Return to Argentina

After two years we are back in Argentina. When we left in 2009 we thought we would be back much sooner and for a longer period of time, but life at home in Truckee was full of adventure too. The boys have been involved in their sports, friends, and school while Andrew and I were consumed with work, our new home, and unexpected surgeries. We finally found a window to return to Buenos Aires and we are excited to be here.

For our first few days in Buenos Aires it felt as though we had never left. The shops, our neighborhood, the rhythms, and the smells are all the same. The same people are working at El Galeon, our corner cafe. They were all so pleased to see us again. The boys' barber remembered us too! As our jet lag wore off and our senses came into focus we noticed some small but significant changes. The streets are cleaner, the insane drivers have mellowed, it is easier to cross the street. The biggest change is the expense. Prices are higher now, especially for food. Our decadent dinners out are not so affordable anymore. A cup of coffee is US$4.00, and a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice is US$5.oo. So, even though the exchange rate is better, we are finding the costs for everything to be the same as home.

Our visit this time is a mere 5 weeks, yet we feel fortunate to be here again and living the life of the Porteno.