Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Hello all,
I just arrived in BA a little over a week ago with my wife and another couple. Wondering if anyone wants to go out for drinks some night. I'd love to buy Met and Chairman Wood a few drinks for helping me with all my questions, but the offer is open to all. We are all in our early 20s btw and live in the Palermo area. I would also be interested in a poker night. Please PM me if interested.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

I'm possibly going out to get some drinks tonight somewhere. Not entirely sure where but probably not until a bit later. Hit me up on AIM if you have it.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

If you come to argentina then don't let metetron in ur apartment. he breaks things. [censored]

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
If you come to argentina then don't let metetron in ur apartment. he breaks things. [censored]

[/ QUOTE ]

Die. That thing was broken before I touched it. Either that or I am just too much man for it. Pick one.

If anyone wants to go out tonight, I'm trying to muster some people to go out somewhere probably just to a bar or something like that. Probably head out between 11pm and midnight. Either PM me for my cell or AIM me at TheMetetron2p2.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Friday was kind of busy here and I forgot to tell you guys about a party at Crobar, with DJ Luciano... it was pretty awesome, next time I won't forget to post about something like that.

Today at 21:00hs (Bs As) I will post if I'm borrowing a set of 11gr chips from a friend so that we have more chips to play. If someone wants to buy some chips this is the place that I know about http://www.juegosdesalon.com/ (20 meters from obelisco).

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Met,

Policy here is that no threads are moved once people post replies here, however I'm fine with you cross-posting or just locking this one if you don't want to follow this one anymore. Let me know via PM.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

It is posible that I will attend Independiente - Boca Juniors, so I will be a little late if we start at 8 pm. I have been at Boca's two last home games and it was a nightmare to get back to my barrio after the matches. First I needed to wait 30-40 mins to get out of the stadium, and then the bus, which always runs twice in a minute when I don't need it, did not show up before I had been forced to wait another 40 minutes.

I'll let you know when I have decided myself. Riverplay: I know you don't like Boca, but I will ask you anyway. Do you think it is dangerous to attend this match as a visitor? Are there any security rules with transport and "segregation" of the two hinchadas or is it possible to take a collectivo to Avellaneda and find the gates for visiting fans?

Thank you.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Heh, have fun in Avellaneda. I wouldn't do it myself but lack first hand experience.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

My friend is not showing up, so I don't know if I'll manage to get that chip set. I'll call him tomorrow and keep you updated.

Nordino, going to Avellaneda as a visitor is not the safest thing to do, you must be carefull. Try to get at least one hour in advance so that the access is not so crowded. I guess you already have your tickets, going without them is pointless. That day there should be some data on the newspapers (Clarin, Ole, La Nacion) about when gates are opening, and telling you which way to take to the stadium as a visitor. Each side is suppossed to be 100% segregated from each other, both inside and outside the stadium and so you want to be.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Thanks for the information, RiverPlay. I am note sure I will go as the match clashes with my Spanish class, so I got a big dilemma.

Anyone up for football here by the way? I have some friends who often tries to fix football once or twice a week, but they are saying that it is difficult to get sufficient players to join.

Let me know if you want to play football (and know what offside is).

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]

Friday was kind of busy here and I forgot to tell you guys about a party at Crobar, with DJ Luciano... it was pretty awesome, next time I won't forget to post about something like that.


[/ QUOTE ]

Thats ironic River, I was at Crobar with a few friends on Friday. It was alot of fun and open bar!

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Ok, so no one has chips. I don't know how this game is going to work tomorrow, unless everyone brings a bunch of small bills and we just play with money. Anyone have any suggestions?

BTW, i'm not going to be banker for this game.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

I think that tomorrow I'm going to be able to have the chipset I talked about. I just got to see when to pick it up, etc. I hope I can get it before 2pm.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

If we can't get a chipset I'll go buy one.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

The chips are in Palermo and I'm going right now to get them, if nothing strange happens I'll have them within an hour.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

I ran into a great store just now on my way home from school, all sorts of games and gaming equipment.

Bought a chipsuitcase w deck and dealerbutton.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Oh Chairman Wood & Boquense are coming but they are requesting some dealer's choice which I think is a good idea as well. Hope we have room for everyone.

Also, anyone who is new to Argentina. Bring a bottle of wine / fernet / a few bottles of beer with you for the host so he isn't paying for everyone to get wasted. This is standard Argentine etiquette.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I ran into a great store just now on my way home from school, all sorts of games and gaming equipment.

