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Top Outdoor Activities in Buenos Aires

Monday, December 21, 2009 23:53

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

 

park Top Outdoor Activities in Buenos Aires

Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires and Looking to Spend Some Time Out in the Outdoors?

Spanish students can put their Spanish books down and take a break from their Spanish classes in Buenos Aires to check out 4 of the city’s great outdoor places!

  • Reserva Ecologica

This enormous park, made up of a total of 350 hectares can be visited any day, anytime of the year. The area is divided into four areas; the woods, the lagoons, the marshlands, and the river plate banks. The park is an ecological micro-system and visitors will have the opportunity to spot wildlife, see various types of plant species, and just enjoy nature.

Neighborhood: Costanera Sur

  • Jockey Club

With over 80 hectares of land, the Jockey Club features two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range, and a club house complete with dining room, bar, spa, and terraces with a panoramic view. Non-members may still use many of the facilities offered, if invited by a member.

Website: Jockey Club http://www.eljockeyclub.com/

Address: Avenida Alvear 1345

  • Martina Polo Ranch

250 hectares of land are dedicated to the breeding of ponies, polo training sessions, and polo matches, as well as a place to enjoy horseback riding, swimming, and paddle. This is a place to see and be seen in Buenos Aires.

Website: Martina Polo Ranch http://www.lamartinapolo.com.ar/

Neighborhood: Vicente Casares

  • Palermo Golf Lakes

Located in the Parque 3 de Febrero, this 22 hectare public course is one of the city’s most famous golf courses and the site for various international competitions. If you love golf, this is the place to play! All equipment can be rented on site.

Neighborhood: Palermo

Study Spanish in Buenos with Expanish!

Celebrate “La Navidad” in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 14:04

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

feliz navidad Celebrate La Navidad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

The holidays are here and it is time to celebrate, Argentine Style!!

If you are learning Spanish in Buenos Aires or plan on traveling to Buenos Aires for Christmas expect blue skies, warm weather, and warm greetings.  In Spanish, Christmas is known as “la Navidad” and during this time of year it is courteous to greet and be greeted by “Feliz Navidad”.  As in most countries, Argentine’s celebrate Christmas Eve “Cena de Navidad” with family and friends over a big feast that lasts long into the night and that is finished out with fireworks and dancing.

Since Christmas in Argentina happens during the summer time the climate calls for a Christmas menu with cold salads, beverages, and dishes that make you feel refreshed. A typical menu will consist of things like fresh fruit, prosciutto with melon, Russian salad, roasted turkey, roasted pork, stuffed tomatoes, minced pies, Christmas’s bread and puddings, and ice cream, accompanied by champagne and cider with small pieces of fruit.  Families will typically agree beforehand on the Christmas menu, that traditionally requires each participant to bring a dish, a beverage, or any part of the Christmas dinner.

Whether you celebrate with family or friends, “la Navidad” en Buenos Aires will be an experience you will not forget and definitely should not miss.

Be the favorite guest, and bring something authentic and delicious:

Ensalada Rusa (Russian Salad):

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup boiled potatoes
  • 1 cup boiled carrots
  • 1 cup boiled sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup boiled beets
  • 1 cup boiled or steamed peas
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
Cook the vegetables. If you prefer, you can use a frozen mix of carrots and peas, or canned beets.
Cut the vegetables into small same-sized cubes. Combine with the mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Drink:
1 Bottle of champagne or cider.

One of the best ways to get to know a new culture is by spending holidays with locals and participating in typical traditions and customs.

Want to learn Spanish in Argentina and spend the holidays in a sunny and warm climate?  Check out our Spanish School in Buenos Aires!

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Spanish Students: The Best Places to Dance Tango in Buenos Aires

Monday, December 14, 2009 10:16

Categories - Argentine Customs and Culture - 0 Comments

 

681075 17874780 Spanish Students: The Best Places to Dance Tango in Buenos Aires

If you are studying Spanish in Buenos Aires you must take advantage of Argentina’s national dance, and learn to dance the tango. The sultry yet sophisticated dance originated in the neighbourhoods of La Boca and San Telmo in Buenos Aires, and over the years, became the country’s most beloved dances, and today, Argentina is considered the birth place of the tango.

Where are the best places in Buenos Aires to learn to dance the Tango?

Café Tortoni

Argentina’s oldest café, Café Tortoni is one of the most traditional places to dance the tango, decorated by antique furniture and stain glass ceiling, tango lessons in the afternoon, followed by a coffee or afternoon wine, followed by an evening of watching tango, makes for a great cultural experience.

Address: Avenida de Mayo 825

La Catedral

A very hip and trendy tango club in downtown Buenos Aires, everyone comes here to have a good time, dance the tango, meet new people, and enjoy the scene. Early in the evening, informal tango lessons are give, followed by a milonga where everyone joins and dances.

