European cities. Santiago Chile was only 3 last year.
I am not saying you shouldn't be careful. That's true everywhere.
Only that the advice of locals and newspaper stories will not give you an accurate idea of the risks . . .
One thing about those numbers, though, is that in the US the suburbs have lower crime rates than the cities they surround (typically, subject to exceptions like Compton CA). I think the opposite may be true in the case of BA. PK, do you know if your numbers are for the city only?
DH,
Yes. It is just for the city proper, and the outlying areas are as high as 12 per 100,000, almost 3 times higher. But still no worse than most US cities.
I have rented an apartment in BA for July and August which is the reason I looked at this in the first place. And there was a similar discussion in the Mexico City forum, which I don't want to repeat here. I'm not saying BA is perfectly safe, only looking at the hard numbers. And although crime stats can be questionable, the murder stats are usually quite accurate. Minor crimes are usually under-reported in a place like Mex City and can lead to some pretty bizarre conclusions - like there are more pick-pockets in Iowa than in MC. But murder, no . . .
My advice has always been to be careful, but logical about risks. And not to trash the great cities of the world - NYC, Mexico City and others- due to an irrational fear of crime. Most posters on this forum have already accepted certain risks as being worth taking.
Peace, - P
Thanks, PK; that was consistent with my general impression. I will be in BA all of July and half of August so we should have a beer since we get along so well (ha ha). The suburbs of BA are of course quite avoidable and if one gets pickpocketed one will recover especially if one is a cheap ass Dickhead with only a few bucks to pickpocket in the first place. Murder is very difficult to recover from, OTOH. Problem in the US = too many handguns. I know that in the US, well over 50% of the murders are committed by someone who knows the victim (JZ recently posted some stats on this) so if one stays uninvolved in personal disputes and other BS that should reduce risks. I felt safe in downtown
BA at all hours.
Mongers Im Requsting Your Help --- Finnaly it seams I have the time for a little R&R in our favorite city in the world --- Buenos Aires --- Heres my problem and I hope some of you can help --- Ive been resurching air fares from the Arizona market on Orbitz and am getting numbers that are just out of wack --- With two weeks advance their talking over a $1,000 dollars round trip to B.A. --- This just seams a little steep --- I have two questions --- One --- could some of you tell the board what their paying from other parts of the U.S. and --- Two --- Ive heard that one might get better pricing on Priceline . Com --- Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated --- Much Thanks --- Exon
i just researched for my trip of two weeks from now.
$1k from az sound about right.
remember, you only have 2 wks notice (vs. 30 days), and since the low prices of last fall ua and co and delta have pulled most of their s.a. flights, including b.a. nonstops.
and aa is switching or has switched to 76s on some routes that in the past has 77s, i think.
OttoGraham
05-08-03, 19:16
Here's some scattershot ideas:
Check Orbitz.com. It has some of the lowest rates around.
Travel Monday-Thursday, the rates are lower.
A consolidator travel agency out of NYC has been discussed on the board, they are reputed to have a line on lower prices.
Check your Sunday travel section for travel agents advertising consolidator or low-cost airfares for international travel, they might be able to save money.
Check ual.com's e-fares section (also called "special fares"), there are sometimes some deals there, but posted Tuesday through Friday only.
www.carbone-travel.com
I used them for the first time a month ago for a trip in June. $800 on United for a round-trip from a major Midwestern city. One stop in Miami each way. Fast, efficient service (have to fax credit card info. and I.D.). I was told the airlines are not discounting the way many people think they would with all the financial troubles. Told the prices wouldn't be going lower - she sounded believable. So let me know if anybody gets some $400-$500 prices. I would then caution people against them.
Exon
Don't know if this will help but I believe I saw some cheap fares on American from Tucson to Florida for $188rt and then you might want to check Southern Winds direct from Miami to BA. B69 flew Southern Winds and raved about them. Only 3 flights per week from Miami but I know you will probably be able to beat the $1000 price tag if you get a reasonably priced domestic fare. You may have to hang around the Mia airport awhile but they do serve beer.
Re low fares, guys, check www.despegar.com. This is an Argentinian owned on-line travel agency and every day they list promotional offers and I've found that if you go on-line every day for a week you'll usually find a great promotional offer from Mia-EZE for $350-400 or NYC-EZE for $400-450.
By the way, they have an English verion too in case you're not comfortable with the Spanish vesion
Hope this helps. DownBA
My fellow Mongers --- I truly thank you for your advice and council --- What a brotherhood we have formed here, a world class fraternity based on the power of knowlege, (for knowlege is power) all made possible by Jackson the Greatest Monger Of Them All --- A man Ive never met, yet deeply indebited too --- A side bar --- My first and only trip to B.A. was in Oct of 2001 just after 9-11 for 10 days --- Before this board became so active --- Then I drove to Phoenix from my home in Tucson, boarded a Delta flight to Atlanta had an hour and half lay over, boarded a wide body 777 and was in Buenos Aires in 17.5 hours from leaving home --- All for $585 including tax's round trip --- Back then the pesco was one to one, three times what it is today --- But what a City --- Its been said," It doesn't take any brains to spent money", this holds true for Argentina and our hobby --- We all allocate certain resourses to pursue the hobby and I'd much rather see my hard American dollars in the hands of the Chicas than United Airline's, even though I empathize with their problems--- Thanks Again Guys --- And any more ideas will be appreciated ---- Exon
I wanted to give everyone the location of the leather shops where Slick 1 and B69 bought their jackets. The street is Murillo 679 cross street of Malabia. It's near Avenida Corrientes 5000. Within this street there's probably 30 different shops(Avenida de Cueros) to browse. I bought my jacket at a place called Next. It cost me 400AR around 145US. This jacket could easily sell for 300US in the states.
Late,
Judd
Hey Judd, hope all is still well in BA
Actually I bought my leathers at 747 Santander in caballito which I highly recommend. Rodolfo and Juan carlos both speak good english and will get you a car home. This place is a bit out of the way but worth it.
Does anyone know if Buenos Aires has GSM SIM cards for sale now? I heard that the cellphone provider, Personal has GSM service but no one seems to know for sure and I can't find any information on the internet.
I hear there is a Personal store at Reconquista 1098 and is open 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Has anyone purchased a SIM card? If so, how much was it? How easy was it to purchase it for your unlocked cellphone you brought from the USA? Is the service good? How much is airtime? And are incoming calls free like everywhere else?
If someone is there now I'd really appreciate you checking this out for us. No one there seems to be able to give me a straight answer. Thanks in advance.
Saint
Saint:
The only thing I can tell you for sure is that GSM (1900 MHz, U.S. standard) works in B.A. I was using my cellphone with it's german SIM-card as I had to be reachable for my office, details about airtime rates etc. up to now unknown (waiting for my next bill...).
With the service beeing available I would expect that you are able to buy local prepaid cards, but maybe Jackson could tell you more.
El Aleman
This Monger is finally heading down B.A. way for the first half of June and was wondering if any of you guys were going to be around and might get together for some club Mongering and perhaps a dinner or two --- Would appreaciate any responce --- And heres an e-mail address that we can be in touch --- Thanks Exon --- rbeals8047@aol.com
El Aleman,
Thanks for the 411 but I'm disappointed to report that you can't buy prepaid SIM cards in Buenos Aires yet without a contract. :( Personal does sell SIM cards but they said that you had to get a contract. I wish it was as easy as Rio where you pay $10 US for a SIM card and can buy rechargeable airtime whenever you want.
Hey guys!
Mayra and I wanted to let you know that our trip to El Tigre was postponed, we didn't get the minimum amount of people required.
Plus, on Friday the site had technical problems and was off line for many hours, so maybe some of you were not able to check or read our plan.
So, the great news is that we'll be taking the trip, on Sunday, June 22nd. All of you that are or will be, in BA at the moment, are more than welcome to join us and have a wonderful and fun day!
Send us please e-mails, or if you are here, give Mayra or me a call.
Mayra: 15-5062-6364
Roxana: 15-5103-3905
Don't tell us that 2 weeks of notice is not MORE than enough time, so you can organize a trip down here if you're not planning to come...
Happy orgasms, The Queen.
Roxanne,
I would have love to take this trip with you guys but I'll be down there June 12-17. I'll probably organize this on my own.
Btw, June 21st is a saturday or did you mean Sunday, June 22.
StudPlayer
06-02-03, 16:05
Could someone post about visa requirements for Argentina ? The embassy website makes no mention of visas.
Do you need any special visa to stay there long-term like you are Jackson ?
Thanks in advance.
OttoGraham
06-02-03, 17:02
No visas necessary for U.S. citizens. IIRC you can remain for three months without getting a residence permit.
I am not sure of Jackson's status, but I am certain that you can have a relatively hassle-free time of getting a longer residence permit. If you wanted an official work permit, I think the trouble would begin. Legal advice and service in BsAs is relatively inexpensive, so to do it legally I think a local immigration attorney would be a better choice than trying to secure the necessary permits yourself.
If you wanted to skip working through the bureaucracy, and you're staying in BsAs, it is a simple matter to take the hydrofoil to Uruguay on day 89, stay overnight, and return for a new three-month tourist visa.
-Uncle Otto
Originally posted by Elvis
Roxanne,
I would have love to take this trip with you guys but I'll be down there June 12-17. .....
Elvis,
I will be in Etoile from June 13-22. If you want to get together, look me up at the reservation. In my previous trip, all of us used to meet routinely in the Etoile lobby between 9-10 PM. That's another possibility.
Bandy
Bandy,
you lucky guy! Nice to hear that you still alive and kickin. I expect a full report since iam planning to be in BA during July myself.
If anyone else has been in BA during July, I would more than grateful for some comments on the mongering during this month.
Is the supply of girls just as good as it was during my last trip in November. Is the weather okay or is it raining all the time?
BA_ROBERT
BA_ROBERT,
Nice to hear from you too. I just received an e-mail from Venus. who is eagerly waiting for a get together. So at least one chica did not leave for the green pastuer.
This trip was really put together in a hurry, otherwise, I could have co-ordinated my travel with yours. Next time, e-mail me privately with your plans in advance. Ricardo and I are all set to visit RIO on Oct 10, for a week. May be you can join us.
Don't believe for a moment that gorgous girls are no longer available in BA. Long time ago, I realized that there will never be any shortage of princesses in the kingdom of pleasure as long as we shall live. Different seasons, different girls- same purpose. I am glad that the "money hungry" girls are gone- those are not for me anyway!
Bandy
Dear All,
An Argentinian chica friend informed me that now is a good time for investing in a small 1-2 bedroom apartment in BA, that a certain company can then rent to tourists, for an income. She approximated the cost of real estate at around $25k.
Any input on the above, possible advantages and risks, expected possible, etc. would be most welcome.
Thanks,
Bodhi in Cordoba Province
MeGustaBoliches
06-25-03, 18:03
Bodhi,
RE: Real Estate in Buenos Aires......
1. Prices were lower 6 months to a year ago....after the crisis real estate prices fell dramatically....to about 50cents on the dollar....today prices are up considerably....not to where they were before the crisis, but climbing steadily....for example, the apartment I rent sold for 178k before the crisis....it could have been bought for 90k last December....120k in Feb...or 140k today.
2. 25k might buy a one room apartment in a less desireable area....but to buy in the better part of Recoleta, Palermo or Belgrano expect to pay a minimum of 1k per square meter....perhaps more if the building is new, has a pool, security, etc....
3. Dont plan to make any money renting your apartment to visitors...the market is flooded and demand is highly seasonal....also, most agencies take 10 to 15 percent off the top....
Amigos,
Is the Money exchange place near Etoile (around the corner) open on Saturday afternoons ? THANKS
maddur,
If you're talking about Metropolis on Quintana the answer is yes, it is. Be prepared to give them your name rank and serial no.
Guillermo
OutoftheGame
06-26-03, 03:58
Maddur,
The money exchange is open every day the only thing you have to keep in mind is that it is closed from 3pm to 6pm. And closes at 9pm.
Amigos,
I am in BA at the Etoile. If anyone wants to get together, post a message here. Does the group still meet in the lobby ?
JustGotBack
06-29-03, 21:54
What's with the airline prices? It was only about $500 a month or so ago. I can't get a flight with my mileage and flights are in the $1000 range now. Even hotwire is $800. Anyone know of any cheap fares?
Where is Ciceron? I know Affaire and Closer- walked around the area but could not locate Ciceron..
JustGotBack
06-30-03, 22:44
Originally posted by maddur
Where is Ciceron? I know Affaire and Closer- walked around the area but could not locate Ciceron..
I think it's right above Affaire. Maybe just a little to the side and upstairs.
JamesBond69
07-01-03, 00:12
Where is Ciceron? I know Affaire and Closer- walked around the area but could not locate Ciceron..
Originally posted by justgotback
I think it's right above Affaire. Maybe just a little to the side and upstairs.
re: Ciceron
Sounds like it's in the space where Closer is (was) ?
Correct or is there a new club on Guido, round the corner from Hotel Etoile?'
JamesBond69
07-01-03, 01:38
Originally posted by jamesbond69
Where is Ciceron? I know Affaire and Closer- walked around the area but could not locate Ciceron..
re: Ciceron
Sounds like it's in the space where Closer is (was) ?
Correct or is there a new club on Guido, round the corner from Hotel Etoile?'
OK. Bandy on the Buenos Aires site (not this General BA Site) settled the confusion.