Bought a chipsuitcase w deck and dealerbutton.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just brought home 350 11gr chips (black, red, green, white and blue) I think that I will bring them just in case (I dont't know what to do... because they are pretty heavy to carry)

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

I'd bring them just in case?

Someone PM me the address of where we are going.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Ok great, it looks like at least one or two people might be bringing chips.

Anyone i PM my address to (which i will be doing as soon as i get done posting this)is welcome to come. But i think its only fair that those who PM'd/replied first get priority. Though i do think an exception is in order for Chairman Wood since he has been a HUGE help to me and everyone else in this thread.

Here is the list:

LuckyDevil (me)
SDplayerb
Zack (friend non-2p2)
SpecT
TheMetetron
Nordino
RiverPlay
tomahawk
Chair Wood
Jigsaws
Boquense (?)

As you can see that is 11 people already. I'm not sure we can get that many around the table, and i'm not sure i've got room to put another small game together. There may be some no shows, but if not i'm sure we can work something out so everyone has fun. I'm ok with just dealing for some of the time. It should be a good time no matter what.

Sorry if i missed anyone that should be on the list. Lemme know if i did and i'll see what i can do.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

PM's with my address are coming now.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Ok, i think i PM'd everyone i had on the list, except Chairman Wood (because his PM box was full) and Boquense, but i don't think this is a problem since TheMetetron is bringing them.

I think the plan was to meet here around 8 PM and everyone that wants to eat can pitch to get some empanadas delivered or something. But let me know what you guys want.

Sorry that most of this is all last minute. I really suck at planning things.

I'm excited to meet you all. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

P.S. I can't buzz people into my building (sucks). There are 2 green gates that i have to come down and unlock to let people in. So just buzz 8A and me or someone else will come down and let you in.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'd bring them just in case?



[/ QUOTE ]

I guess we are going to play with tomahawks new set and I'm going to bring the chips I have so that can we play if he is leaving early, or if we are needing more... I dunno I played all night and didn't sleep great so maybe my english is damaged, lol.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

It was a cool night, nice meeting you all. Did anyone get the chance to master LBA?

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

I think we had it down LBA figured out pretty good. I still say AKs with a 3rd card that isn't of the same suit and below a ten is the best starting hand! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I really enjoyed meeting everyone. I hope everyone had as good of a time as i did. We should set something up like that again soon.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Man I just spent the last two hours reading thru this whole thread.

Very nice thread Metetron. I really appreciate the time you and others have taken to reply everyone including repeat questions.

Im from Denmark and will prolly hit up BA before it gets too cold.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Yes, BsAs was my escape from the Scandinavian cold as well.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Need any and all advice for going to Iguazu later this month. I've got Lonely Planet Argentina so I'll take a look at that and see if I have any questions.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

Does anyone happen to know a good spot in Bs As to watch the sun rise?

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone happen to know a good spot in Bs As to watch the sun rise?

[/ QUOTE ]

Is the Opera Bay answer too obvious? Nothing quite like dancing in the glass semi-dome in the back while you watch the sunrise around you. I can't remember how good the direct view is though, you might have had to step outside. Cool experience the first time I did it.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

sweet sounds awesome, thanks again

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Need any and all advice for going to Iguazu later this month. I've got Lonely Planet Argentina so I'll take a look at that and see if I have any questions.

[/ QUOTE ] Read the thread you [censored]! No but seriously I think I might have written a few things earlier in the thread about it. So maybe look there and also just ask me questions (you wanna go out tonight?). Also, if you need some help making arrangements give my friend Pilar an e-mail (if you don't have her email address just ask me). See what she has to offer.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone happen to know a good spot in Bs As to watch the sun rise?

