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Archive for May, 2009

And the beat goes on…

Friday, May 29, 2009 7:06

Categories - Concerts, Events, Festivals and Holidays - 0 Comments

823454 beating tired skin And the beat goes on...

For those who have been living or studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, you are hopefully no stranger to the rhythmic and upbeat show that is held every Monday at the Konex Center in Palermo.      The name of the group is La Bomba de Tiempo and they are one of the best percussionist groups in Argentina.

This group, made of 10 or more musicians, plays music partly by organization and partly by improvisation, making every night different.  In 2006, Santiago Vazquez, the original founder of the group, was the only director at each show, guiding the musicians through each music piece using various hand signals. Today, there are a few more musicians who have the learned the hand signals and these directors rotate throughout the night, making each drum session unique. Each music piece uses a series of different beats, begin in low and steady beats and rising until the entire group is in perfect sync and the music becomes a festival of percussions.

This Saturday at the Konex Center (Sarmiento 3131), La Bomba de Tiempo will be celebrating their 3 anniversary as a music group.  Beginning at 12am, the group will play a series of sets during the early morning hours, drinks will be served, and dancing is a must! Tickets are $15pesos beforehand, and $20 pesos at the door.

If you are looking for a fun Saturday night out, here it is; Tickets can be bought at the door (be warned there will be a lot of people going so you should buy your tickets early) or at

http://www.ticketek.com.ar/Conciertos/Fiestas/FIESTA-LA-BOMBA-DE-TIEMPO__BOMBAKONEXF

La Bomba always promises as an exciting night out and then chance to meet both foreigners and locals from Argentina.

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Gallery Nights 2009 in Buenos Aires

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:48

Categories - Art, Museums, Theatre & Cinema - 0 Comments

Practice your Spanish in Buenos Aires through the Arts this Friday!

(For Free!)
digital painting Gallery Nights 2009 in Buenos Aires
This May, art enthusiasts can explore an entire circuit of art in both the neighborhoods of Retiro and Barrio Norte where numerous art galleries, museums, and culture centers will display various works of art for the public’s enjoyment. The event stretches from Callo to Plaza San Martin and from Libertador to Tucuman, and offers free transportation between these places during the entire event night.

On Friday, May 29th, starting at 7pm Gallery Nights will begin, an event organized by the Arte al Dia (magazine, AdnCultura (La Nacion), and the Ministry of Culture in Buenos Aires. There will be a myriad of activities to go along with the art, including live music, videos, shows, and contests.

A few major events…

‘LAN Audio Guide Tour’

Available at the British Arts Center (Suipacha 1333) (7pm-10pm), can pick up an MP3 that has all the information about the galleries on it, guiding you through your arts and cultural night.

‘Iluminarte by Arnet’

This Argentine Video Art, featuring various art videos, will be held at the Auditorium of British Arts Centre (Suipacha 1333) as well as at the corner of Esmeralda and Arroyo on a large outside screen.

Art Lottery

An Art lottery will be held, charging anywhere from 20-500 pesos depending on the art being auctioned, that will hand away works of art from various artists displaying their works during the Gallery Night. This lottery will donate part of the money to the ‘Red de Comunidades Rurales’.

For students in a Spanish program in Buenos Aires, round up your fellow students and head out on the town this Friday night to enjoy the wonderful world of Argentina arts.

To get all the details, visit the official Gallery Nights Website.

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Lunfardo in Argentina: Learn it, Live it!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 6:56

Categories - Spanish - 1 Comment

1178361 jumping couple Lunfardo in Argentina: Learn it, Live it!

Lunfardo or ‘slang’ is another side of the Spanish language in Argentina and is very commonly used among the portenos (people of…) of Buenos Aires. If you are learning Spanish in Argentina, you should definitely get to know lunfardo as it not only makes learning and speaking more Spanish more fun but it will get you sounding just like a native!

Here are a few common slang words (taken from Argentina Spanish Slang Dictionary):

boludo/a

Referring to a person who is silly, clumsy, annoying, stupid; also is a very common way to address friends.

 

bondi

Public urban transportation; comes from English bonds, which is how Rio’s tram service got built and paid (being one of the first in Latin America) by a British company.