Ciceron is the new name for Affaire Recoleta, a club that has a nice selection and great if you are staying around the corner at Hotel Etoile and come back late at night without making a chica.
I was always to pull out a nice chica at this club, Maybe not Black quality but fine for a quickie and considerably less expensive.
JustGotBack
07-01-03, 02:04
Originally posted by jamesbond69
OK. Bandy on the Buenos Aires site (not this General BA Site) settled the confusion.
Ciceron is the new name for Affaire Recoleta, a club that has a nice selection and great if you are staying around the corner at Hotel Etoile and come back late at night without making a chica.
I was always to pull out a nice chica at this club, Maybe not Black quality but fine for a quickie and considerably less expensive.
Are you certain it's the new name for Affaire? When I was last there a couple of months back, they were two distinct places. Right next to each other with the same owner, but two distinct places.
Jamesbond69:
I never mentioned Ciceron is the new name of Affaire Recoleta. Although I did not partake in either one of them, but I certainly agree with Justgotback. I passed by those places many times. These two are separate boliches next to each other. I think you may have been confused with Maddur's post where he mentioned that Affaire has changed considerably compared to his last visit.
Bandy
OK, allow me... I was just there last week.
Cicerone is a separate club in a physically separate space. It is right next door to the old Affaire, around the corner from the Etoile. I say old Affaire, because it looks to be closed, at least it was last week.
I like Cicerone. The quality is very good, IMHO. It's basically one large room, with couchs at the back and a runway stage at the front where they have stage shows. It seemed to me that the chicas there are a little younger than at some of the other clubs in Recoleta. Maybe this is where they go to get their start.
I noticed that the drink ticket they gave me had "Affaire" printed on it, so maybe there is some business relationship between the two, but they are physically separate.
Guillermo
This is getting a bite confusing. From the new posts we can conclude that Affaire Recoleta still exists and that the new club next door is called Ciceron.
But what happend to Closer? Did it just change name to Ciceron? From the description Guillermo gave of Ciceron, this is not the same spot as Closer used to be in. Or is it?
OttoGraham
07-03-03, 15:36
Affaire Recoleta is closed. When/if it will recopen, who knows or cares? Ciceron is next door, owned apparently by the same person(s) who owned Affaire. Ex-Affaire girls are now working in Ciceron. Closer is open next door a little further down. Simple enough?
-Uncle Otto
No more confusion. I will sleep much better.
Gents,
I am a new member and want to say thanks for all of the great information. I have read much of the archived material and I apologize if the following has been answered before.
I am NOT a good speaker of spanish, but I can be conversational when immersed in a Spanish locale for more than a week. Am planning on visiting BA a few months from now, and I would like to get a leg up by preparing somewhat.
Are there any recommendations for getting up to speed on Argentinian spanish? I understand that there are pronunciation subtleties and a penchant for vos instead of tu. Is it worth trying to adopt the "vos" style or is that just overkill for a tourist?
I never tried to flirt, much less f*ck someone who only speaks Spanish, so the next question involves learning the stuff they don't teach in school. I found a book on Amazon,
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471179728/qid=1057365595/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/103-8228689-9429431">Street Spanish</a> but since this stuff is usually idiomatic it may not apply to BA at all. Any opinions?
PS - in preview mode that link does not appear correctly. Am I doing something wrong or are links not possible in posts? Not mentioned in FAQ.
I am very impressed by the quantity and quality of the internet escort sites for BA. Of course the same girls appear under different names on all of those sites, but they are great eye candy.
Are there any escort review sites or a section in this site which specializes in escort reviews, preferably one where cross references to the internet pix are available? It would sure help to separate the wheat from the chaff prior to arrival.
I have seen scattered reverences to particular ladies in the trip reports but I was specifically thinking of something more formally dedicated to reviews. Without naming other sites, there are other sites dedicated to escort reviews but I have never seen one which covers BA girls.
Thanks
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rovnak
[i]Gents,
"I am NOT a good speaker of spanish, but I can be conversational when immersed in a Spanish locale for more than a week. Am planning on visiting BA a few months from now, and I would like to get a leg up by preparing somewhat.
Are there any recommendations for getting up to speed on Argentinian spanish? I understand that there are pronunciation subtleties and a penchant for vos instead of tu. Is it worth trying to adopt the "vos" style or is that just overkill for a tourist?"
Rovnak, don't sweat it too much, everyone in the country will understand you if you speak Spanish just the way they teach you in the course books, which, of course will tend to be the way they speak in Spain. But everyone learns the traditional way of speaking in Argentina since all the great works of literature are written in traditional Spanish. So my advice to you is that if you can adapt your Spanish a bit to sound more like a Porteno then fine and if you can't that's also fine too. My guess is that you'll understand the Portenos more than you would people from other Spanish speaking countries since in general they have a very clear pronunciation down there.
Having said that, here's a quick primer of Argentinian Spanish.
Tu quieres becomes Vos querés, noticing how the Argentines take the infinitive form of the verb, drop the final "r" and put an s on the end and accent the final syllable. If the verb ends in ar as in mirar, for example, they say Vos mirás, again accenting the final syllable and taking the infinitive form of the verb and putting an s on the end instead of the r. This holds true for pretty much every verb. Escribir, for example. Tu escribes becomes Vos escribís. If the verb ends in er, for example, they drop the final r, accent the final syllable again, so tu entiendes becomes vos entendés? Quite a bastardized but beautiful way they have of speaking down there.
Also, instead of saying Come tu as in Eat - command form, they once again accent the final syllable so Come tu becomes Comé vos.
The last thing will become very obvious to you and you'll realize right away that the Argentinians don't say the "Y" sound for the double l as in "ellos", or for the "Y" sound as in "Yo", they say a "j" sound instead, which in certain parts of the country is more like an "sh" sound. So you'll hear "e-sho" for "ello" or "e-joe" for "ello" where the "j" is really more like the french "j" in "Jacques" depending on what part of the country the speaker is from.
Hope this helps!! Chau chau, DownBA
OttoGraham
07-07-03, 02:49
Down, I would add to your excellent discussion the following:
If you speak ANY Spanish, of whatever variant, you will be far ahead of the game compared to your peers who only speak English. I was never educated in Argentinian Spanish (Castellano), and out of habit I regularly use the familiar "tu" form instead of the local "vos." I try to use local pronounciation when I can remember to, but I don't always.
I've never had anybody not understand what I was saying - indeed, they are very pleased you, as a gringo, are speaking any Spanish at all. Portenos are very welcoming people, and won't rake you over the coals for your broken Spanish the way some Parisians will insult you if you misprononunce a word in the midst of a perfect French sentence. Don't sweat it. Just let fly in your best, forgotten high school Spanish! Alcohol helps..... ;)
-Uncle Otto
Hey nice digs Jackson. I bet it's a real chica magnet!
Nice work on that website too. simple and straightforward. I like that.
Muchas gracias DownBA and Otto. Otto nailed it - "Just let fly in your best, forgotten high school Spanish! Alcohol helps."
That about sums up my plans, lots of "como se dice x?" and body language.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I know un poco espanol, un peu francaise and piccolo italiano and I since I have never spent enough time in any one place to get solid, I tend to create a mish mash of these romance language. in the same sentence UGH. Fortunately, most native speakers are very understanding that the gringo is at least willing to make a fool of himself.
I just hope the BA scene remains as vital as you guys describe it for the next 6 months at least. I am not sure when i can get down there. Am in the outrageously expensive Bay Area now, and whenever I consider spending $$$ for really below average service here I keep reminding myself that I could have more time with FAR more beautiful chicas in BA.
One last question. I really like the Brasiliera morena look, (yes I should also go to Rio :) ). Are there quite a few Brasilian chicas working in BA that compare to the stunners you see on the Rio escort sites?
Just left the Brazilian consulate in B.A. a few hours ago. I went to apply for my visa for a trip in a few weeks.
It´s located on Carlos Pellegrini 1363, 5th floor.
It opens at 10:00 and closes at 5:00 with an hour closed for lunch (can´t remember the hour).
When you enter the building, you must show identification at the front desk. Then the elevator to the fifth floor. The entrance is straight across when the elevator opens. Turn to your right when you enter the office area and go to one of the two computer terminals. Fill out the registration information (spell out your entire home state and list your loction of stay in Brazil - two things I was corrected on at the #1 window later). Then hit the submission button and go over to the #1 window. Your passport will be checked and taken (make sure you have a clean page). They want one passport size photo. I was not asked for my airline ticket, but they do want the exact dates of arrival and departure on your visa application. I didn´t have my apartment address yet, and she said she had to put something down. She just put down the name of some hotel. I was given a payment stub with two locations to pay. One was located about a ten minute walk away. She said I should go pay it now if I wanted my visa/passport ready between 4-5 tomorrow. I walked to the address and it was a bank. I went in and paid at the first teller after standing in line for 5-10 minutes. I think the bank name is Itau, and it does not have the street # on the building (confused me for a minute). The visa costs Ar$ 341.50 in cash.
I would probably have my apartment/hotel reservations and air ticket before going for my visa to avoid any nit-picky problems (never know who is going to be behind the counter).
Rovnak,
There are tons of Brazilian morenas in BA. Look through the escort sites on the web, and when Portuguese is indicated, chances are 95% that she is from the Promised Land next door. Also clubs like Newport are full of them.
But if you want to be absolutely sure, stop through Sao Paolo on the way down. Best place in the world for a high end morena experience.
Picked up my passport-visa today at 2:45, even though they said it would be 4:00 at the earliest. They keep your picture for their file-it´s not in the passport.
I had heard you have to travel to Brazil sometime within the first 6 months of being issued the visa. It is really 90 days and is stated on the visa.
Well, that´s the latest.
After a lot of consideration, my plan for BA was to use Roxana for my first few days, and how it would work. It was great. she gave a great intellectual tour of the city and its history. Then I gave her all my specs for the things I wanted the chicas to agree to, plus my budget for 1 hour sessions. Then I got pictures, names, phones and gave to Roxana. She set up all the dates. It was pefecto!
The plan was for 2 a day, but that was not enough. all the girls were so beautiful and so hot. I can't describe how good it was. and it got better and better. Then I began supplementing the Roxana dates with girls I met arond town, mostly at Madahos and Newport (a great bar with many 7,8,9's---best scene in town for me) but didnt find until my last 3 days). At Newport, it is so easy to talk and set up details of the date. you have so many good ones there.
BA turned me into a high dosage sex addict! In 8 days, I was with 16 different women, one 6 times, 4 three ways and 1 four way! There were many 1 hour sessions with 3 other favorites. All were 8, 9's except two 7's and two 5's! All were hot in the sack except Barbarella, a 7, but she refused most of the terms of our agreement. She only saved the date with s....... and prostate stimulation.
BA is "all good". A mongers paradise. 10x better than Costa Rica. All the girls came to the Marriott Plaza Hotel, they are very chica friendly. I am a legend there now!
The club scene for me sucked except for Madahos and Newport. In the Microcentro, all the places are bad. Girls are older, low down, fat and slutty and are 3, 4, 5, and 6's. Stay away from Cutty Sark and the Iraqi doorman. He will promise you hot, cheap girls in apts. dont believe him. I looked and left. Black is a joke, well dressed 7's with a 10+ attitudes. Later I learned of the high drink prices. Solid Gold is all 4, 5, 6's and not worth the trouble. Madahos best to me, mostlly 6, 7, 8's!
My budget was $40-70, never exceeded. The 3 and 4-ways were all $50 each. Why negotiate lower, this gave me unbelievable sex and service. all were happy.
I have been with many women in my long life. All but 3 girls, would rank in the top 25% and several in the top 10.
BA is incredible! I will be back asap.
Just a few words of advice here:
1. Please be very cautious in NewPort. I know that it looks innocent enough because it's just a regular bar and not a controlled environment like the night clubs, but that's just the problem.
NewPort does not exercise any control what so ever over the chicas that work there, which means it's the place where the girls who get kicked out of the regular clubs go to work, specifically because there's no oversight. These girls are usually banned from the regular clubs because of too many complaints from customers who they tried to play games with, games like changing the rules ("no, I never do that, you must be mistaken..."), changing the price ("I thought you meant dollars, not pesos..."), etc. Believe me, they will do the same thing to you, plus a few others such as the ever-popular technique of telling the waitress that you said it was okay to add her bar tab to yours, or suggesting that you might want to join her and her friend who are on their way to the casino (guess who is going to pay all the bills?), etc.
Of course, the problem is that precisely because there's no chica oversight in NewPort, it's also a popular spot for real, part-time amateurs to go when they just need to earn a few extra pesos. This phenomenon is especially prevalent on the last week of the month, as otherwise unavailable chicas go there for just one or two nights to make some rent money. The problem for you is that you can't tell the real amateurs from the hard core pros just by looking, so you have to be cautious. A good rule of thumb is that the more English they know, the more potentially dangerous they are.
2. Loai, the door man in front of Cutty Sark, is okay. He is a wealth of information, especially about any new clubs that may have opened recently. You just need to pump him for information but don't bother to go with him anywhere.
3. Solid Gold doesn't have BA's best chicas, and they do put on a bit too much hustle for me, but I've pulled some real gems out of there from time to time, and for a lot less than the Madahos queens are asking for. You just need to be firm with the staff in letting them know that you don't need to be escorted to a chair, and that you will let them know when you want to buy a chica a drink.