[/ QUOTE ] Any where on the stretch of sidewalk along the water in Costanera is excellent. There is a major avenue that runs sort-of northwest along the water coming from downtown to the airport (for all the out-of-towners I'm talking Newberry not Ezeiza). I'm not positive but I think the street is called Costanera Obligado. There are occasionally sections of park you can duck into and a pier there where they fish a lot.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I joined up b/c I saw this thread and enjoy poker

I'm currently studying abroad in Cordoba, Argentina, the 2nd largest city

A couple of questions I didn't see fully answered, one if the natives are friendly towards americans

I would say yes, very. I haven't received any racist comments or ill treatment, or even gotten ripped off by a cab driver. The women are very receptive as long as you realize you will have to make the first move. If you are even half fluent in spanish, you'll do fine, but as previously stated the males here are very aggressive, so women are used to males approaching them, but foreigners definitely have the upper edge

Also, as for other cities with a good city life where everything is within walking distance
I highly recommend Cordoba, even above Buenos Aires. BA can be fairly dangerous for obvious foreigners, you will often have items stolen if you are not very careful in the streets, and getting drunk in clubs can be dangerous in the ride home (ripped off by cabs or worse). BA does have the advantage of being the bigger city with the beach though


Cordoba has a population of about 2million, and I live pretty much in the exact middle of it. Theres dozens of clubs within a 10 minute walk, as well as malls, theatres, cinemas, and hundreds of cafes/restaurants/other attractions. The night life is fantastic, and I haven't run into trouble of any kind with anyone in the month I've been here. Everyone is receptive if you can speak a bit of spanish (I'm about half fluent)

[/ QUOTE ]
I haven't seen this thread in a while so I'm just reading some of these posts for the first time. I'd like to add Cordoba is pretty sweet. I also used to date a girl from there. They have an accent where it is almost as if they sing when they talk. It's spectacular.

Another note, just to try to make sure there is no misinformation. Buenos Aires doesn't have anything that most people on this forum would consider a beach. There are some places along the water, especially out of town aways in a suburb like San Isidro, where you can go swimming and enjoy a sunny day and stuff like that but there is nothing with sand and what not that people would expect from a "beach."

Re: Ask TheMetetron about living in or visiting Buenos Aires, Argentin
 

[ QUOTE ]
antastic thread!

I am a 18 year-old boy who will study (on the internet) in Buenos Aires from August to June. I will also take the "Español para extranjeros" course (2+2 hours x 17 weeks), which costs about $250.

Some questions for you Argentina-knowers on the forum:

1) Can you recommend a cheap hotel/hostel with WiFi? I haven't fixed an apartment, so I will chill down some days on a hotel and look for apartments.

2) Can you recommend a (mobile) telephone subscription for me? I won't call much and a cash card would be great.

3) Are there any age limits on the city's night clubs? Where do the young people go out to party? Is there any dress code, or is it enough with a shirt + jeans? What about shoes? Do they care?

4) Are there any low-limit poker games running? Something like 1/2, 2/4 or 3/6 would be great (or 50-100 tourneys). I'm talking about pesos.

5) Is it hard to get tickets to the Boca Juniors matches? I want to stand along with the fans as I love the team and also can the text of many of their songs. Where should I look for tickets like that? How can I see that my ticket is not fake if I buy from a street seller? And how much should I bribe the ticket collector with if my ticket is actually fake?

6) I love football (soccer) and I would like to play nearly every day. How are the fields down there? I've heard that there are lack of fields and that most of the playing grounds are kind of cages with 5v5 players. Can you give me a little information about this?

7) Are there any particular grocer's shops who are cheaper than others?


[/ QUOTE ] Other than number 6 your questions were just answered or were answered previously in the thread. Give me a PM if you are interested in playing on Monday nights around 10PM. We play on a turf type field so you can't play with cleats. Most fields around here are the same. You can play with tennis shoes but if you plan on playing for awhile and staying I'd advise you go to a store and buy shoes made to play on the field here. They will reduce the amount you slip drastically. You are right, most of the football is 5v5 or 6v6 or sometimes 7v7. If you want a full field you usually have to travel outside of the city.

Re: Ask TheMetetron about living in or visiting Buenos Aires, Argentin
 

Sweet thread.

I think Argentina could be a good place for me to flee to if/when the US govt gets too oppressive.

So I have a few questions, some of which have already been discussed, but that I'd like some more info on or didn't understand.

1. What are the gun ownership laws? How about carrying concealed in public? Would you need some kind of license, or bribe someone? What about knives?

2. What's the general attitude towards gays? Are there gay neighborhoods like in most large US cities? Is gay marriage supported or opposed by most people?

3. If I meet a native dude, and he goes in for a standard cheek-kiss-hello, would he be offended if I politely refused?

4. I get the impression restaurants are super cheap. But I really like to cook, and I hate red meat. Do the grocery stores have a good selection of fresh produce and fish? Are there any farmers market type things? Do most apartments have decent stovetops? Are they gas or electric?

