When I first got into Buenos Aires (or Capital Federal) on a late Sunday morning via bus 85 (AR$1.50/S$0.71, 2 hours from airport), seems so deserted that I can lie on the road for a picture. Anyway, I tried to hunt for suitable accommodation and realised that most prices had increased 50% (because of inflation) with respect to Lonely Planet Argentina. Checked-in at BA Stop and settled down for a bed (a 10-men dormitory, AR$28/S$13.33 per night).

After all that traveling for the past few days (Singapore-New York-Buenos Aires), I was tempted to chill out for some days. Woke up lazily at 11am next day and realised what a big difference Av 9 de Juilo was as compared to Sunday. Cars covered the broad motorway and the city was absolutely packed with hordes of office executives (in their power suits) grabbing lunch or stealing a quick smoke. My first impression of Argentines is they seem so different from their Latin American cousins. I somehow feel that they tend to look more towards the Europeans (perhaps it is rude to denote them as European wannabes); in terms of physical features, dressing (locals dress well as compared to an untidy backpacker like me) and behaviour.

Prior to my arrival, I heard scary stories on tourists getting into violent robberies. They led me to be really paranoid about losing my belongings and I was so careful with my stuff that I kept my camera in my daypack after taking a few quick snaps. Was also quite suspicious of anyone that I think might be following me. This would at least bother me during the first week of my journey.

I did a strenuous walk (around 6kms) around the districts of Microcenter and Retiro; doing the usual touristy sites. The day was pretty much uneventful and I ended it by eating instant noodles (AR$2/S$0.95) and drinking my mandatory beer (AR$2.70/S$1.29 per liter) - all bought from Carrefour (stone-throw from my hostel). Like what most drunkards (or maybe I made that up myself) say, "A beer a day, keeps the troubles away!"