Thanks,
Jackson
Update on viagra in B.A. -
Just stopped into the pharmacy Sanosan: corner of Vincente Lopez and Rodriquez Pena.
I bought 16 100mg. tablets for AR$104. It is Magnus 100mg. (the brand name), and is sildenafil sidus. It has two caplets a box. The box is blue on the sides and white on the tops (and the boxes are larger than you would expect for two tablets).
The other brand I was shown had four in the box. A total of 8 tablets was about AR$140.
I saw the Magnus brand advertised in a magazine at Colmegna Spa yesterday, so I suppose it is a locally manufactured brand.
The latest on Colmegna Spa -
I went for the first time yesterday.
The VIP packages are the best if you think you will be returning a few times in the future. Otherwise, a single visit with the one hour massage is 195 pesos.
The VIP packages are as follows:
3 visits =430 pesos or 143 per visit
6 visits =810 pesos or 135 per visit
10 visits =1200 pesos or 120 pesos per visit
The tickets don´t have an expiration date.
I was impressed with the quality of the chicas. There were about six of them around, and I thought three of them were very hot. I don´t like to use the number system to rate chicas, but many think I´m a pretty picky guy. I don´t use the label "hot" in general terms unless I think there are good objective measures to use it.
I asked the attendant before the massage what the extra was for a handjob with the chica. He said this is worked out with the chica and is anywhere from 50 - 70 pesos. It seemed more like 50 - 60 was the norm. When my chica asked me toward the end of my massage if I wanted "completo", I was told it was 100 pesos. What a buzz kill for me. I have to negotiate from an "American price"? I´d like to know what the locals get quoted and what they pay. Any locals have the real deal on this part?
Originally posted by Jak
I asked the attendant before the massage what the extra was for a handjob with the chica. He said this is worked out with the chica and is anywhere from 50 - 70 pesos. It seemed more like 50 - 60 was the norm. When my chica asked me toward the end of my massage if I wanted "completo", I was told it was 100 pesos. What a buzz kill for me. I have to negotiate from an "American price"? I´d like to know what the locals get quoted and what they pay. Any locals have the real deal on this part?
Jak:
At massage places, girls don't necessarily have a fixed price for extras. They may quote ar$50 to someone and ask ar$80 for the next one. Moods and perceptions play a role, perhaps more important then being a foreigner.
You will see a similar pattern in the clubs. Many chicas will quote different prices depending on the looks of the patron and their current mood.
Hope this helps,
Andres
OutoftheGame
07-15-03, 17:26
When I visited the spa I too was asked for $100 pesos but said that was to expensive for a HJ and told the girl the most I'd pay is $50. She agreed and I figured that it doesn't hurt her any asking for more money. When I talked to my buddy he got the $100 peso quote as well but he paid it. I'm sure the girls feel they have the upper hand in this matter when you're lying there with a stiffy. But if it seems like alot of money then don't pay and I'm sure the girl will change her mind.
A couple comments regarding the spa --- After the long flight in from the USA its a great place to start --- Since all the flights land in the morning you'll get there about noon after checking into the hotel or were ever your staying ---By the VIP massage, the girls are prettier and the lounge is nice --- Chose your girl and make an appiontment for say an hour later and then try the sauna --- You'll love it --- Somewhere along the way the attendent in the locker room will give you a pair of shorts to ware durning your massage --- There very baggie so the girl can get her hand in, by accident of course, and make you hard --- When you get the shorts put $50ar in the pocket so you'll be ready for her when she pops the question --- Show her the $50 and tell her thats all you have except taxi fare home, she'll take it ---I found the place perfect for relaxing after the trip --- And moreover I found the hand job just right for taking the edge off untill the clubs open up about 11:00 PM --- Exon
MeGustaBoliches
07-15-03, 22:58
Viagara, additional information......
There are about 5 different types of generics available in BA along with Pfizer.....Phizer costs 28dollars per package of 4 100mg tablets at Globus, Pagaguay and Florida. You can also use pesos argentinos...80pesos as of July 1. Depending upon the exchange rate, the price might be better in dollars or pesos.
Just got my statement from Visa (First USA Bank) for my last trip. They are charging extra 3% (1% to Visa and 2% to the bank) of the entire amount as a foreign exchange adjustment. The company said that the charge was always there, only it was hidden inside the exchange rate. Since Dec. 2002, they are showing the charge separately. Is this the general experience with all of you guys?
Bandy
OttoGraham
07-21-03, 15:12
Bandy, these foreign exchange fees have been the subject of some large-scale class-action litigation in the U.S. I think the setting out of separate percentage charges (as opposed to being buried in the rate) is a result of these cases brought against the credit card companies.
-Uncle Otto
all visa & mc added the 1% fee in about '98 (since amex had and still has the 3% fee, visa & mc had little reason not to, ie. no competitive pressure not to). most issuing banks followed suit and added an additional fee, typically 2% (yielding a total 3%). b of a is an example.
understand, with visa and mc there are two companies working for you, visa or mc, and your issuing bank.
many banks did not add additional fees, thus providing a visa and/or mc card that only yielded the 1% fee. mbna is an example.
at that time, and still (for me at least), the charge is imbedded in the fx rate, and does not explicitly show on the statement (mine doesn't). it's caveat emptor for you to know what's up, and call your bank, and ASK.
thus, atm's are always the cheapest fx option (for argentina). even your atm-issuing bank charges an atm fee, a maximum withdrawl will allocate the fee across enough money to bring it well below 1%. and many banks charge no fee on int'l atms - again, call and ASK before you travel. for example, b of a does charge $1.50, but they reimburse the fee when i call after my trip.
Leo and Uncle Otto,
Thank you guys for the clarifications. Looks like I was not cheated afterall. The only reason I still might use the card is because of the mileage award. By the way Leo, my bank, Bank of NY, charges a flat $3.00 per ATM transactions in foreign country only. They refused to reverse the charges. I am in no win situation regarding these nagging charges, unless I shop around for other banks.
Bandy
Hi all,
I travel out the of country a couple of times a year and on my last trip to France, in June, Wells Fargo added a foreign exchange fee. I expect those ATM transaction fees, but the forgeign exchange fee was new. I was in Costa Rica in Novemeber and Well Fargo didn't have the fee then.
What pissed me off, was that the fee was a percentage of transaction amount - the larger the transaction the larger the exchange fee.
Lucky for me my credit union visa card didn't have that fee.
Chowder
Update on viagra -
Stopped in to stock up on some cheap viagra for the future. Went to Farmacia Norte on the corner of Montevideo and Pte. M. Quintana. Showed them a previous box of the Sidus Magnus 100mg. They brought out a box of 10 of the same brand. She said it was 65 pesos. I said I wanted 3 boxes (30 - 100mg tablets). When I paid at the counter, the total was 175.50 pesos. A better deal than last week (104 pesos for 16 100mg. tablets of the same brand at another pharmacy). It works fine and I didn´t need a prescription at either place. The first place I went to last week asked for a prescription, but I didn´t have a problem at the last two pharmacies.
As a partial solution to the ubiquitous conundrum of there never being enough small denomination peso notes, the ATM of Banco Formosa in the Microcenter allows you to withdraw in increments of 10 pesos. It is on Tucumán near Maípu.
Originally posted by Dickhead
As a partial solution to the ubiquitous conundrum of there never being enough small denomination peso notes, the ATM of Banco Formosa in the Microcenter allows you to withdraw in increments of 10 pesos. It is on Tucumán near Maípu.
In any case, you can go to any bank, make the line, approach the teller with ar$200/300 and ask "Cambio de doscientos/trescientos en billetes de diez, por favor" (small change for these 200/300 in bills of 10, please). I use to do so anytime I arrive in BA.
In case you cannot find the proper line to do, ask the security guard "Qué fila hago para pedir cambio chico?" (What line for small change?)
I recommend that people get ar$20 in coins, especially for taking the bus (colectivo). They may also be useful for tips and sundry small expenses.
Hope this helps,
Andres
But the banks are open limited hours and the lines move ridiculously slowly ...
I haven't found coins to be as much of an issue; I just lie and say I don't have any monedas and the coins build up. The problem more tends to lie with paying for a 2 pesos beer with a 20 peso note.
Originally posted by Dickhead
But the banks are open limited hours and the lines move ridiculously slowly ...
I haven't found coins to be as much of an issue; I just lie and say I don't have any monedas and the coins build up. The problem more tends to lie with paying for a 2 pesos beer with a 20 peso note.
The trick is going to the middle-size branches of Microcentro. For instance, there are several at Florida St between Diagonal Norte and Corrientes Av. By 11 AM there shouldn't be many people there.
Branches at residential neighborhoods and headquarters are usually busy because of payments of retirement funds and other administrative issues. I try to avoid them, as much as possible. Also, small private banks are better (big banks and official banks have Kafkian lines).
Hope this helps,
Andres
EZE_Amante
08-02-03, 00:15
On the topic of not enough small denomination bills:
As always, Andres offers the best local advice, for those of you who are lazy like me, I just pay for every meal with a 100p note, and I am never lacking for change.
EZE :)
OttoGraham
08-03-03, 17:24
Amante does exactly what I do, too. I never lack for small change.
AIRFARES TO ARGENTINA
Compared to last year, airfares to BsAs from North America have really taken a spike! United has recently even ceased to run the "e-fare" promotions that they were running last year for around US$450 return.
Anybody see any decently-priced fares lately for September/October travel?
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
08-03-03, 17:28
Originally posted by Bandy
Leo and Uncle Otto,
Thank you guys for the clarifications. Looks like I was not cheated afterall. The only reason I still might use the card is because of the mileage award. By the way Leo, my bank, Bank of NY, charges a flat $3.00 per ATM transactions in foreign country only. They refused to reverse the charges. I am in no win situation regarding these nagging charges, unless I shop around for other banks.
Bandy
Bandy, you mention mileage awards - one thing that I do that hasn't been discussed lately is that I concentrate my travel as much as possible on one airline. If you're able to achieve "status" on one, the benefits can be substantial. For example I fly mostly on United (and unless I get a huge discount I don't buy a consolidator fare, because those don't usually accrue miles). For me, a round trip to BsAs is over 10,000 miles of travel, but because I put in over 50,000 miles of travel a year on UA, I get double the actual mileage. Thus, for every third trip I make to BsAs, I get one free ticket to Argentina (cost=50,000 miles), plus an additional 10,000 miles left over. American Airlines does something similar. A good deal, IMHO, and food for thought.
-Uncle Otto
Otto,
The cheapest airfare I've seen out of JFK is $510 taxes included on Lan Chile, but connections are tough. JFK-LIM-SCL-EZE
I know what you mean with the fare hikes. AA has reloaded their winter fares and are pricing out at $635. I miss the $400 fares from last year. The best fare I saw to EZE was for $390 on Delta r/t last year, before they pulled out.
I usually do mileage runs to EZE and accumulate miles, while trying to maintain my Plat status on AA. But since I need to get rid of my One Pass miles, I'm going to take Continental/Copa for my next trip.
Jaimito Cartero
08-04-03, 12:30
You guys are lucky. The cheapest fares from Phoenix are much higher. $900 range or so.
As other do, I travel all my miles on one airline if possible (and their partners, of course). With going to Bangkok in 2 weeks, I'll be about 9,000 mile shy from Platinum on NWA. (75,000 miles)
I can fly Continental to Sao Paolo, and then fly something else to EZE, but it's a big pain in the butt. I'm not sure where Copa stops at. Most that I've seen go through Panama City. Has anyone flown from the West coast to EZE on them?
Super Unknown
08-04-03, 21:43
Jaimito,
I've flown Copa from the west coast. I also try to fly Northwest solely. The connections are much better using COPA than Continental. Continental goes through Newark or Houston to Sao Paulo or to Panama City. Then you take Copa from Panama City to Buenos Aires.
However, if you're going from the west coast a better solution is to take Copa direct from Los Angeles to Panama City then Panama City to EZE. Only about a 1:30 layover in Panama City in each direction. The business class is better on AA or UA. Copa's Biz class is similar to Continental or Northwest in First Class domestic routes. I took them a month or so and have got another Copa flight the end of this month to EZE. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Also if you are a Continental Elite member, Copa gives FREE upgrades to Biz class on their routes. I know Northwest is a partner of Copa but didn't want to risk sitting in the back on such long flights. Besides 70K miles is a bargain from the US to EZE considering the distance and what they want for Biz to Europe or Asia.
Just to echo the Uncle's statement earlier:
A round trip flight from North East to BA is 10,000 miles r/t. AA doubles the miles for Platinum, - eh Platynum members. Hence 2 r/ts will net you 40,000 miles which is what a coach fare will run you on the mileage program.
That works out to 3 trips for the price of 2.
AA gives you 4 upgrade stickers for every 10,000 miles flown. So you get 8 of those with 2 paid BA trips. Each can be cashed in for 500 miles, so that's an additional 4,000 miles in the bank. Plus 2 x 1,000 points for booking on-line, and you'll see that 2 r/t tickets net 46,000 miles on the program.
Keep this in mind before you try to save $100 with some 3rd tier airline through a consolidator, and flying through Bogota and Lima for 24 hours. It really pays off nicely to consolidate miles from long trips.
Beachboy, spoken like a true mileage junkie pro! ...except trading in those upgrade for miles, I'd rather use them for flying upfront! :-)
Not to mention that when using your AA miles you are allowed a free stopover, and potentially a free layover.