5. So if I understand the tax situation correctly: if a US resident of a state with no state income tax goes to Argentina and does the perpetual tourist visa deal, you don't legally owe any income tax whatsoever, to any country, if you're income is < $80K? Do you still need to send something to the IRS every year, even if you don't owe them anything?

If you're income is $100K, what is the tax rate? Is it treated as if you only had $20K income, or is it treated as if you had $100K income, but only $20K of it is taxable? I hope that made sense.

6. I assume there's a lot of bugs since it's a warm climate. Are there more/less than the southern US? How about weird reptiles or rodents or other gross small things?

7. How popular is tennis? Are there public courts? If so, do you ever see people playing?

8. People have said that landlords prefer USD cash payments for rent. So do most/all businesses accept USD?

9. What's the general political landscape like? Is it more left/right of the US? What are the major political parties? Do people care about politics less/more than here?

10. What's the legal status of abortion?

11. I get the impression from this thread that if you don't like opera or tango you're pretty much [censored] as far as music goes. true/false?

12. How is the quality of the tap water? About how much is bottled water?

Re: Ask TheMetetron about living in or visiting Buenos Aires, Argentin
 

[ QUOTE ]
Sweet thread.

I think Argentina could be a good place for me to flee to if/when the US govt gets too oppressive.

So I have a few questions, some of which have already been discussed, but that I'd like some more info on or didn't understand.

1. What are the gun ownership laws? How about carrying concealed in public? Would you need some kind of license, or bribe someone? What about knives?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's illegal to have a gun here. I'm not sure bribing would get you out of something that serious, but I guess it all depends on how much money you have as even the president here has links to tons of corruption. Knives I don't know, but obviously not illegal to own. Might be illegal to carry concealed. Not sure.

[ QUOTE ]
2. What's the general attitude towards gays? Are there gay neighborhoods like in most large US cities? Is gay marriage supported or opposed by most people?

[/ QUOTE ]

Buenos Aires has a ridiculously large gay population. Tons of gay bars & nightclubs, as well as social clubs and other activities. Most people here are pretty accepting of it, moreso than in the USA I'd say. I'm not sure of the status of marriage here for gays.

[ QUOTE ]
3. If I meet a native dude, and he goes in for a standard cheek-kiss-hello, would he be offended if I politely refused?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on the person and the situation. If there are mostly Argentines around it'd be pretty rude. If you are at a party with 90% foreigners it may not be a problem. FWIW my rule is to pretty much always do it with Argentines (both males and females) and with foreign women. If a foreign man tries it, I let it slide, but it seems pretty weird to me.

[ QUOTE ]
4. I get the impression restaurants are super cheap. But I really like to cook, and I hate red meat. Do the grocery stores have a good selection of fresh produce and fish? Are there any farmers market type things? Do most apartments have decent stovetops? Are they gas or electric?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are a ton of really good restaurants here that serve incredible fish and chicken dishes. Sushi is very big here. I don't eat beef or pork anymore and that hasn't really stopped my enjoyment of the awesome dining that can be had here. Still, if you want to cook it is definitely possible though I can't give you specifics as that is not an area I am even remotely familiar with. Most stovetops are gas, though I have an electric. Most kitchens are adequate I'd imagine. You can get good, fresh produce very easily from the fruit stands everywhere. I'd imagine most carnecerias also have a selection of fish available.

[ QUOTE ]
5. So if I understand the tax situation correctly: if a US resident of a state with no state income tax goes to Argentina and does the perpetual tourist visa deal, you don't legally owe any income tax whatsoever, to any country, if you're income is < $80K? Do you still need to send something to the IRS every year, even if you don't owe them anything?

[/ QUOTE ]

You are exempted from your first ~$80k in income tax on earned income. This requires you to file schedule C. You will, however, owe self-employment tax as that is not exempted no matter where you live. If you try to file recreationally, your income is no longer earned and you don't get the credit and now owe income tax. It isn't the world's greatest tax break but it is the best one you can get as an American.

[ QUOTE ]
If you're income is $100K, what is the tax rate? Is it treated as if you only had $20K income, or is it treated as if you had $100K income, but only $20K of it is taxable? I hope that made sense.

[/ QUOTE ]

It did. It used to be the former; it changed 2 years ago into being the later. Sort of sucks.

