Consumer Culture Shock

Yesterday was my first full day in Buenos Aires and I think I am starting to get oriented. Apart from thinking it was an hour later than it actually was (ALL DAY) I am doing ok. For some unknown reason, if I set my computer clock to Buenos Aires time on the map it adds an extra hour. So I missed an appointment with the repairman to fix my blinds and arrived an hour early to my internship orientation. Not to worry though, at least I was an hour early to my orientation rather than an hour late.

Anyway, I spent a lot of the day walking around different areas of the city. The stark contrasts between one street to the next was really fascinating. Mini fruit markets are squeezed between banks and car dealerships and there is a mall within 6 blocks of my house that is full of glitzy boutiques. I took the bus to a part of town called Palermo where I met for my orientation and found even more boutiques. Along the main roads are mostly tiny convenience stores and small fruit shops, but along the cobblestone streets of Palermo there were rows of designer shops and trendy bars and restaurants. The cafe that we met in had a little gadget glued to the table with three buttons on it--one for calling a waiter, one to call for the check and one to cancel your request. I was informed however this is not a common technology in most restaurants.

One thing I have learned very early on is never to be caught without change. The bus costs 1.25 pesos and as I walked to the bus I realized I only had 1.10 pesos. After asking in 4 or 5 shops I finally was able to get change for 5 pesos (the equivalent of about $1.50) from a generous man standing in the line for the bus. As of 6 months ago, Buenos Aires began a bus card program so that you can put money on a card and use it to pay your fare. I think it will be a good idea for me to get one as soon as possible. Also, all the buses are privately owned by different companies. So each bus number is owned by a separate company, which is why it was so difficult for the government to install a bus card system that would work across all bus lines.

Today I have another meeting with the repairman, since I missed the one yesterday. Then I think I will go and track down a post office to apply for a bus card. It doesn't feel as hot today, as it was only 79 degrees when I woke up today as opposed to 85 yesterday. But I'm sure it will heat up throughout the day. Tomorrow is my first day of work! I can't wait to find out what I will be working on over the next three months. Anyway, thanks to all who are keeping up with my blog-- I love and miss you all!