HOT HOT HOT!

It has been really hot in Buenos Aires. It reminds me of those summer time in Taiwan. I haven't had this kind of weather for so long, almost forgot how it feels. The weather finally cools down a bit and our days in Buenos Aires also turned from sightseeing into a more relaxing pace. I started taking some spanish class. In BA, spanish classes are everywhere, and so affordable! An on-one-one class only cost you $33 pesos (that´sabout US$10!). I went with this institution that advertised ¨survival spanish crash course¨, exactly what I need! And I am really happy with my choice. The class is practical. Today I managed to make people understand when I asked ¨where is the bank?¨. I am a little bit proud! The instructor is so friendly, I was treated with mate during the class (she probably noticed my yawning ). Mateis a very popular tea-like hot drink in Argentina. In fact, it's more than a drink, it's also a ritual, a social practice, shared among family and friends. It's generally not available at restaurants or shops because of its complex process, and that's why an invitation to mate is not to be missed!

The drink mate is to be prepared in a gourd also called mate. Hot water (not boiling water) is poured into it. It's sipped through a silver straw called bambilla.

In San Telmo antique market, we came across this street vendor that sells all kinds of mate. The sight of tens of mates is really beautiful.


Besides that, i also want to share my personal survival guide in BA. Walking in the streets of BA is requires multi-tasking: the heat, the crowded and sometimes not evenly paved streets, the bustling roads, and the occasional land mine - dog shit, can wears you out easily.
so, here are the items that are on top of my list -
1. a pair of Havaiana flip-flop. it´s so soft, the cushion makes you feel like it´s part of your feet. You can walk in it for hours.
2. Shu uemura deep sea water spray, or my new discovery, available everywhere in BA pharmacy - La Roche-Rosay thermal water spray. I kept it in my purse everyday and spray it on whenever i feel like. it is very refreshing - but don't forget to reapply sun screen after that!
3. a 30+ sun screen that doesn´t clog your pore. I got this really good sun screen from a boutique in San Jose and it´s amazing. if you are interested, let me know. I will try to look it up or post a picture.
4. a hat, if you dare to wear one. why? because NO ONE in BA wears a hat. they love the sun!
5. if you stay in hostels, this link is your best friend. It´s an English website so you don´t have to flip through your so-and-so phrasebook to book a room. Don´t forget to take a gold card if you are a frequent traveller. It saves you $2 everytime you book.

ok. it´s time to go to bed.