Day 12 - Buenos Aires

The Australian dollar stretches a long way in BA. Food becomes remarkably cheap, I estimate about 1/4 of what I'd be used to paying...clothes likewise. However, wages in Argentina are very low. For example, an admin assistant in Sydney may get about $50,000 but in Argentina that position would get around 40,000 pesos or about $10,000 per annum. A teacher would earn around $14,400 per annum. A 2 bedroom flat would cost around $7,200 per annum.

Taxis. I think the drivers here are really just frustrated pilots as they seem to enjoy driving right on the lane lines instead of between them. Most cars seem to arrange themselves in a brickwork pattern so they can see further in front of them. This makes sense in a weird way because drivers change lane and stop without much warning. Having said that it doesn't feel unsafe and considering the large distances travelling from suburb to suburb and the relatively cheap fares (where a trip from Sydney Airport to the city might cost around AUD$30, here it would cost around $5), you don't mind the occasional bit of organised chaos. This city has about 1 taxi for every 3 normal cars - taxis are everywhere! You never have to wait more than 2 minutes for a taxi. Bliss!

Anyway, enough economics for today. It was raining this morning so we spent the day in Palermo Viejo (which means old part) which abounds with shops, cafes and restaurants. Its a bit like Paddington except the shops don't open until midday (today is Saturday). We just wandered around the shops and after lunch walked along to Palermo (not the old part - presumably the new part), and Plaza Italia which is where the Zoo and Botanical gardens are.