 

che

‘hey!’, ‘hey, you!’; a very common way to address friends or strangers.

 

loco/a

‘crazy person’; a common way to friendly address someone; similar to the English ‘dude’.

 

gordo/a

‘fatty’; a common way to friendly address friends or family members. Also, Gordito/a is ‘little fatty’, used in the same way.

 

mango

currency; pesos. Is used like the word ‘buck’ in English; can be used when describing how much something this.

 

pendejo/a

Describes a child(boy or girl). Can be used to describe someone who looks young; also, as an insulting term for someone who comes off too young for their age.

 

Tip: You should always be careful when using slang in another country as to not insult someone or say something inappropriate.

 

To learn more lunfardo, visit Argentina Spanish Slang Dictionary, a fantastic site to read all of the Argentine lunfardo with detailed explanations of their meaning and use.

 

What is your favorite slang to use in Argentina?

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Information on renewing that pesky tourist visa in Buenos Aires!

Friday, May 22, 2009 14:36

Categories - Argentina Travel Info - 0 Comments

passport Information on renewing that pesky tourist visa in Buenos Aires!There are hundreds of students that come to study Spanish in Buenos Aires every year, and many who stay for more than the three month allotted time permitted on a tourist visa. If you are one of these travelers visiting on a tourist visa and staying for more than three months, than you should be aware and informed of how renewing your visa for another 90 works to avoid any possible headaches.

 

First of all, this information is for those in Argentina on a tourist visa and from a country that grants a thirty day tourist visa upon arrival, without any prior organization.

 

Here we go:

To renew your visa for another 90 days, you must head to immigrations, located on Avenida Antartida Argentina 1355 (near Puerto Madero and Retiro Station).

 

Bring with you:

  • Your passport
  • A photocopy of the page with your photo and the opposing page
  • A photocopy of the page with your most recent entry stamp into Argentina
  • 300 pesos (cash)
  • Patience and Understanding

 

It is best to go in the very early morning as there are sometimes only a limited number of visas they can issue per day and if you are too late, you are out of luck!

 

Remember that renewing your visa at immigrations works for the first 90 days, after you must leave the country, even if only to Uruguay for the day.

 

Tip: If the process does not seem to be moving that well along, do not hesitate to ask questions or ask when your turn will be; this is often a good way to get things rolling and to be informed if there really is something that has caused a delay. Remember to do it with a smile!

 

For more information on visas in Argentina, head to our Student Visas page!

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3 tips every student studying Spanish in Buenos Aires should know…Part 2

Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:46

Categories - Argentine Customs and Culture - 0 Comments

baby face2 3 tips every student studying Spanish in Buenos Aires should know...Part 2Welcome back!

Last week, we featured the 3 tips every student studying in Buenos Aires should know…part 1, and this week we are continuing with part 2.   These tips are meant to guide students during their time abroad in Buenos Aires and give them a little insight into the Argentine way of life.  Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating countries in Latin America, an incredible place to travel and visit, and an extraordinary place to create unforgettable memories.

4.      Watch your toes when crossing city streets.

Crossing the street in Buenos Aires is a learning experience on its own. Cars, buses, and motorcyclists drive fast in Buenos Aires, take sharp turns, and more often than not, somehow manage to squeeze 4 vehicles into two lane roads.  Pedestrians, in general, do not have the right of way and if you are crossing the road it is best to let each vehicle pass you until you cross. Better yet, stick with the other Argentines that are crossing the road, for safe and happy crossings.

5.      Takin’ the bus…

The bus system in Buenos Aires is fantastic, easy, and cheap, a great way to travel around the city.  There are two things you need to know to successfully take the bus: First, you have tell the driver how much you will pay or where you are going; there are set rates, so let them know before you start inserting coins. Women, children, and the elderly are always first; make sure to give up your seat to someone that looks like they could use it more than you!

6.      Save your change.

There is a shortage of coinage and everybody is looking for change; you may actually be denied a purchase if you cannot provide the proper change!  So, hold on to those small notes and coins you receive and use them sparingly.

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What is a Maymester…?