In other words, one has the option at no additional air costs to use that 40k milles (during off season ) to stop off in Miami and also add a second S.A. destination (yes destination, not stop) such as Recife/Forta/Floripa/Rio/etc or Santiago or Lima or Bogota.
Hola amigos. I've come across a list of several clubs and discos. Some of them are just for normal girls but many of them have some of our favorite type of girls. Check out the sites on the webpage. Good luck.
Saint
http://ar.dir.yahoo.com/zonas_geograficas/paises/argentina/provincias/ciudad_de_buenos_aires/Arte_y_recreacion/Bares_y_discotecas/
It's kind of funny looking at some of the sites like Black's. The average person going to the website would have NO idea of the goodies in store for them there. I hope some of you will check out some of the clubs not too much is written about. There might be some great new action. Thanks.
Can anybody who has left recently tell me what the exit tax at the airport is now?
Re cell phones - I am bringing my funky new tri band phone with me and plan to stick a Unifon Activa chip (one of Argentina's pre pay deals) in it, but cannot find anywhere on telefonicas site the cost of the chip itself - can anyone advise please?
Thanks.
Dickhead -
Just left last night. It is US$18 or AR$52.40.
I have to report that despite having very good Spanish skills and taking some lessons here in Buenos Aires, I have a hell of a time understanding the Porteñas here. The girls from the provincias -only 20 minutes away, are relatively easy to talk to. But a true native of BA is another matter. Besides using Vos instead of Tu and aca instead of aqui - the constant use of Yo= Show, Ya=Sha and Llevar= Shayvar drives me crazy. The verb Llevar is used in virtually every sentence but in 100 different ways. Also Che, and diminutive endings, ita, ito, cito, cita for virtually every word. It all sounds very Italiano and slurred together. Lots of alternate words for common things. They understand me fine, but at times Im totally lost.
But of course, speaking in the native tongue enhances the experience greatly. To receive the full treatment and experience, there is no substitute for Spanish. You can get by without it - quite easily. But it is not the same . . . Luckily, the majority of the girls Ive met are NOT Porteñas, both on the street and the clubs.
Good Luck and study up,
-P
I agree with PK. The worst is in the Italian districts like La Boca. Chinco instead of cinco and so forth. And to your list you can add the constant use of the verb "agorrar" with multiple meanings. I was aware this verb existed but had never heard it before traveling here. Another monger is bilingual from birth and says he can't understand the people in La Boca at times. Then there is the "Spanglish" effect where they say stuff like "el shopping" and "el dining (meaning dining room)." Also they use compound tenses more here than in say Mexico, although that is not really a problem.
Also they make up words. This has been confirmed by other Argentineans and is not my imagination. They need to produce an English-Porteño dictionary because I am constantly looking up words the amigovia uses and they are not in there. It ain't like she has a wide vocabulary either. It makes her mad, too, when I talk about "palabras inventadas," a phrase I first heard from my favorite Santiagueña.
Of course, now after six weeks I will have the opposite problem: I will be saying "vos" and "zhwayve" in Mexico and people are gonna think I´m nuts.
It's been fun.
Dickhead and PF are absolutely right. If you speak any Spanish at all most people will have no problem understanding you but you might not understand them if they are true Portenas and are speaking really fast. The thing that saves me is that as these two gentlemen mentioned, many of the girls aren't true Portenas. Many girls I've met are from Brazil, Uraguay, Paraguay and Chile.
Many of these girls can't write to save their lives. I email with some and instant message with them and their spelling is horrible because they never really have any formal education.
Dickhead, don't worry about using Vos in Mexico. I'm so used to using vos instead of tu that I use it in Mexico and they ask me if I live in Argentina. They are totally familiar with it and know what you're talking about but they probably will ask you if you've traveled to Argentina. (Little do they know what a pervert you are..ha, ha). Personally, I like the way the natives talk there. Have fun Dickhead....I've enjoyed reading your reports.
Saint
OutoftheGame
08-16-03, 06:57
Saint might I say that it is very nice to see you ack on the board recently but I have a question. Why don't you post anymore of your own stories. I'm sure you think it might be considered the same stuff being said over and over but for those of us that can't be in BA it is nice to hear the stories of others. I even like it when guys give descriptions of the city, it helps be escape from my boring life here in the US. I for have gone bac and re-read your stories from your first couple of trips to BA many times just to bring back memories. I'm sure you probably have a girlfriend or 2 in BA by now and don't go out like you use to but just a simple little story will do. By the way how did you like BA during the cold months? Well I hope this didn't bug you but I miss alot of the old board members like yourself, your buddy Kickstand. I hope all is well and you stick around.
Outofthegame,
Thanks for that nice post. I've cut way back on posting reports. I'm still having fun and have hit South America several times this year but my amigos and I have been hitting Brazil more the past few months. BA is still my favorite city in the world. I'll tell Kick Stand you said hello. He is hitting Brazil in two weeks with a couple other amigos. I still might take you up on your offer to hit TJ with you sometime in the future. I believe it was you that posted a while back in that section that you live near there and go often. If you have a hobby email address, drop me an email and we can hook up sometime. saintofba@hotmail.com
Good luck all.
Saint.
Dear fellow forum members and lurkers,
I just discovered an economical telephone calling card for Buenos Aires. I have been using the Blackstone No Connection Fee calling card for the last six months, calling my novia a couple times a week, at a price of about 5 cents per minute. But I just found a new card called "121 Americas". It is also a no connection fee card, and promises a rate of 2.1 cents per minute for Buenos Aires, 5.4 cents per minute Buenos Aires Cellular, 2.9 cents per minute for Cordoba, and 4.8 cents per minute for La Plata, Mendoza, and Rosario. That means that for ten dollars, I get 467 minutes of precious telephone connection with my porteña, which saves me 50% over the Blackstone No Connection Fee card. Both cards are sold at the same website:
www.blackstoneonline.com
For those who have not purchased calling cards over the internet, this is how it works:
1. Go to the website, look at the rates, and select your card. (Always buy the "no connection fee" cards, they will save you money!)
2. Register your email address and create a password.
3. Go to checkout and pay for your calling card with a credit card.
4. Immediately, an email will be sent to your registered email address.
5. Go to your email and open the email from Blackstone. Click on the order number in that email to confirm your email address.
6. Next, Blackstone sends you a second email with a toll-free access number and a PIN number. Print yourself a copy, and then save the email. All calling card purchases at Blackstone are non-refundable. You are responsible for keeping track of your own PIN number.
7. Call the toll-free access number and follow the spoken instructions. You will need to punch in your PIN number, and then you will be prompted to dial the number you wish to call.
To call Buenos Aires regular phone from USA: 011-54-11-xxxx-xxxx (xxxx-xxxx is the local number in Buenos Aires).
To call Buenos Aires cellular phone (I think this is right): 011-54-911-xxxx-xxxx (omit the "15-" prefix that you would use if you were in Buenos Aires).
I am going to try out this card this weekend and will submit a followup report. If anyone has experience with this card or if someone else tries it out, please submit a report if you have time. Thanks.
Tango
Not all blackstone cards are without hidden fees.
Most, if not all, of their cards carry a maintenance fee. With the blackstone card I use, the florida union card, it only kicks in on day 15 (after you first use the card), so if you only buy a $5 card or basically use the whole card up by day 15 you avoid it. Others have this mtce fee from day 1.
Some carry other fees (not connection fees) that hit you.
So, while I agree these are the best way to call S. America (along with BestPriceTelecom www.bptelecom.com, which I also use regularly), not all of them are equal, and most have fees that when allocated across your minutes will bring your per minute cost way up.
I am looking forward to my first trip to BA next month. I have seen some people mention the "Etoile" hotel but cannot find it anywhere on the web.???? Or does any one else have a recommondation for a nice hotel? Chica friendly of course!
Hi amigos. Some of you may be aware that Jackson has taken the time to start a charity to help feed the poor of Buenos Aires and the surrounding communities. It's ironic because we both had the same thought about trying to do something to help the poor of Buenos Aires. He was much further along and took a lot of time and effort to put it together. Several of you have emailed me over the past several months asking if I still had plans to start something like this. There is really no need to double my efforts as we have the same goal.
I am asking all of you that have received benefit from my posts in the past and all of you that have received benefit from WSG to make a donation. This probably includes just about everyone reading this forum. Even if you have no plans to visit Buenos Aires you have probably received an indirect benefit of living vicariously through members from this forum. I'm not asking you to contribute a huge amount although if you could that would be great. With the sheer number of guys that read this board all it would take is a small donation of $10, $15, $20, $25, or $50 a year to make a big impact. If you can afford it then donate a few times a year.
I'm sure many of you could care less about the poor of Buenos Aires. If that is how you feel than so be it. I strongly feel that everyone can afford to contribute AT LEAST $10 or $15 to this cause. Several of us at the Thanksgiving Dinner last year contributed money to help with this cause. I hope that in the next few months I see more and more people with a designation under their handle that says they have donated. I didn't even know Jackson was doing that but it's probably a good idea. I would personally feel offended if I'm down there and out hobbying with some of you and you didn't contribute at least a little to this charity.
I feel like I've taken time to contribute through my posts and I've never asked any of you for anything. This is the first time and I hope you can find it in your heart to help out. You can make a donation with Paypal.com and that is probably the quick and easiest way. Please keep in mind that this is Jackson's project and he is the one that took the time to put it together. I know he probably didn't want to solicit donations and he never asked me to. I'm asking on my own behalf. Thanks in advance for your generosity!
Saint
www.wsgcharities.com
Saint,
This sounds like a very good idea. I will make the donation in person on Thursday evening if I can find where you or Jackson will be hanging out or having dinner. I am sure I can find a way to get it into his hands.
Sky
Saint,
You are absolutely right. People have taken the time and trouble to investigate and then report back WSG issues for everyone’s benefit. Indeed I still recall both you and Jackson meeting with me, sharing your thoughts and experiences, and also the fun night we had going to a few clubs.
The least one can do is return the compliment either by posting back and / or by way of helping the WSG-charity. I always feel a twinge of guilt when I see the less fortunate, especially children, begging; perhaps we can all contribute in some small way to help some of them.
You have my vote and support. Very well done to Jackson for getting this of the ground.
Regards, Havanaman
Ps. I’m making plans for another visit to BA in December: will you be local?
Thanks Sky Ryder and all others that pledge to make donations either with Paypal.com or in person to Jackson. One thing that sets Buenos Aires apart is that the guys tend to be a higher quality than guys I have met in other locations around the world. There have only been a handful of guys in BA that I have met that I wouldn't want to hang out with again. My feeling is that in life nobody should have to ask you to donate for causes like this one. You should want to do it simply for the sake of helping out those that are less fortunate than yourself. We all have the chance to do something very good and decent. There really is NO excuse not to help out. I'm sure that many of you are like myself and contribute to other organizations in the USA. No one is asking you to stop donating to those causes either. Just remember this one.
Havanaman,
Hi amigo. I hope you're doing well! Yes, I plan to be in Buenos Aires in December again. I'm actually contemplating a permanent move there in the near future if I can come up with a business opportunity there. I'm planning on traveling throughout Argentina and Brazil in December/January. I hope we hook up again.
Saint
Originally posted by Tango
Dear fellow forum members and lurkers,
I just discovered an economical telephone calling card for Buenos Aires... called "121 Americas". It is also a no connection fee card, and promises a rate of 2.1 cents per minute for Buenos Aires, 5.4 cents per minute Buenos Aires Cellular, 2.9 cents per minute for Cordoba, and 4.8 cents per minute for La Plata, Mendoza, and Rosario.
Tango I used this new (to me) calling card this weekend and was very pleased with the clarity and speed of the connection. My novia told me that she could hear me very well without the usual background noise that we usually experience. And, we get over 400 minutes for $10. I consider that a real bargain - cheaper than I can call my sister in New York. After one call with the card, I rate it a "10". It is available for purchase at:
www.blackstoneonline.com
Check my previous post of 8/21/2003 for more details.
Tango
OttoGraham
08-29-03, 14:49
Oh boy, I think I've died and gone to heaven......
(And no, I'm not in Buenos Aires, I'm in Prague of all places!)
More next week, including all the nasty little details, on the Prague forum! :D
- Uncle Otto
The 2nd Annual WSG Thanksgiving Dinner
Greetings everyone,
I am please to announce that I will be hosting the 2nd Annual WSG Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 27th, in the upstairs private dining room of Lola's Restaurant in Recoleta.
All WSG Members and other interested persons are welcome to attend. You may bring a date, but it's not required, because...
After the dinner, we will move the party to my apartment a block away, where the First Lady of Buenos Aires, Roxana, will have arranged for us to meet a number of Buenos Aires's finest Internet chicas.
Please direct questions and RSVP's to jackson@wsgforum.com
Summary:
What: The 2nd Annual WSG Thanksgiving Dinner
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2003
Time: Drinks at 8:30 pm Dinner at 9:00 pm
Where: Lola's Restaurant on the Corner of Junin and Guido in Recoleta.
Dress: Dressy casual
Cost: Approximately $50.00 pesos per person.
Menu: The traditional feast of turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn-on-the-cob, Caesar salad, cranberry sauce, beverages, house wine, etc.
Thanks,
Jackson
Financial Details: Food, dinner beverages, house wine and the gratuity will be divided equally between all parties. Obviously, men will be expected to pay for their dates. Specially ordered bottles of wine, bottles of champagne, and/or after-dinner cigars will be purchased separately via cash at the time of purchase.
