The Simple Life of an Ex-Pat

Let me preface this entry; life would not be simple if we were working to make ends meet.  We are fortunate to be able to take a year or so away with work with not much thought to money.  Sadly, we cannot live this way forever.

We Americans are used to dishwashers, cars and hot water.  Apparently this is not so in Buenos Aires!  We live in one of the most exclusive areas of the city, in an apartment that would be considered luxurious by all but the most privileged Porteno, however, we have no dishwasher, clothes washer, car, etc.  Interestingly, we don't miss any of these possessions.  We wash our clothes that dry easily in the tub, heavy items like jeans we send out for about $4.00 per week.We walk, take the Subte (Subway), Omnibus (Bus) or Taxi wherever we go.  Even though we have no place to be, the day seems to fly by.  Spanish class Monday-Friday at 10:00am, shopping for food, preparing meals, studying Spanish, errands, meeting friends, reading and site seeing seem to take up the day's!  Amazing! How did we ever work, raise a family and have a social life?  

We are "stepping it up" this week!  Tango classes begin tomorrow and we are traveling to Puento Madryn this weekend to see Magellan Penguins, whales, dolphins and sea lions. The coche coma ride (sleeping bus) is 17 hours long, which should be interesting and we are staying at a hostel....a long way from InterContinental Hotels!