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:32

Categories - Expanish News - 0 Comments

travel books What is a Maymester...?

maymester – pronunciation- [may-mes-ter]

- A maymester is a shortened university semester, only one month, that takes place in the month of May and earns students university credits.

This fairly recent addition to the university semester family is becoming more and more popular as students are becoming more open to taking school outside of the ‘regular’ school months, giving major benefits in student course loads and length of schooling in general.

There are a few big benefits to taking a maymester such as, finishing a full length class in just one month and getting credits for it; having the opportunity to quickly finish one of those ‘left-over’ classes or ‘add-on electives’; and, the ability to take a study abroad maymester program, and spend one month abroad, earning credits, in another country.

Here in Buenos Aires, the University of Belgrano accepts maymester students, a course which includes one month of 100 Spanish class hours (20 hours/week, Monday-Friday), which earns students full class credits back at their home university. With this option, students are able to study Spanish in Buenos Aires for a much more affordable time period and cost of university, and still reap all the benefits and experiences of living and studying abroad in another country. Plus, for any student that wishes to learn Spanish, studying a language while living abroad is the most effective and efficient way to do it.

If you are looking to study abroad, finish one class for credits, or occupy your month of May, a maymester is a great way to do it. Keep in mind that it is not really a possibility to take a maymester when you are working, as the school and study hours already act as a fulltime job. What do you think, is a maymester for you?

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Needing a rest from your Spanish classes in Buenos Aires… Try a night of jazz.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 8:38

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

jazz Needing a rest from your Spanish classes in Buenos Aires… Try a night of jazz.

In the culturally diverse, trendy, and hip Buenos Aires, there are a myriad of different concert and music venues that feature many of the music styles that are popular in Buenos Aires such as rock, metal, pop, folk, tango, and classical. However, if you are looking for jazz, there are two very unique venues, dedicated only to jazz music that will leave any jazz lover totally satisfied.

Thelonious Jazz Bar

Salguero 1884

www.thelonious.com.ar

This dark and oddly decorated jazz bar sets the mood for jazz; low lights, dark wooden tables, a bottle-lit bar, small corner stage, and low hanging chandelier’s, gets any jazz-goer in the mood to listen to some great music. From Wednesday to Saturday, Thelonious features various jazz bands with shows starting at 9:30. On Friday’s and Saturday’s there are two shows, one at 9:30 and the other at midnight, with the latter being more upbeat or DJ inspired. The bar serves a few appetizers and a wide range of drinks. Cover is between 12-15pesos.

Notorious

Av. Callao 966

www.notorious.com.ar

Notorious jazz bar is a record store, restaurant, and jazz venue, all in one. The front street entrance invites you to sample some of there 60,000 jazz disks, further inside is the cozy jazz room where performances take place, and in the back is the restaurant/ patio where you can enjoy a bite to eat. Notorious features numerous performances throughout the week; from Monday to Thursday there is one nightly show beginning at 9:30 and on Friday and Saturday, two nightly shows, starting at 9:30 and midnight, cover is 30pesos.

Both venues are a great way for students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires to take a break from their studies, group up with other students, and spend a night out listening to some of the best jazz acts around.

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It is now cheaper for foreigners to buy flights in Argentina!

Monday, May 18, 2009 14:11

Categories - Argentina Travel Info - 4 Comments

heart in the air It is now cheaper for foreigners to buy flights in Argentina!
For any traveler who has traveled in Argentina in the past, you will be well aware that tourists, or non-residents of Argentina, pay more for flights within Argentina than residents.  Despite high tourism numbers, this difference in price has continued to be present in local airline fares, until now.  You will be happy to hear, that finally, there is one airline that has cut its price differences, making traveling in Argentina more affordable than ever.
Aerolineas Argentinas has chosen to cut its differences between fares, the first in Argentina, and offer tourists and non-residents the same prices as residents.  Foreigners working, traveling, or studying in Argentina as non-residents are now able to purchase Class B Economy seats at the same price as residents, with no loop holes in between, completely terminating any old foreign rates.
What does this mean for travelers?
This means that now, as a foreigner, you will be paying about 1/3 -1/2 less than you were paying before to travel within Argentina, making a trip in and around Argentina more affordable than ever before.
What does this mean for tourism in Argentina?
This means only continued and increased tourism numbers for Argentina, a major income in the country.  This concept is plain and simple: By reducing airfares, foreigners will buy more tickets within the country, as its more affordable and preferable over buses, tourism in the country will rise because more foreigners will be able to afford it, and the small 20-30% per ticket that Aerolineas will be covered within seconds; a concept that Aerolineas should very proud of.
What does this mean for Aerolineas Argentina?
More flights, more tourism, more press, and more money.
This is certainly a step in the right direction for tourism in Argentina, and a great benefit to those traveling in Argentina, so thank you Aerolineas Argentinas!