Please Note: Due to the prestigious stature of my guests, video cameras will not be permitted at the function. In addition, photographs may only be taken in planned poses and with the expressed consent of all persons in the photo.
Is anyone planning on flying down around mid-November? I want to fly down on American for the airmiles, but the prices from NYC on aa.com are $675, and they've just gone up $50.
I reserved a ticket for 5 days on aa.com which allows you to check the seating and change your seat if you want and the flights in both directions were 90% empty. Surely AA cant keep the prices up this high, flying half empty planes and will have to drop their prices soon...or can they?
Do any of the regular travellers have much experience of this....should I just buy the ticket now and be done with it, or is it worth waiting to see if they cut the ticket prices (and risk them going up again)?
Thanks in advance for your help. Am planning on spending most of this trip in Patagonia but hope to be in Buenos Aires for the first week in December and look forward to buying a drink for any members of this board who happen to be in town.
all the best
Magic Hat.
Super Unknown
09-19-03, 02:46
Tango, thanks so much for the recommendation on the Blackstone calling cards. Calls are less than 3 cents a minute using this method (I've been getting the 121 america's card with no connection fee). These calls are less than I pay intra-state! Crazy. I get about 460 minutes/$10US to a land line in BA and about half that to a cell phone. Anybody else calling BA regularly from the states get one of these now! If there is something better, I'd like to know.
Thanks again.
Magichat --- Im having the same problem --- My first trip to BA was right after 9-11-01 on Delta Airlines flying out of Phoenix --- The price was $580 round trip with a plane change in Atlanta with a total travel time of 16 hours --- Since then Delta has pulled out of the market and were left with United And American Airlines as the only domestic carriers --- My last trip this past May and June was $890 round trip on American, (the only option since United sends you on a wild goose chase first adding about 7 hours to the trip) --- Flying through Miami and the travel time was 17 hours --- Im currently planning a trip for the end of October and Orbitz as quoting $1,170 --- Now thats sticker shock --- Fortunately theres a huge American reservation center here in Arizona proving once again, "its not what you know but who you know" --- So now Im looking business or first class at less than half of the quoted price --- I have learned that the key to South America is Miami --- So you might want to look at it this way --- Theres always a deal between New York and Miami as its a very competive market with many carriers --- Once your in Miami you have a mulitude of options --- So try getting some quotes from the foreign carriers out of Miami and also look at the standby option --- Its rare when the flights are full so you might get a deal --- Exon
Jaimito Cartero
09-20-03, 02:08
Exon - What airlines and exact price did you get for your business class fare? I paid almost $900 when I went in June. I was trying to get some more miles on NW, so I flew CO to Sao Paolo, and then Varig/Tam to EZE. American or United were actually more expensive at that time.
It would be so nice to have a little more competition. America West Airlines just opened up a direct flight from PHX to SJO (San Jose, Costa Rica), so there is always hope for less hassle/less money tickets.
Jaimito Cartero
09-20-03, 02:10
Jackson,
What is the pricing on the internet chicas for Thanksgiving? Going to divide it among the participants? And not to be too critical, but shouldn't the girls come first? I know that after a real turkey dinner, all I want to do is sleep.
MeGustaBoliches
09-20-03, 09:46
magichat,
Try Carbone Travel, a NYC-based travel agency that specializes in travel to Argentina. Fares are often lower on American than you can find at aa.com. Just make sure the ticket they sell you is for a class of service that will give you airmiles. Carbone sells both mile-earning and non-mile earning tickets.
http://carbone-travel.com/tarifas.html
Today Saturday 9-20-03 the IMF just approved a 12 Billion dollar loan to Argentina --- I wonder how long the 3 dollar peso will last --- Exon
I think you mean 3 peso dollar but the more money they borrow, the weaker the peso should be. But, the problem is that the United States is following both monetary and fiscal policies that should weaken the dollar as well.
StudPlayer
09-21-03, 20:35
I must be missing something because from the photos I just don't see how Portenas are all that - is it their attitudes or what? Or are all you guys just bad photographers?
Anyway, to paraphrase Jackson's mom's joke, I am 50, retired and single and I am going to South America. I will see you down in Buenos Aires in a couple weeks.
Jaimito Cartero
09-21-03, 21:43
Exon - That 12 billion is probably just to pay back the interest they're delinquent on already. :0
Let's hope for that 3 dollars to the peso never happens.
Hey thanks for the advice Exon123 and Megustaboliches - will look into both options you suggest.
all the best
Magic Hat.
Re Lexton's report on taxi cab robbery:
1) Safest method: Call a radio taxi, give your name (or some fake name is even better), and make sure the driver knows your name before you get in.
2) Next safest: Call a radio taxi but do not give your name.
3) Next safest: Hail a cab off the street but make sure it is a radio taxi, and make a show of writing down the number.
4) Next safest: Hail a cab off the street but make sure it is a radio taxi, but don't write the number down. This is what I do but then I am not a woman and anyone who wants to rob me had better have a gun.
5) Least safe: Hailing non-radio taxis as these are generally completely unaffiliated = zero recourse.
Be safe out there! I would never leave a lady waiting at a bus stop late at night unless she did something to piss me off. Even if I pick up a streetwalker, I walk them back to whence they came.
MeGustaBoliches
09-22-03, 18:36
Dickhead,
You may be a Dickhead, but your post on taxi safety should be required reading for all hobbyists. Here is a story from the Lonely Planet Board about taxi thieves...
"This is a warning.
Yesterday we walked out of Buenos Aires bus station to get a black and yellow cab (presumably reliable) to go into town. Not being fluid Spanish speakers, we appeared to sort everything out and set off into town.
The driver then starts talking (in Spanish) about a problem with banknote serial numbers, and after much fast talking decides that we cannot pay him, stops, and throws us out.
Immediately, another taxi arrives, and the first driver puts our bags in and says the second taxi will take us into town. He then walks off, appearing annoyed that he has lost a fare.
The second driver sets off, tells us about the touristy things we drive past, then starts the same line about unacceptable (not false) banknotes.
The next bit is embarressingly niave, but this is aimed to help other not fall into the same trap.
We stop in central Buenos Aires, and he starts looking at our baknotes (seemingly helpful) going through them, and telling us they are all unacceptable.
Here is the trick.
He folds them in half, and puts a rubber band around them (in front of us, who ARE watching carefully) and during this he switches all the 50 peso notes for 2´s.
We didnt even know what he had done till half an hour after he had gone!
The two drivers work hard at distracting you, putting bags in and out of cabs a number of times, asking you to go off with him, so while concentrating on the obvious pitfalls, the `sleight of hand` slips by unnoticed.
Feel pretty stupid now, but better than being held up at knife point."
Uh, on a more delicate subject....what hours does Maria work? I have a business transaction I would like to discuss with her. It shouldn't take more than an hour of her time. Megustaboliches, but not all the time!
María gets to her post around 9:15 - 9:30 PM, seldom works Sundays, and often stays home when it rains. Tell her El Toro Rojo says hi and that I miss her. If she likes you she will not be worried about time although if you keep her grossly longer you should give her a bit more. She asks for 70 or 80 so if you tell her right off you will give her 100 she will stay at least two hours (if that's what you want). If she doesn't know you, though, she might not go to an apartment and might insist on a hotel. Can't say as I blame her.
Richard Head
Another taxi scam along the same vein, is for the taxi you are in to pretend to have some sort of car trouble. His amigo, though, is right behind him, and can take you the rest of your journey. You get into his friend's car, and are driven a short distance, and then robbed.
Stay alert,
Moondog
Taxis issue:
1) I agree with Dickhead's description. However, I would add the "remise" (livery service) at the top, since many remise agencies assign customer codes that avoid to detail your address by phone (some people were robbed by mentioning the address by phone, being the conversation picked by interception equipment). Ask the car make and color, just in case.
2) Due to security and easyness, taking the "subte" (subway) sometimes ends up being the best alternative: Cheap, fast, reliable. Of course, pickpocketers and other crooks abound, but chances are slim that you will be robbed there.
3) NEVER let people revise your paper bills. In case of doubt, go to a casa de cambio or a bank branch (or ask the hotel reception manager).
Hope this helps,
Andres
If anyone is interested, from Carbone Travel.. For those who are mileage junkies, this looks like for travel in Aerolineas Argentinas.. :(
http://www.1800argentina.com/
Once again we are pleased to tell you about our low airfares. At this time, we are offering a round trip fare to Argentina from New York on non-stop flights for only $449.00! and to Chile, Uruguay, Cordoba or Mendoza for $499,00. The tickets need to be purchased before September 29th, and the trip must be completed by December 4th. This fares do not apply for trips during the Christmas season.
As a special promotion, we are offering an airfare of $1,899 in Business Class from New York to Buenos Aires, round trip. This fare does apply for the christmas season !
Several people have mentioned using Blackstone calling cards in the past. There is a card on the site called Americas 121 that a recent poster was going to try because of the great rates. I tried it a few times, and it is not what it appears.
It claims to offer 5.5 cents a minute to mobiles in B.A. with calls rounded off to the nearest three minutes. The $10 card has a 99 cent starting fee with a 49 cent monthly fee. It comes off your first call - fine for me, I use it up in a short time. The weird part is that minutes just seem to disappear between uses. I checked it after a call, then when I made my next call, considerable minutes had disappeared. I knew I was being conned somehow, but the minute rates were still okay nonetheless, so I gave the card a go again.
The second time my card left $7.00+ after the first call, but when I went to call four days later, it was worth $5.88 and leaving me only 27 minutes of call time (21 cents a minute). I e-mailed their support to ask what was up, and it took three days to get a lame answer that did not address my question directly.
I don't know what experiences others have had, but I was not impressed.
I did find what appears to be a reliable 8 cent per minute to mobile in B.A. I used it for the first time a few nights ago, so I don't know if their is some hidden catch yet (have to wait for my phone bill). I think it only operates from your land line. Type in 101 - 5335 in Yahoo, click on the "1st Sponsor Result", hit "A" and see Argentina's rates. The only catch is a minimum 10 minute fee for connection to the number dialed. So if there is an answering machine, or whatever, you get hit for 80 cents.
Hey Guys,
Can someone help me out? I have about 25 photos I'd like to post, but the file size is too large. Does anyone know where or how I can go about reducing them? Right now, they're between 80 and 150kb. I tried reducing them in Photoshop6 getting one photo down to 46kb. However, I tried to attach the pic and got the "failed to post file size too big" message.
Thanks!
Late,
Judd
Judd,
I usually use the "resize" or "resample" functions of Paint Shop Pro (either the old shareware 4.1 version or the newer 7.x I bought) and this works perfectly - reduces pixel count. Alternatively, if the size is ok, try enhancing the compression rate of jpg-files.
If you get smaller files, as it seems to be, and still can't upload them, I don't know what's wrong - maybe Jackson can help.
Hope that helps,
El Aleman
Jaimito Cartero
09-26-03, 15:07
Well there are two restrictions to uploading to WSG. One is a bye count of 400,000 bytes (400K, more or less). And a size limitation of 640 pixels.
In Photoshop, load your picture, then go to the Image tab at top. Click on the image size button. It will tell you what your dimensions are.
For example, the picture I'm attaching (of my favorite girl in BA, Marisol), was originally 1536 pixels by 2048. Way too big for WSG. (It is also 21.3" wide, and 28.4 tall).
First of all, I want to crop out all the other stuff that's not important. This reduces the size in 1/2. Then I'll actually resize it so it's not so big.
Whichever number is larger (on the Pixels), type in 640. This will resize it so that it will fit on WSG, with no problem.
I often find that the pictures are too dark, or don't have enough contrast. I will go into Image>Adjust>Brightness/Contrast setting and increase brightness by 10 or 20, and contrast by 5-15.
You final setting is to Save as. I always retain the original picture in case I want to print it out (Larger is better), or if I want to change the editing. I will change the JPEG quality to save on space. Depending on the quality of the original picture, you can reduce it to between 7-10 in quality. This will save 40-70% of the size over a full (12 quality).
Jaimito,
Thanks for the excellent editing advice. I will try it tonight. If you see some yummy photos from me tomorrow, then you'll know it worked.
Thanks again!
Late,
Judd
Hi Guys,
I have a question that I am hoping you can assist me with.
I generally choose vacation spots that offer great mongering
at night with scuba diving during the day.
I just got back from Cuba/Havana last month...have also been to Costs Rica and Puerto Vallarta.
I am wanting to visit BA....however, I am not having any luck locating a scuba diving business.
If any of you guys have a lead...I would truly appreciate you passing it on.
gracias amiegos
Rickster:
BA isn't a place for scuba diving, since waters are muddy and generally cold (not mentioning that the Rio de la Plata has an average of 2 feet deep). TO do really interesting scuba diving, you should go to Puerto Madryn or at least to a vacation city of the BA Province coast.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Hey Rickster,
How was the scuba diving in Cuba? Say in comparision to Bahamas or Cayman, as I haven't been to the other places you mention.
Thanks.
OttoGraham
09-30-03, 09:02
If money is truly no object, stay at the Sofitel or Alvear Palace. About US$200 a night or so.
LoisSuites Recoleta is also very nice, about US$125.
Contact Mayra at www.argentinago.com (mayra@argentinago.com), she will get you the best rates and will give you her personal attention. She has gotten me into places that were otherwise "full" in the past.
