Argentina from a tourist point of view is relatively good value for money with 5 Peso´s to the Pound. This is largely down to the recent economic troubles of the country, including the complete economic collapse in 2001. Since then the economy is almost back on its feet and the country is once again prospering. One of the knock on effects though is the large amount of counterfit money and "Old Pesos" doing the rounds.This poses the tourist "us" a couple of problems, the first is that when withdrawing money from the bank it arrives in the form of 100 Pesos notes, great, however hardly anywhere in Buenos Aires wants to aaccept them for fear of forgery, the bank being helpful as they are wont break them down into smaller bills.
The second issue is the "Old Pesos" as I found out when a sneaky taxi driver swapped a 20 for an old 50, what a scoundrel. More amused at his audacity than anything else I let it go and started to work out my loss. 20 Pesos is about 4 Pounds, the old 50 Pesos has no value in Argentina but after a quick bit of ebay research you can sell the notes if they are in good condition for about 2 US$.
As we continued our exploration of the city the discontent of some citizens at the political situation past and present in Argentina was present. A large demonstration occupied the square outside the presidential palace, accompanied by riot police and water cannons at the ready. The amount of baracades scattered around the streets show this isn´t an isolated event. Not feeling ready to start a revolution we skirted round the edge and made our way to the La Boca district.La Boca is famous for 2 things, La Boca Juniors football team, Maradonas old club and the brightly coloured artists houses.
Like London Buenos Aires is redeveloping its dockalnds, Puerto Madero. We swung by here for a spot of lunch and desert. After weeks of abstinence due to concerns over refrozen Ice Cream (Power cuts were frequent in Peru and Shelley put the fear of God into me with regard to eating Ice Cream that could have defrosted) we finally gave in eating about half a tub of the stuff. The selection of flavors proved a comical process, not being able to describe the flavors I would like from the vast quantity, I had to rely on memory from observing other customers orders and pick out the right silver vats.
The Authorities at a loss on how to control Maradona´s drunken drug fuelled lifestyle turned the fallen hero into paper mache
The day was finished off with a visit to a Tango show, so that´s everything on the to do in Buenos Aires pretty much completed.
Highlights: Fast and Furious Tango
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