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3 Tips Every Student Studying in Buenos Aires should know…Part 1

Friday, May 15, 2009 12:52

Categories - Argentine Customs and Culture - 0 Comments

baby face 3 Tips Every Student Studying in Buenos Aires should know...Part 1

If you are a student planning to study Spanish in Buenos Aires or if you are already studying in Buenos Aires, there are a few facts that you should know, ensuring a safe, exciting, and unforgettable stay in Argentina.

1. Embrace the Love.

The culture of Argentine’s is warm, kind, social, and sometimes in-your-face, borderline creeping into your pizza slice (meaning stepping too far into your personal space).  Us foreigners from more northern countries are a little more reserved, referred to as ‘frios’ in Argentina, and sometimes the extreme social level can shock us, such as close proximity speaking, touching, or welcome kisses. Loosen Up! Take advantage of these social norms, speak with people you meet, be loud, talk a lot, learn about the locals, and I guarantee you will get more from your experience here than you ever imagined.

2. Don’t try to walk and look at things at the same time.

One of the best pieces of advice I received when I moved to Argentina was to always look down at the sidewalk when you are walking on it. 2 reasons: one, the sidewalks in Argentina are often broken, have parts missing, or have extra concrete pieces sticking out of the ground, a sure way to break your neck. Two, Argentine’s love their dogs but they do not love picking up after their dogs, so there is a lot of dog doo doo on the sidewalks. Enough said.

3.Forget everything your mother ever told you.

Who ever said you need vegetables in your diet anyway? Argentina’s beautiful mix of bread, meat, wine, cheese, and icecream will give you more than the 5 foods groups ever will. I am not sure if that is completely true, but Argentines do not seem to be any less healthy than the rest of us, so go ahead, and indulge.

Looking for Part 2?  Click here!

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Traveling and Studying abroad in Argentina is more affordable than ever!

Thursday, May 14, 2009 8:47

Categories - Argentina Travel Info - 0 Comments

money man4 180x300 Traveling and Studying abroad in Argentina is more affordable than ever!The unfortunate financial crisis that has hit the World in the last year has caused more havick than almost any other financial crisis we have seen in the last century. Countries and economies around the world have felt this financial blow and, although the situation has leveled somewhat, the after affects of this crisis will continue to be felt for quite some time.

 

So what is the light at the end of the tunnel?

 

The cost of traveling abroad for residents from the United States, Canada, and European countries has dropped considerably, so if you have ever thought about traveling or studying abroad, in this case to Argentina, this is the time to do it!

 

Last year, around this time, this is what the exchange looked like in Argentina:

 

United States: $1 = 3,20pesos

Canadian: $1 = 3,12pesos

Euro: $1 = 4,10pesos

 

Not a bad exchange rate for those traveling, studying, or even living abroad, making money abroad or using savings from back home.

 

The other change we have seen is in the price of international flights to Argentina: Last year, the price of flights was falling in the range of $1400.00USD, $1800.00CA, and $950.00EUR (minimums), and rising as high as a few thousand in each currency.

 

What is the difference today?

 

United States: $1 = 3,73pesos

Canadian: $1 = 3,21pesos

Euro: $1 = 5,08pesos

 

This year, we are seeing a lower price in flight costs, now in the range of $700.00USD, $1100.00CA, and $600.00EUR, and chances are you may not even have anyone sitting beside you.

 

So if you are considering traveling and studying Spanish in Argentina, this is the time do it. Exchange rates are good, flights are affordable, and tourism is on the rise meaning more travel options, better traveling and living conditions, and the opportunity to have your dollar take you to place in never could before!

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