-Uncle Otto
Hiya all,
Probably arriving in B.A. this week, and so kindly request some recommended Radio Taxi services, with telephone numbers, that are safe and trustworthy. Many thanks and hope to make it to the Mongers convention.
Ciao for now,
Bodhi
Leo wrote
"How was the scuba diving in Cuba? Say in comparision to Bahamas or Cayman, as I haven't been to the other places you mention.
Leo take a look at the Cuba WSG site. I go into detail about the entire Cuban adventure. I posted it in August.
Sounds like BA isn't the place to scuba dive.
My problem is....I get bored during the daytime. I like to fish also..but not sure that's an option in BA.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Rickster,
To answer your questions, you may be on the bored side in BA if you're not into doing the hobby via casa or internet chicas. Of course, BA is a beautiful city with plenty of shopping, hunting for non-pros, dining, and cultural options. But, as I'm guessing from your posts, you're more into an outdoors, sports- or adventure-oriented time during daytimes, say a la cuba/cr/brasil, then BA is a slow place. Hey, I'm not knocking it... you just need to adjust your daytime expectations and focus on what BA offers vs. what you might in other destinations be used to. I only comment as we seem to have this in common, that in the day I too prefer to do something like ocean or mountain or adventure or sports activities.
Bodhi,
This radio taxi company I use a lot and reliable.
>Radio Taxi Premium
5238-0000 or 4374-6666
www. taxipremium.com - to request a taxi online
MeGustaBoliches
10-02-03, 17:12
re taxis....
sorry, I am posting from an internet cafe in Buenos Aires and do not have my a list of companies with me...but Elvis is right, Taxi Premium is safe and reliable....other companies that are safe, if you are out walking around and want to catch a cab...
mi Taxi, Taxi Blue, La Pampa, Madero Norte....
Jaimito Cartero
10-02-03, 18:52
Is there any reason to call for a taxi if it's during normal hours? I'd guess if you were staying at an apartment and there wasn't one around, it would be helpful.
Hop on a bus, Gus.
Don't need to discuss much...
And from the airport, use Manuel Tienda León. They take you right to your hotel, not just to the terminal like someone else posted. The bus takes you to the terminal and then a van takes you to your hotel, although that does waste some time.
MeGustaBoliches
10-03-03, 14:12
The walk down Cordoba from Cafe Orleans to Cafe Excedra proved quite interesting last night....I encountered 4 street girls....not counting the one I mistook for a street girl, but who was actually just a chica alone waiting for a bus (or maybe she didn't like my looks or offer of 80 pesos)....
Highlights...Met a petite chica, early 20s on the Corner of Suipacha who spoke a little English, was quite personable and promised a lot for pocos pesos.....
... standing outside of Excedra was a grandmotherly type, matronly figure, conservatively dressed, mid to late 40s, maybe early 50s....for 30 pesos....Not into grand mothers, so I passed!
sorry I passed on the brunette at the corner of Suipacha.....I wanted to see who else was available and moved on with a promise to return. I did, but the chica was no where to be found....
Not sure what the sudden presence of street girls in downtown means, but I have certainly seen more this trip than on any of my previous 11 trips....
Hello everyone,
I'll get to the point here. I want to have a golfing vacation in Argentina and experience the hobby. Any advice will be so appreciated.
DonRoberto
10-03-03, 16:02
Bodhi,
I have used Oscar Carrizo (Remis Executive Transfer, cel. 15-4960-3770, o_carrizo@hotmail.com) for getting around BA. He is totally professional, punctual, and reasonably priced. He knows some girls and can take you to them. He will gladly wait for you after taking you someplace. If you don't feel confident enough to take the subway, or are wary of certain neighborhoods, he is the way to go. I always do airports with him. Enough English to communicate.
MeGustaBoliches
10-04-03, 08:52
Chester,
I agree with OttoGraham about places to stay, though you might want to consider the Four Seasons as well....Fidel stayed there during his recent stay in Buenos Aires....
As for up to date information....constantly changing.....sometimes from night to night....
Madahos in Recoleta comes closest to being a consistent place to find youngish, above average chicas....but other places worthy of checking out include....Shampoo (on Quintana in Recoleta), Affaire (On Guido in Recoleta), and Hook (downtown on Suipacha between Marcelo T. de Alvear and Paraguay).
There are numerous other choices, but these places seem to offer the best choices as of this week.....but it really varies enormously from night to night....For example, on Saturday night I did not find anyone I liked in Affaire, though I have found a lot of talent in this bar on other nights of the week.....Generally, Monday through Thusday nights offer the highest level of talent...
Expect to pay 150 to 200 pesos for 1-2hours, plus the price of drinks for you and the chica (mandatory drinks are in lieu of an exit or bar fee).
OK peoples,
I just registered, read a zillion posts, and was wondering if this forum could help me out with some info/advice about BA.
I am an equity trader (daytrader), one of the successful one (!) and as long as they have half-decent broadband, wish to relocate to BA for 3-6 months.
I have been looking at a web page and to be blunt, they are all gorgeous. I don't know whether the page is honest or just a bunch of crap, and was wondering if I could get input.
The page is at http://www.escorts-argentina.com/ and is also listed as http://www.escortsbaires.com/ and http://www.platynum.com.ar/
The are two girls in there, one Lara (girl 13), the other Bibiana (girl 21). They mention weekly amounts which I find low (and thereby somewhat suspect).
Is this stuff true? I don't want to waste my time going down, setting up shop, and then discover it was all a scam. If it's too good to be true the .... well, you know the adage!!
Thanks from Palawan.
Nickster53
10-05-03, 23:42
iseki,
I was in BA in May and used a couple of guys that ran golfinargentina.com. If I remember the cost was about $100US that included everything, clubs, shoes, balls, green fees, thransortation to the course and even a drink after the round. A friend that I was traveling with and I played and the two guys that ran the company played with us. They even bought lunch and beers at the course. The only extra way paying the caddy.
We palyed Los Pingüinos Country Club and it was a lot of fun. Great experience. If you want further information go to their web site or let me know and I will send you the names of the owners.
Nickster
MiddleAgeGuy
10-06-03, 17:45
"The are two girls in there, one Lara (girl 13), the other Bibiana (girl 21). They mention weekly amounts which I find low (and thereby somewhat suspect)."
Palawan,
I have been with Bibiana back in May this year, (you will see her under Mariana in one of my May reports). She is a fire plug and works out of Newport now as I saw her there in September. Remember the prices they are quoting are $US, therefore not low IMHO. You can probably do better than the price quote but I would first do a trial 1 nighter before committing to a week. A 1 nighter might run you 200-300Peso. Try calling them from your home also, so you are, perhaps, set up by the time you get there. They both speak no English so you will need some Spanish.
Happy Trading,
MAG
Palawan, the ultimate answer to your question depends on whether or not you can speak Spanish. Even if you do they will still know you are not a local, but they will try to take advantage of you much less.
All those girls on escorts b aires are "true." Since the same $ symbol is used for pesos and dollars, just assume the quotes are in pesos and behave accordingly. Do not negotiate in dollars. Forget about dollars the minute you arrive in the country. What are dollars? I don't have any dollars. I only have pesos. What??? 200 pesos??? Demasiado (too much). I could pay you 100 pesos and I am a really nice guy and I will treat you right. You treat me right and I could give you a little more.
Get the picture? They can all be had for 150 pesos max even if you are a Dickhead like me. BTW if you add .ar to the escorts b aires URL, about 35 more girls will magically appear.
Also if you run the phone numbers through a search engine, you may find the same girl on a different website with cheaper prices.
I respectfully disagree with MAG's advice to call them from home as that will make you look overeager. Even if there is one you just have to have, and you arrange it in advance, they might not show up anyway. They're flaky.
Palawan,
Been with both, Laura(13) Bibiana(21) take bibiana the best of the best..Laura, chubby, and round..big saggy tits..Bibiana, TIGER IN THE SACK.........Must see... JMIO....have fun.. But only for 150 ar........
Thanks guys,
Why didn't I discover this site before she took me for $300,000, a sailboat, the house and two cars?
Live and learn!
Wiz Banger
10-15-03, 17:18
I was wondering if these escort places in BA are the same as in the US as far as paying an amount (seems to be $100/hr, I'm assuming pesos) to see them or for them to come to your hotel/apt.
Is this just a fee to get them out to you and then you negotiate for what you want (sex/bj/whatever)? Or do you get laid for the $100 pesos?
Thanks for any info regarding this.
You can see to Lara (girl 12 in escortsbaires) in http://www.topheavyamateurs.com/main.htm
You need an user & pass. She´s Wendy.
Javier
In Exedra (Carlos Pelegrini & Córdoba) I have some girlfriends. I go every friday night.
Brenda, blonde babe, 22 years old, pretty face, very fine girl, sweetly, very lovely, 1,60 metros, she speak english.
She's the best babe for me. Only for demanding people. From the evening to the night she´s in Exedra. If someone like call her, the phone is 15-5015-2400.
Magalí, blonde babe, 18 years old, very beautiful, 1,80 metros, brazilian model girl, 15-5062-8274
If you need information about another girl just tell me. I´m the moderator of the local board (escorts59 in Yahoo Groups)
Greetings to Roxana, Jackson, Andrés and the rest!
Thanks
Javier
Hey guys:
Do Argentine girls have those websites advertising they are looking for husbands from the US or Europe like the Russian, Filipino and Colombian women currently are doing?
If so, it would be advantageous to have some connections before going to Argentina for some possible non-pro fun. I did this before going to the Philippines and had reaped some benefits. I was wondering whether any of you guys have done so before going to Argentina.
Sun Devil,
Haven't seen a "marriage" web-site for Argentina, but I did try to hook-up with several ladies via the Match.com dating site prior to my trip. Lots to choose from, assuming you can write/speak Spanish. But despite exchanging letters with 3 different women, I never met any of them. And it didn't matter . . .
I would say Buenos Aires is one of the few places on earth where you can rent a girl for sex and easily switch into GF mode if you so desire. They truly blur the line between GF and Pro. I went to Teatro Colon, a jazz club and Cafe Tortoni to hear music with 3 different women. All at no extra charge. They enjoyed doing something different and being treated well. And keep in mind that I never pay top dollar for any woman. Never more than 150 pesos for the night. Picked up a blonde on Florida, had 2 hours of sex. Then at her request went to a local restaurant for steaks. She insisted we then return to my apartment for more sex. Total of almost 7 hours together. My cost? 60 pesos =$20US including the dinner! Don't try that here . . .
I will warn you that the club girls are a little less flexible, but only a little. Most of the free-lancers at Cafe Exedra or Orleans will go wherever you want, but test drive them in bed FIRST to make sure that you're compatible. I hate being out with a woman if we have no chemistry together. Or if she is an "escort" type mercenary, charging by the hour to take her out. Unlike Mexico or some other places, the idea of getting married to an American does NOT have the same appeal in Argentina. Also, the idea of using or manipulating me for money never came up. There were plenty of opportunities to do so and those ladies DO need the money.
James D 2004
10-18-03, 22:38
I'm thinking of a visit so any help will be appreciated. There are conflicting info about the price so please someone elaborate. Someone said it's no good in BA if you don't spend US100 and up. Someone said that the escorts b aires girls can all be have for AR100 or 150. I don't speak Spanish and I don't think the bargain will get anywhere if the girl has only basic English. I saw helper service but they don't do the bargaining and I heard they charge an arm and a leg for it. Is there a sure and easy way for BA newbies paying somewhere in between US and AR? I can offer you a drink if you go for the Thanksgiving dinner, that sort of thing.
I hate to be accused for not doing enough research. Now I start with some hopefully original questions first.
I am thinking of test driving in this way. 100 for an encounter whatever US or AR. If she passes, I add 200 to make up for an all nighter. If she passes again, I add daily to make up for 1000 a week, possibly dumping her if I fall for someone else. Is that a normal good thing to do, apart from the dumping?
Anyone knows how to lift the ink of the entry/exit stamp from the passport? What's the size and color of the typical AR stamp?
How will Asians be doing in the clubs? Can you do a decent test drive if you don't speak Spanish? It can be anything. In TJ, a OK. In some Italy towns with lots of US GI's, as long as you don't look European, you must be American and local girls hit you even if you don't have big biceps. In Europe, you can either be the greasy monkey working the Chinese take aways, or filthy rich Japanese tourist. Oh yes, not PC but that's the sort of stereotype I want to know.
Let me be the first to say that Tall And Handsome is a complete troll who has pissed off many people in many places on this board. Please review his record before assisting him. Jerk offs like this, we definitely do not need in Buenos Aires.
Traveler0099
10-18-03, 22:55
Javier:
Does your 180 blonde Brazilian friend speak any English?
How can one contact you for more info? Couldn't find the yahoo group escorts59.
Thanks.
James D 2004
10-18-03, 23:00
DH, so I think you remembered me. But what I remember is that I only have good words for you. Why the hostility? I don't speak Spanish?
James D 2004
10-19-03, 00:25
DH, I forget to tell you that it was your post putting Argentina as #1 that drove me to to BA !!! It make sense and I usually trust your judgment as I know something about you.
I can fill in the rest. Brazil, somewhere they still fire a gun for celebration not too long ago. They require visa. The girls' general performance on bed isn't that important to me. If you spend only say 1 week I doubt if you can notice any difference in performance attributable to nationality by the reason of statistics. BA is a more European like city than Rio. In contrast to many's believe, I've been to the contender BK, which is a much worse sprawl than LA. Pataya isn't that convenient and now getting old. Bar girls who speak good English are hardened by tourists. Good material for all nighters usually don't speak that much English, which is also highly desirable for all nighters. The price isn't that good in Asian countries compared to S America. Except those Asian countries you would only go if you are flying in the protection of Air Force 1.