[ QUOTE ]
6. I assume there's a lot of bugs since it's a warm climate. Are there more/less than the southern US? How about weird reptiles or rodents or other gross small things?

[/ QUOTE ]

There aren't really very many bugs here at all. The only thing is mosquitoes in the summer nights are fairly common. I'd recommend a mosquito net for your bed which is something I wish I had done.

[ QUOTE ]
7. How popular is tennis? Are there public courts? If so, do you ever see people playing?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't tried to play here personally but I know courts do exist. Hopefully someone can help more.

[ QUOTE ]
8. People have said that landlords prefer USD cash payments for rent. So do most/all businesses accept USD?

[/ QUOTE ]

Most used to prior to 2001, but no longer do. Some larger stores might, but I really wouldn't count on it. Expect to have to pay pesos for everything except rent.

[ QUOTE ]
9. What's the general political landscape like? Is it more left/right of the US? What are the major political parties? Do people care about politics less/more than here?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not big into Argentine politics except on a national and jefe de la ciudad level so I don't feel qualified to answer this. People here are required by law to vote, though I'm not sure if that translates into people caring more or not.

[ QUOTE ]
10. What's the legal status of abortion?

[/ QUOTE ]

Believe it's legal. Can't say for sure though.

[ QUOTE ]
11. I get the impression from this thread that if you don't like opera or tango you're pretty much [censored] as far as music goes. true/false?

[/ QUOTE ]

Entirely false.

[ QUOTE ]
12. How is the quality of the tap water? About how much is bottled water?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on your building. It is drinkable everywhere but some buildings don't give out very tasty water. You can buy 1.5 liters at the store for about 60 cents.

Re: Ask TheMetetron about living in or visiting Buenos Aires, Argentin
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
.

3. If I meet a native dude, and he goes in for a standard cheek-kiss-hello, would he be offended if I politely refused?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on the person and the situation. If there are mostly Argentines around it'd be pretty rude. If you are at a party with 90% foreigners it may not be a problem. FWIW my rule is to pretty much always do it with Argentines (both males and females) and with foreign women. If a foreign man tries it, I let it slide, but it seems pretty weird to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

You just won't be recalled as a super friendly guy. There are lots of argentine males that chose just to shake hands, specially if they are not very young. I think most of the people would understand given you are a foreigner.


[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
7. How popular is tennis? Are there public courts? If so, do you ever see people playing?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't tried to play here personally but I know courts do exist. Hopefully someone can help more.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tennis is pretty big, lots of courts with lots of players.



[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
9. What's the general political landscape like? Is it more left/right of the US? What are the major political parties? Do people care about politics less/more than here?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not big into Argentine politics except on a national and jefe de la ciudad level so I don't feel qualified to answer this. People here are required by law to vote, though I'm not sure if that translates into people caring more or not.

[/ QUOTE ]

People cares about it, as long as they are educated (and smart) enough to do it. To vote is mandatory but you will find some people living in the most expensive areas (as well as in any other areas) that wouldn't know they have to vote next week. College students may know very little about recent political history... the facts about 30.000 people being killed because of political reasons 30 years ago remains very little known for lots of them. There are two major parties: Partido Justicialista (Peron Followers) and the Union Civica Radical which made a such poor government from 1999 to 2001 that almost kills the party.


[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
10. What's the legal status of abortion?

[/ QUOTE ]

Believe it's legal. Can't say for sure though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not legal.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
11. I get the impression from this thread that if you don't like opera or tango you're pretty much [censored] as far as music goes. true/false?

[/ QUOTE ]

Entirely false.

[/ QUOTE ]

TheMetetron is right

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
12. How is the quality of the tap water? About how much is bottled water?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on your building. It is drinkable everywhere but some buildings don't give out very tasty water. You can buy 1.5 liters at the store for about 60 cents.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah it's drinkable so you can have a sip if you are thirsty no matter where you come from. But it has SO MANY bleach in it just sucks, it smells like bleach and tastes the same.

Re: Poker night in BsAs?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone happen to know a good spot in Bs As to watch the sun rise?

[/ QUOTE ] Any where on the stretch of sidewalk along the water in Costanera is excellent. There is a major avenue that runs sort-of northwest along the water coming from downtown to the airport (for all the out-of-towners I'm talking Newberry not Ezeiza). I'm not positive but I think the street is called Costanera Obligado. There are occasionally sections of park you can duck into and a pier there where they fish a lot.

