Channy's Travels: What You Need to Know about Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is crazy. It's full on disorganized chaos and that's putting it nicely. That's also how I've physically felt since arriving in this city.. probably the dismal amount of sleep. On the other side it's also full of beautiful european architecture, bustling street markets and incredibly friendly locals. After being in the city for a few days, here's what I've learned so far.

Choripan

Chorizo and bread. One of the cheapest and greasiest street foods I've ever had. Also one of the most delicious! Chorizo a la plancha gets nestled into a crusty bun and then loaded with chimmichurri, grilled vegetables and piquante chilies leaving you deep in flavour country. Did I mention you can get one for $1.25?

Delicioso Choripan

Futbol

Today we went to a futbol match in Buenos Aires. Racing vs Lorenzo. In Argentina they don't serve booze in or around the stadium because of the amount of deaths and injuries it's caused in the pass. Also away fans can not go into a stadium that isn't their own leaving about 40,000 fans to cheer for the same team. Definite home field advantage here. After passing through three different checkpoints and several flights of stairs, you arrive at something that looks like this.

Just an epic view of the Racing Club stadium

Cambio Cambio Cambio

Officially the exchange rate is about one american dollar to eight argentinian pesos. Unofficially the exchange rate is about one to 12.8. A combination of a falling economy, new laws and public anxiety has created a black market where the locals want a stable dollar and are willing to pay for it. Walking down Av. Florida I was bombarded with people yelling cambio cambio. After choosing one of the sketchier characters', I followed him up to an apartment complex and into the back room of a legitimate "buisness" on the 2nd floor where I was allowed to tap into the black market.

Scams, Taxis and Spit

Scams are apart of everyday life in Argentina and especially in Buenos Aires. I've met a few travellers who've had spit or some sort of disgusting liquid "fall" onto their shoulders and have a nice local come up and help them clean themselves off only to have their packs stolen off them. As we paid for a taxi and were walking away we were called back into it to be told our money was fake! Changing bills and after a nights rest we realized how we didn't show the driver that our bills were real and didn't see him switch out fake money to hand back while actually keeping the real stuff. Another 200 pesos I'll never see again..

A fake 100$ peso note

How long can you stay awake for?

The party scene starts at about midnight with clubs starting at about 2am while most places close at about 7 or 8 in the morning. Everybody gets into it and everybody goes crazy. Trance, electro house, hip-hop, all music styles are respected and BA is full of people who love to dance. Being at Milhouse hostel definitely adds to the party experience as they throw a party every night and set up a nightclub for an after party.