Traveler0099, you can contact me through the WSG Forum's Private Messaging system.
Friday night I was in Exedra with personal friends, Brenda (exedra) and Clhoe (platynum), Girl 05 in escortsbaires.com.ar.
I can see to Magali, she was very beautiful, blue jeans and T-shirt of Boca Juniors.
Brenda speak basic english. Clhoe too. Magali I will inquire tomorrow.
Javier
Wiz Banger: Fortunately for all concerned, the situation is NOT like in the US. You get laid for the listed price, which will be pesos if you say it is or dollars if you are a clueless gringo with no Spanish skills. Either way, way better than the US.
James D 2004
10-20-03, 06:02
That's the confusion. Middleageguy said the website quote USD, that is 100 for sex, ~300 all night and day, ~1500 per week. But then he said 200 to 300 peso for all nighter. That is, as DH says, you can treat the quote as peso. Is it that a big deal not to know Spanish? I can always pay the USD10 fee for a helper, or just tip whoever delivering my room service meal to make the call.
Another thing don't add up is that if you take the price as peso, it's really on the low side as Wiz commented. Clubs are supposed to be more expensive. THE recommended club girl, who is exactly my type apart from the hairs, charges only 150 peso. (Some ask for 200 to 300 for sex.) Some girls in the website are comparable to THE club girl but most charge 100 for the same thing. In addition, club girls can't do 24 hr and weekly, or they charge a lot more for these.
Today I revisited Brazil, the forum. Because I have an edge there, I don't need visa. There is also equal footing as Spanish isn't spoken there. Crime not a real problem, as I likely eat room service. Even in HK the bar girls drug tourist and took credit card, but the difference is that once discovered, the police came down heavy on them to make sure that tourist will not be discouraged. However, the girls in the websites just don't turn me on. Most show you the rear view while I find the most important is the front abd view, you can airbrush but you can't hide.
Either way, in peso or in dollar that's much better than LA, but the difference is roughly 3 times. 1500 peso weekly is very different from 1500 dollar a week, amigo!
To take out some of the confusion:
On (as far as I know) ONE website , www.escorts-argentina.com, prices are quoted, and usually are U$S 100 for short time. That, however, is negotiable, you are, after all, in South America. You will very often get around by offering about half that price.
Same goes for club girls: YOU make an OFFER and don't wait for the girl quoting gringo prices. A$R 150 will take most girls out of most clubs, at the classier places like Madahos you might go to 200.
And you can arrange longer sessions with the club girls on their nights off - just ask. And get their cellphone no. at your first session if you want to repeat. But don't expect to do these negotiations in english, because the sweeter chicas don't speak that language. Some spanish on your side (or somebody who helps, and here the services of Roxana can in fact save you a lot of bucks) is necessary. I would, by the way, not know what to do with somebody a whole week long if unable to communicate with that person.
And forget about Dollars when getting your stamp from the immigration officer at Ezeiza. Pesos are legal currency in Argentina. For me sometimes that helped: Soy Aleman, yo no tengo dolares...
Btw., this topic has been discussed many times on the forum, and the idea of YOU making an offer is not mine - I got the tip from the great jefe of this board, Jackson himself.
El Aleman
EZE_Amante
10-20-03, 12:26
SunDevil,
The only "marriage" site I know of is www.argentinabrides.com, but it is not fully functioning yet. Looking at the gallery, I'm not interested right now, but you may be. We all have different different standards of course. I think this site is intended for those guys who really are looking for a porteña, and I don't think it would be fair to lead them on if you don't have serious intentions.
EZE :)
As El Alemán states, the key thing to remember is PESOS, PESOS, PESOS. It would never be necessary to use, show, discuss, or acknowledge the existence of US dollars and would, in fact, be inadvisable. 150 pesos should be enough to get the hottest chica for at least an hour and if it isn't you are in the wrong place (or very undesirable). Change 50 USD or Euros at the airport at the bank on the FAR side of customs, take the bus into town, and use ATMs thereafter to withdraw PESOS and PESOS only.
Supply far exceeds demand in this market and you, the buyer, are in control. Keep in mind that in a free market, price should approach marginal cost and the marginal cost of pussy is zero if you are dealing with a true free lancer. Also keep in mind that you are dealing with a perishable product; if the chica goes home alone the product becomes worthless. Therefore there will come a point in the evening at which the price will begin to drop yet quality of the product is relatively unaffected. Sort of like a fish market!
Note that escorts-argentina just says $. That symbol is used for both pesos and dollars and I don't know what dollars are so it must be pesos, right baby?
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
James D 2004
10-20-03, 15:49
I absolutely agree that the sweeter chica don't speak English. In BK it's easy to find personal guides, or just wave whoever on the hotel corridor and tell him what you want. I prefer to go out to houses for my price range, pick and bring one back. Usually they have much larger selection than they show you at first, sweeter than the bar girls. In my case I doubt if I would make an offer because it would be hard work. My Spanish is limited to ona ora (one hour) that I prepared in advance when I went to Spain a long time ago. Because you don't normally charge by hour in the places I went. I know that Roxana do tours, lunches and dinners, but I never heard that she go to clubs with you, is that a possibility?
I read that some clubs charge more than the others, but might these clubs be a little bit more English friendly? I was also hoping the other alternative that money was never discussed so I just need to take out the wallet at the end.
As to what to do for a week for no communication, that's why I need test drive and the pricing structure may get complicated than I can manage with my limited language skills. But on the other hand I found out that you don't need verbal communications, I did just fine in BK and I'm don't speak Thai and she no English words. Indeed it was excellent. I'm in the remember camp rather than the forget camp.
Argentina is a no brainer because I forget to mention that if someone said it's number one and sell off to live there, what more proof do you want? I think there's an English saying something like that 'put the money where the mouth is'. In the WSG sense is that 'put the penis where the mouth is'? Just an interesting thought. Also it surprised me to later find that you know who has apartments in BA. A lot of guys mush have known what's the proper place to put their penis!
Magali (Exedra) speak basic English.
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions for capitalization and punctuation. To avoid future delays, please refrain from using the "chat room" style of writing with no caps or punctuation. Thanks!
DH,
You mentioned:
>Note that escorts-argentina just says $. That symbol is used for both pesos and dollars and I don't know what dollars are so it >must be pesos, right baby
From the FAQ's on www.escorts-argentina.com:
The stated fees are guidelines only and expressed in US dollars. It is possible that the fees will vary in different situations if the date has some special request. These fees are obtained directly from the ladies and if you need to, please speak directly with the girl about some reduction or discount, (the site does not and will not intervene in this negotiation).
There is nothing wrong with negotiations, but the girls are setting their prices based on U.S. dollars or the equivaliant in pesos. For the most part, the girls on this website are sticking to the prices and getting them.
Moondog
MoonDog:
I know that passage from the FAQ, but I disagree with you as far as "sticking" is concerned. This is one of the reasons YOU should make an offer. If the girl could qoute U$S 100 for an hour, it is hard forher to get off that without a loss of face. If U$S never have been mentioned during a discussion, but if YOU have made an offer (which is within the range reasonably paid in Bs.As.), she can take it, leave it or try to improve.
I do not doubt, that these prices can be achieved - but not always, and not from everybody. Besides that, it is interesting, that mentioned FAQ's also state "directly obtained from the ladies" and each and every one quotes U$S 100 for short time. Plus, I cannot avoid the impression that the U$S reference is deliberately hidden in the FAQ's so that everybody involved can pretend to not having read it. I stick to pesos while in Argentina.
Dickhead made some good points about price finding in free markets, especially with perishable products (Isn't getting ingredients part of professional cooking?), which I fully sustain.
At my impression - both from personal experience as well as from monitoring this forum for a bit over a year, a "reasonable" price for a short encounter, 1 to 1 1/2 hours, is somewhere between 150 to 200 $ - A$R, pesos. And Dickhead, whose information I highly appreciate, and whom I hope to meet in person some day, certainly will consider me totally crazy, throwing money around.
It is a fact of life, that in countries with economic problems often "split markets" with different prices for locals and foreigners exist. That goes for airfares in Argentina, hotels in the Czech Republic and taxies in Moscow. And, chicas in Bs.As. The informed consumer has a chance to fight that system. Reading the forum is a way to become more informed...
Btw., MoonDog, I also appreciate the info I got from your side. Your Buenos Aires report posted on another site (and, I think, recently also here) is one of the most comprehensive articles about any destination I have ever seen. It helped me a lot.
Last word to finding prices: If I make an offer to purchase any kind of goods or services, and my partner accepts without even trying to negociate, I am certainly not on the low side of the market. That happened to me more often than not in clubs with the amounts mentioned above.
have fun,
El Aleman
FAQ or no FAQ, I've done half a dozen chicas off that website and dollars have never been mentioned and the very most I ever agreed to pay was 170 pesos and that's for two shots. And if the site's in English and the chicas can't speak English, then how the heck do they know anyway? I can't even spell FAQ.
Don't ask them how much you should pay. TELL them what you WILL pay. Also if you Google the phone numbers you'll find some of those chicas in apartments and you can get them cheaper.
El Aleman and Dickhead,
All good points. Thanks for the feedback.
El Aleman, thanks for the nice comments about the report. I keep it updated as conditions change, and it is a pleasure to help other guys if needed.
Enjoy the life,
Moondog
Chuponalgas
10-22-03, 01:48
Incredible internet air sale, LAX, MIAMI OR NYC to Buenos Aires, with a free stopover in RIO OR SAO PAOLO!!!!
For less than $600:
http://www.varigbrasil.com/english/fares/travel.html
Memo to the board: --- Adriana of Escorts-Argentina has placed SANDY on the returned statis --- I personally have never met the lady but many have given her fabulous reviews --- Saint for one and I believe has posted pictures of the lovely lady in the pictures section with very positive comments --- Exon
LukeSkyWanker
10-23-03, 12:27
Hi All,
I have never managed to visit Argentina but after reading the reports and noticing how cheap everything is it is now on my list for an early visit.
I am English can anybody tell me if I need a visa before travelling and any tips for a first visit?
Luke.
Luke,
British passport holders do not need a visa (information as of Dec. 02. I suspect that has not changed).
As for tips, brother you will find all you need to know in these pages. For my first trip, WSG was all I used. I had to ask a couple of specifc questions on accomodation but EVERYTHING else was contained here. I'm aiming for my third trip in December. When is your trip?
Regards, Havanaman
James D 2004
10-23-03, 13:50
What puzzled me is that why Brazil require visa for US citizen but not EU? Even Argentina don't require visa for British subjects, and that US intelligence played a big part in that war.
U.S. citizens need a Brazilian visa for a very simple reason: because Brazilians need one for the U.S. and Brazil has the guts to handle her visa requirements on a strictly reciprocal base.
And: EU citizens do not need visa for Argentina. I was there in September.
LukeSkyWanker
10-23-03, 20:33
Thanks guys for the info I intend to visit early 2004 I have read these pages for a long time and contributed also many times.
I know sometimes it is easy to overlook things of importance to a first timer which become minor in nature after the first visit as I have been guilty of this on this forum also.
After visiting Thailand this year twice I use this as a yardstick for availabilty, prices etc and I think this must be the cheapest place on the planet for our hobby.
I am hoping to be proved wrong and I think Peru or Agentina maybe the places which may have the goods.
Jaimito Cartero
10-24-03, 06:56
As someone who has gone to both BA and Thailand this year, I'd say that Thailand is somewhat cheaper on the chica front. Perhaps economy in scale. I'd guess that there are 10 times more working girls in Thailand than Argentina.
I found that I enjoyed the girls a bit more in Argentina, and had more of a GFE with them. I could be that I know enough spanish to interact with them better too.
Most other costs were pretty similar, but the traffic was much better in BA. Hopefully I can spend a month in BA next year and do a thorough comparison. :)
Jaimito,
not to criticize, but how can you reduce the differences between Argentina and Thailand to cost and traffic?
I've been to both countries this year too (actually I stopped in Thailand only because it was free, going to Vietnam) but I really don't think any comparison can be made. I've let the guys in the thai section know why I do prefer Argentina (using a lot of cliches probably) and they fired back with their stuff, of course each one remained of his own opinion.
I came to the conclusion that who loves Argentina will dislike Thailand and vice-versa. By extension, that is the same dicotomy between Latin countries and Asia. If I'll meet someone that likes both, I would be a little scared because he must have some schizophrenic tendency.
I don't even want to bring on the details of why one preferes Asian over Latin women (emotionally speaking only, as they both can be extremely hot) because that can easily go to a lot of flaming, but I know for sure that I'm not the only one thinking the way I do. I'll be happy anyway to detail why I do prefere Argentina (and more specifically, BsAs) over any other country in the world, even if I had to not go mongering.
If you are casually reading this and have to choose which country to visit, I would suggest you go to Thailand first, expecially if you're American. If the place meets your tastes, that's good for everyone, enjoy and waste no further time and money. But if doesn't, go for Argentina, and enjoy the difference, as it is a big sweet one.
Jaimito Cartero
10-24-03, 16:37
Stoly - Perhaps you didn't read my post thoroughly. I was responding to LukeSkyWanker first of all, and he was comparing Thailand and wondering how Argentina fit into the same pricing and quality scheme.