[/ QUOTE ]

Rafael Obligado is the name of the street everyone knows as costanera norte, most of the people doesn't even know it has another name. There's also a "costanera sur" (closer to puerto madero) where people goes to eat vacio asado and choripanes and to visit "reserva ecologica costanera sur" which is kind of like a national park.
http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/.../?menu_id=2486

Re: Ask TheMetetron about living in or visiting Buenos Aires, Argentin
 

Just answering questions that weren't answered or adding to some. [ QUOTE ]
1. What are the gun ownership laws? How about carrying concealed in public? Would you need some kind of license, or bribe someone? What about knives?

[/ QUOTE ] My sources for answering this question are various conversations I've had with Argentine friends who are also lawyers. I may not remember it all, but you can own a gun but it is quite a process to get one. You need some kind of legal residency in the country which as discussed can be tough to get. After that you need to pass a psychological test, a shooting test, a background test and of course give finger prints. With all of that you can get a license. Then you can buy a gun but there is about a 2 week waiting period or so. The gun will be registered to you. This is not from a lawyer but I remember a different friend who I would judge as being informed telling me that carrying a concealed weapon is a major no-no. I don't know about knives.

[ QUOTE ]
2. What's the general attitude towards gays? Are there gay neighborhoods like in most large US cities? Is gay marriage supported or opposed by most people?

[/ QUOTE ] Buenos Aires is relatively a very forward thinking city considering homosexuals. Civil Unions are legal. Marriages no. I personally believe most people carry the sentiment of tolerance. I don't hear much very much gay-bashing. Just sort of people screwing around calling their friends gay. Nothing really deeply rooted in hate. I don't know necessarily about neighborhoods being "gay." I believe certain sections of Palermo as well as Once are known for having a higher % population of gays. I don't know if that answers your question.



[ QUOTE ]
4. I get the impression restaurants are super cheap. But I really like to cook, and I hate red meat. Do the grocery stores have a good selection of fresh produce and fish? Are there any farmers market type things? Do most apartments have decent stovetops? Are they gas or electric?

[/ QUOTE ] There are some large supermarkets that have a fairly wide selection (although I've had problems finding a turkey but at the same time they had duck, pheasant and a whole bunch of others that I would consider rarer birds). I'd imagine most apartments have stovetops. If not, pick another. They are usually gas. Most apartments I go to the stoves are considerably older and the heat settings might be something you find difficult to use. Ovens are another thing. I've yet to see an oven with a temperature setting down here, but then again I don't go around inspecting people's kitchen appliances. Just sort of varying degrees of hot.

[ QUOTE ]
6. I assume there's a lot of bugs since it's a warm climate. Are there more/less than the southern US? How about weird reptiles or rodents or other gross small things?

[/ QUOTE ] Where I'm from mosquitoes get really bad in the summer. Here, at least last year, they didn't really have a season. I remember once, the news and everyone was complaining about mosquitoes and the winter just started. I've yet to figure it out. It seems to come at different times. If you keep things clean, your windows closed and maybe buy some products at a supermarket you should be fine. I've never lived in the southern US so I don't know how to answer your question. I've never had problems with rodents or reptiles in my building.

[ QUOTE ]
7. How popular is tennis? Are there public courts? If so, do you ever see people playing?

[/ QUOTE ] Just wanted to add that the courts are nearly all clay here.

[ QUOTE ]
8. People have said that landlords prefer USD cash payments for rent. So do most/all businesses accept USD?

[/ QUOTE ] There are very few. USD are used selectively and normally for only bigger transactions such as houses and cars. Plane tickets are usually listed in USD.

[ QUOTE ]
9. What's the general political landscape like? Is it more left/right of the US? What are the major political parties? Do people care about politics less/more than here?


[/ QUOTE ] Its humorous. But then again it is everywhere. This is something that I just advise you to do a little research on as although I follow it, I don't feel qualified to give an solid answer. But by definitions you would be accustomed to from the American educational system Argentina would be considered more to the left. Of course there are a billion exceptions especially because the Catholic Church can still peak its head into matters and just other things but I would define it as such. I also think people are more active politically then in the US. Beyond having obligatory voting, I believe people are more likely to get involved in demonstrations, protests and overall not be as apathetic. Some of those are known to turn violent.