Sunday, February 27, 2011

Got the urge for going

The operational definition of "got the urge for going" is when dirty clothes go into the suitcase rather than to the laundry. Also, I've been feeling poorly the last several days, am only starting to make short forays out into the gorgeous BsAs sunshine, and am getting thoroughly bored with the Kindle. I want a real book, some schlocky Spanish sci-fi or mystery. (Although I gave up on one such when magic swords suddenly appeared out of nowhere in downtown Madrid. What's this thing about swords? Is it Freudian, or is sometimes a sword just a cigar?)

School has started after the summer vacation. My apartment window looks out on the enclosed center area of this particular block, portions allocated to a parking garage, private gardens, and the playground of a local colegio - a Catholic boys school. BsAs is a very noisy town. I'm going to miss it.

Weather report says that Wednesday and Thursday should be fine in BsAs and Boston.



Saturday, February 19, 2011

Washed out

It rained much of yesterday, and today's skies threaten the same. What to do? Oh right, the laundry.

Doing the laundry is a constant traveler's chore. Two general approaches:

1) Do the undies in the kitchen or bathroom sinks, and hang them up to dry wherever. Mix and match outer clothing, reusing as often as possible. All male readers know how bathrooms become obstacle courses.

2) Let the pros do it. Expensive in a hotel, but in BsAs there are lavanderias everywhere. U$5 for a bag of clothes. Only one problem:

In BsAs, the lavanderia often uses highly perfumed detergents. Highly. As in you smell like you spent the weekend in Madame Labonza's House of Heavenly Pleasure.

In fact, this makes me wonder if the House of HP is near my particular lavanderia, and if they use the same washing machines for my clothes!!

Hmm, maybe option 1) above may be the way to go.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Big news here - no news there

Front page news in BsAs for several days - local authorities detaining a US Airforce plane and confiscating all kinds of undeclared munitions and drugs. Turns out it's on a well-planned mission to train Argentine forces in counter terrorism techniques. But elections are coming up here, Obama is avoiding Argentina in his upcoming South American tour, and local politicians are miffed.

Looked for headlines in the NYTimes, but there are more stories about Argentine soccer.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

What not to put on a pedestal!

Thirty years ago, taking a picture if the Ministry of Defense would have earned me a free one-way plane ride over the south Atlantic. I kept looking over my shoulder as I scurried away, thinking of a possible defense: "But I'm a vegetarian!"

Friday, February 11, 2011

¿Donde está la revolución?

Said goodbye to this week's teacher, the lovely young Luciana. She's a Philosophy major, concentrating on Heidegger and Kant. She said that I am a "rebelde". I said yes, an ancient rebelde, "¿Donde está la revolución?"

Happy birthday, Eliot!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Astronomy Lesson of the Day

Amateur Astronomers note:

Here is a graphic of current moon phases as seen from Massachusetts:

Waxing Crescent, 41% of the Moon is Illuminated
TodayFeb 11
First Quarter
Feb 18
Full
Feb 24
Last Quarter
Mar 4
New


And here is the same graphic from Argentina:

Waxing Crescent, 41% of the Moon is Illuminated
TodayFeb 11
First Quarter
Feb 18
Full
Feb 24
Last Quarter
Mar 4
New


Yes, it's true! The moon is upside-down in Argentina. This is clearly a bug, and I will let you know as soon as a fix comes through. You can thank me later.


Monday, February 7, 2011

Rainy days and Mondays

Looks like a rainy week coming up. Half of the vehicles in BsAs are taxis, but it's still impossible to find one when it starts to rain.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Perfect weather


Temps in the 70's, a perfect day for futzing around with the computers.

OK, all futzed up, now for a walk in the parks. Many parks, including the Japanese Gardens at right (free if you're a geezer like me!) and the Buller Beer Gardens below (no such luck). A lot of things have changed since 2 years ago. Some favorite buildings are being renovated to malls. The peso has lost 20% of its value and things cost 50% more. Sort of like my medical plan.

No, I didn't watch the gigantic screen, but I can spell Pittsburgh.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Safe, if not sound


A 5 hour plane trip to Houston, a run through the terminal, a 10 hour plane ride to BsAs, and I'ms so confused and tired I don't know what I'm doing.

At left a view from the apartment. It's very bright outside, why is the photo dark? Because the iPhone does not make the best camera. Also both smartphones are bereft of wifi, because I can't manage to get it going yet.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Snow in Houston?

Flight from Boston cancelled again, this time because of a snow/sleet/ice storm in Houston. Re-booked for Friday Feb 4, this time through DC on United. Had to shell out $250 more, and can't get a seat assignment for the leg to BsAs.

Update - the cost of the flight didn't go up by $250, it went up by $1350. Tried to undo it on the web site, they said to call Continental. Continental is not answering phones.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Snow

Planned departure today, but the weather thinks otherwise:

5-Day Forecast for ZIP Code 01749Customize Your Icons!
TuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
Snow
22° F | 20° F
Ice Pellets
25° F | 13° F
Chance of Snow
25° F | 5° F
Clear
29° F | 11° F
Chance of Snow
31° F | 22° F
Snow
100% chance of precipitation
Ice Pellets
100% chance of precipitation
Chance of Snow
20% chance of precipitation
ClearChance of Snow
40% chance of precipitation