I stated that *I* preferred the chicas in BA more because of a better GFE, not just because the traffic in BA was better. I don't see how anyone who likes women would be schizophrenic if he liked both places. If you like cute chicas, both places have them in abundance.
I've been to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Argentina and Thailand this year. I found something unique and very enjoyable in each place. I guess this must make me schizophrenic, eh?
Oh, don't take it too seriously Jamito. We all probably like something in most of the places where we've been. If someone likes both Arg. and Tha. to the point of having no real preference good for him. But that's not your case as you explained :)
My point is simply that any discussion based on price and availability is, at the best, superficial and deceiving. Perhaps there's a formula that based on your profile and weighting in the various factors can come out with the best destination for each one. No doubt, in some case (and I'm not referring to anyone here) the result should be: stay home.
OttoGraham
10-25-03, 11:05
UNCLE OTTO’S CHARITIBLE FUND DRIVE!
Support WSG Charities, increase your charitable giving by 50%!
As you know, the WSGForum comes to you completely free of charge, thanks to the hard work of our webmaster, Jackson. Sites that provide far less entertainment and information charge big bucks for “memberships.”
Some of you may not realize that Jackson is also the moving spirit behind WSGCharities, which was formed for the express purpose of collecting funds to be used to purchase food for hungry children in Argentina.
The website is www.wsgcharities.com.
Between now and November 30th, for each $2 you contribute to WSGCharities, I will kick in an additional dollar, up to the breaking point of my own bank account. Your contributions are 100% tax deductible and totally in the good spirit that our community has.
In order to donate, visit the www.wsgcharities.com, and click on “donations.” After you have sent in your Pay Pal or snail-mail contribution, send me an email (ottograham@hotmail.com) with “I’m a friend of Uncle Otto” in the subject line, with the donation amount listed in the body of your email. And for every two dollars you contribute, I will match it with another dollar.
Thanks!
-Uncle Otto
Article from today's issue of Clarin Digital:
http://www.clarin.com/diario/hoy/um/m-647297.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------
Controversial: It was prposed to decriminalize prostitution in BA
The proposer of this initiative, the Radical representative Elisa Carca, deems that the State "criminalizes the victims" and not "those who promote and explote prostitution".
Despite that this issue was not discussed at the Lower Chamber, the controversy got already triggered. Next week the Radical representative from the Buenos Aires Province Elisa Carca will present at the Lower Chamber (Deputies) a project that is expected to trigger debates: She proposes to decriminalize prostitution in the BA province.
The bill project is intended, as Carca explained to Radio Mitre, to "reform the Contraventions Code of the province” since currently the State “punishes the victims” and not “those who promote and explote prostitution”.
“The Code criminalizes by persecution and sanctions those links of the (prostitution) chain who actualy work on it", said the representative.
But this project didn't appear unadvertedly and it already triggered important disidences. The Seretary of Interior Security, Norberto Quantín, considered that approving this initiative would be "a step back".
However, the former district attorney admitted that "other fuzzy businesses spin around prostitution, first the explotation of women itself, then there is generaly drug traffic and of people whose profession is unknown, aside from STDs and AIDS".
But this initiative is far from new. Weeks ago, the Entre Ríos Congress unanimously overruled the article of the contravenctios bill who allowed Police to arrest and prosecute the local prostitutes.
This event provoked the immediate rejection from the Church, since all the bishops from this province stated that the measure "ignores or overlooks rights and principles involved to the very dignity of people and hurts the strenght of family”.
In general, current legislation in different national jurisdictions autorize the application of contravenctions in case of obscene exhibitions and scandals in public space, but they do not punish the actual excercise of prostitution since it is considered a private contract of almost impossible control by the state.
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Polémico: proponen despenalizar la prostitución en Buenos Aires
La autora de la iniciativa, la legisladora radical Elisa Carca, considera que el Estado “penaliza a las víctimas” y no “a quienes fomentan y explotan la prostitución”.
A pesar de que todavía no se trató en la Cámara Baja, la polémica ya se instaló. La semana próxima la legisladora radical de la provincia de Buenos Aires Elisa Carca presentará en Diputados un proyecto de ley que promete armar revuelo: propone la despenalización de la prostitución en el territorio bonaerense.
El polémico proyecto apunta, según explicó Carca en radio Mitre, "a reformar el Código de Faltas de la provincia” ya que en la actualidad el Estado “penaliza a las víctimas” y no “a quienes fomentan y explotan la prostitución”.
“La ley victimiza con persecución y sanciones a los más débiles de la cadena (de la prostitución) que son quienes la ejercen", dijo la legisladora.
Pero este proyecto no pasó inadvertido y ya generó importantes disidencias. El secretario de Seguridad Interior, Norberto Quantín, consideró que aprobar esta iniciativa sería dar "un paso atrás".
Sin embargo, el ex fiscal admitió que "alrededor de la prostitución giran otros negocios turbios, primero la propia explotación de la mujer, después generalmente hay tráfico de drogas y de gente que no se sabe de qué trabaja, aparte de las enfermedades venéreas y el SIDA".
Pero la iniciativa no es nueva. Semanas atrás la Legislatura de Entre Ríos, derogó en forma unánime el artículo de la ley de contravenciones que le permitía a la Policía detener y juzgar a las prostitutas callejeras.
Ese episodio provocó el inmediato rechazo de la Iglesia, ya que los obispos de esa provincia formularon una declaración en la que indicaron que la medida "ignora o pasa por alto derechos y principios que tocan la dignidad misma de las personas y lesiona la solidez de la familia”.
En general, las legislaciones vigentes en las diversas jurisdicciones del país autorizan la aplicación de contravenciones en caso de exhibiciones obscenas y de escándalos en la vía pública, pero no penan el simple ejercicio de la prostitución, porque es considerado un contrato privado de casi imposible control estatal.
Uncle Otto,
What an outstanding gesture. You’ve got my vote!
Get ready with your cheque book, and check your email (Sunday 26th)! If only I was BG of MS, ah.. well, I can dream.
Jackson does a fine, and highly commendable job in providing, maintaining and invigilating this forum. The least we can do, apart from reporting, is to support this very worthy cause.
Regards, Havanaman
LukeSkyWanker
10-26-03, 06:30
Thanks Stoly and Jamito,
I can openly admit I am a serious Schizo, I have been in Asia and South America before and know there are differences but love them both.
The cost issue was my main concern with BA as I have never been to Argentina and I do have a budget, I prefer a GFE rather than a night time one shot but I do like afternoon Massages.
Thanks guys for the info I would like to spend a week in Lima then a week in BA early next year but if flight costs are prohibitive I may have to choose one or the other, my flight to SA is a frequent flyer freebie.
Guys, I moved this here from the Buenos Aires 2003 reports section:
Dickhead wrote: how did you get the umlaut in there? I know how to do accents but the umlaut's not on my list of ASCII codes
üëäÖö.... to get the umlaut, go to your character map in the accessories-system tools menu and choose, for example, "Times New Roman" font. A character map will appear. Double click on the desired character and press "copy". Then back to your post where you want the character to appear, right click, and choose paste. üëäÖö....Voilà!
Dickhead answered: Thanks. I knew about that but it takes too much time. If anybody knows how to do it with the keyboard (like é is Alt-130), backchannel me at richardhead41 at hotmail dot com. Sorry for the off topic post. It's really not though because it's needed to give accurate addresses and it affects the pronunciation.
James D 2004
10-31-03, 16:47
áéíóú ¿¡
Testing, this is done by normal US keyboard used as a spanish keyboard. The layout is shown here
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/keyboards/kbdsp.htm
In XP many languages are built in. Add Spanish using control panel, regional and languages, language tab, select detail, then add. For spanish add language Spanish (Argentina) and keyboard Spanish (Latin America). If you don't know what I'm talking about, see
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/columns/honeycutt/03april28.asp
You can switch between english and spanish input, and anything else, by clicking an icon on the task bar.
For those don't know about the Spanish keyboard - if you want to get á, type [a on a US keybaord when the spanish layout is enabled.
Good information, thanks.
Much easier to use <alt> and then a 3- or 4-digit sequence on the number pad. For example, holding <alt> and typing 1-6-1 gives a "í"... alt/1-3-5 is "ç".
Right, Leo, that's what I want. I know most of them (¿ is alt-168) but I've never found the u with umlaut ... oh shit there it is on my list. I must be blind. ü is Alt - 129!
Seek and ye shall find, especially on this board.
é = Alt-130
á = Alt-160
í = Alt-161
ó = Alt-162
ú = Alt-163
ñ = Alt-164
¡ = Alt-173 (upside down exclamation mark)
I think that's all we need for Español / Castellano.
One Tree Hill
11-01-03, 14:10
Question for the board:
When an internet site or Clarin Ad say "Servicio Completo" Does that mean oral, straight and anal sex included?
Thanks
Hi One Tree Hill,
Specifically, the term "Servicio Completo" or simply "Completo" is a code word for anal. I'm not aware of a specific code word for oral sex, but then it's always been my experience that the expecation for oral sex is automatically understood.
Thanks,
Jackson
There always seems to be a problem getting small change in Buenos Aires. I found that the ATM in the Citibank on Callao would give me a mix of small and large bills when I requested 300 pesos.
Others have suggested requesting 290 pesos and that would give them some small ones. I was also able to get a roll of single peso coins from the tellers. Rolls of 50 centavo coins were unavailable!
James D 2004
11-05-03, 16:45
Everything was good until I tried to get a ticket. Not that bad from US $700 to above $800 from LA, but it takes too long, anywhere from 15 to 21 hr. Since the tickets are hot I guess the cheapers ones are more like 21 hr. Flying to Brazil isn't any faster or cheaper. So flying to BKK could be faster and cheaper. If BKK is better in the internet department, I would have decided. But now BA offers US $200 to London from LA. That's really hard to decide.
Is there a Spanish language instruction cassette tape or mp3 file that has spoken Spanish with an Argentine accent?
The Pimsleur series is good, but does not use the Argentine accent.
The Argentine pronunciation of ll, ch, j, etc is something I would like to get use to before visiting there.
Gracias.
Hi,
Have you checked out the Pimsleur IV Spanish set? It is 1/2 as long as the others (cheaper too) and has what sounds (at least to me and confirmed elsewhere) elements of the Argentine pronunciation as one of the speakers is from Argentina.
I have the set and it sounds pretty damn good, the format is very effective too. After the lesson, I find that I remember the new words and pronunciation fairly well.
Stand In, my advice still is not to sweat it, you'll pick up the differences in the dialect as soon as you step onto the plane and hear the locals who are going back home talk, but anyway, here's a repeat of an Argentine dialect primer I gave quite some time ago: (ch and j are the same around the Spanish speaking world, argentina's no exception, by the way). LL is pronounced like our "sh" by some provinces and halfway between "sh" and the "J" from "Joe" so Yo becomes either like "show" or like I said halfway between "show" and "joe". Same for the letter "Y".
Then the accentuation of some words changes, for instance in Peru they'd say "Mira el mar" but in BA they'd say Mirá el mar, with the accent being on the second syllable. Also, almost every command form is different, with the Argentines taking the infinitive, for instance escribir and simply dropping the "r" and putting the accent on the final syllable, such as "escribí" as in "escribíme una carta" where the rest of the Spanish world would say "escribame una carta" or "escribeme una carta" depending on whether you're using the formal or familiar form. So "drive me to the store" in BA would be "manejáme a la tienda" versus "manejame a la tienda" as they'd say in Peru.
Then of course the famous "vos" which they use in Argentina instead of "tu" and then in the present tense in BA when using the vos form the verb changes, for instance, "vos mirás la película conmigo" instead of "tu miras la pelicula conmigo"? Some of the vos verbs are totally bastardized, though, for instance "querer" where they change it to "vos querés" instead of "tu quieres" and on and on and on, but as I said, I wouldn't sweat it for a moment because once you're alone in your hotel with a pretty Porteña that doesn't speak a word of English you're going to pick these things up as if people were hitting you in the face with them, it'll be that obvious. Also, and significantly, they'll understand everything you say no matter which dialect you're speaking. Hope this is helpful, DownBA
MiddleAgeGuy
11-07-03, 12:48
For Argentine slang and other tidbits about the spoken language on the cone, the following site is interesting. Some pop-ups occur but nothing strange.
www.angelfire.com/ego/pdf/ng/arsp.html
MAG
MeGustaBoliches
11-07-03, 15:52
DownBA & Stand in:
All the Spanish you will ever need, part 1.
Cojeme, nena! (fuck me baby).....or basame pene ahorito putita mia...(kiss my dick, right now my little *****)...or quien es su papi...(who is your daddy?) ....pretty much the same in Argentina and other parts of South America (though not everyone uses cojer in the same way, it will be understood)....
What more does a man need?
Can some one tell me the best time to visit BA.
I have some leave in Feb but I have read that the summers are way too hot, and a lot closes down.
I also read it is more expensive as its carnival time.
Maybe winter is better.
travelmen,
I think everyone would agree, anytime is a good time to visit BA.
My understanding is that you may want to avoid the major religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, but aside from those, there will always be plenty of chicas to go around.
Guillermo
I don't think they celebrate Carnival / Mardi Gras in BA.
Do they?
I just read it was carnival season through out BA.
Are the mid summer months a bit too hot though.
I need to preserve my energy.
When is the peek tourist season.
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