Address: Sarmiento 4006

Confiteria Ideal

This beautiful art-deco place is great to take tango lessons throughout the day, from beginner to advanced levels, and then take advantage of the milonga at night. There is live music at the milonga and the place really gets full – more popular among an older crowd.

Address: Suipacha 384

Study Spanish and Learn to dance the Tango!

Combine your Spanish classes with our Tango lessons in Buenos Aires!

Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, Go by Taxi

Friday, December 11, 2009 13:22

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taxi Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, Go by Taxi

Now that you have made it Buenos Aires to study Spanish, it is time to navigate the city.

Selecting a mode of transportation can depend on many different factors such as, the time of day, location, and weather. Maybe it is late at night or you are in a hurry to get to your Spanish course, it’s raining, or you just want to be dropped off at your shared apartment in Buenos Aires.  Lucky for you, taking a taxi in Argentina is quick, convenient and cheap, and believe it or not, there are an estimated 32,000 of them roaming around Buenos Aires.

Taking a taxi is a cheap, safe, and efficient way to travel in Buenos Aires, here is a list of a few things to know before you go for a ride:

  1. The taxis are black with a yellow painted roof, they roam the streets 24 hours a day, and you can either  flag them on the street or call for a pick up.
  2. The safest way to get a taxi is to call a head of time or if possible catch one in front of a hotel, and if possible travel in groups instead of alone.
    Find a taxi
  3. Only take a taxi that reads Radio Taxi, has a photographic id on the back of one of the front seats, and carries a digital meter that shows the exact amount of money you pay. Take the next cab if you do not see these. Calling before hand will guarantee the taxi is legitimate and reliable.
  4. On the opposite side the meter is a red sign that will read “libre” meaning free when lit up.  If not illuminated it is occupied.
  5. The initial meter rate is $3.80 pesos and increases $0.38 every 200 meters
  6. Be sure to have small bills, as many cab drivers will not accept $100’s and $50’s for shorter rides, ask if the driver has change before hand to avoid a tense situation, and don’t worry about tipping, it is not expected, but always appreciated.
  7. Taxis will not take more than four passengers, unless the car is built to fit more.
  8. Always enter and exit on the right side of the car so cars can safely pass on the left.

Don’t forget to chat with the driver it is great way to practice your Spanish and get to know more about Argentine’s.

Want to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires, find out here!

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Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires in December: Where to go during the holiday months!

Thursday, December 10, 2009 15:14

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picture045 Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires in December: Where to go during the holiday months!

Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires and looking to soak up the suns rays at a beach during the holiday season?

Every December, the people of Buenos Aires start to prepare for the Christmas holidays, New Years parties, and vacation weeks ahead. Flights, buses, and ferry tickets are booked, hotels are reserved, and clothing, bikinis, sandals, etc, are bought by the masses.

So where do most porteños go in December and January?

The Atlantic Coast beaches.

Argentines love the beach and every year during the summer months thousands take off time to head to one of the countries beaches and enjoy the sand, water, and sun with friends and family. Only a few hours from Buenos Aires, the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Coast of Argentina begin and don’t stop until you reach the southern most part of Argentina.

Some of the closest beaches to Buenos Aires (about three hours) are Pinamar, Carilo, Mar de Azul, and Mar de la Plata. Each of these see an incredible amount of tourists every year, catering to both young people and families, and offering fantastic accommodation options (budget, middle, and high-end), gastronomy, shopping, holiday parties, and water sports, a major reason why beachgoers continue to visit year after year.

How to get to the beach…

Those heading to the beach have two options:

  • Plane

There are numerous flights leaving daily from Buenos Aires (national airport) to Pinamar and Mar del Plata, only a 45-90 minute flight. For those who don’t have a lot of time to spend, or just want to skip the bus, this is a quick trip.

  • Bus

There are also numerous buses that leave everyday (10-15 buses a day) from Buenos Aires and make stops at almost every city along the way. Pinamar is about a 4 hour trip, Mar del Plata about 5.5 hours from Buenos Aires. This is for those who don’t mind traveling for a few hours, and looking to save a little money.

 

If you do go to the beach in Argentina around the holiday season, remember to book all of your transportation and accommodation well in advance, and be prepared for the crowds!

Check out our Spanish Courses in Buenos Aires!

Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires: 5 Fantastic Free Things To-Do in Buenos Aires

Monday, December 7, 2009 10:45

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

ba Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires: 5 Fantastic Free Things To Do in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is one of the most affordable cosmopolitan and action-packed capital cities in the whole world, but even so, we are still looking for a price break here and there.

Among the list of things-to-do in Buenos Aires, there are a few incredible attractions that won’t cost you more than your time to go and see.

Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires? Want to save a penny or two on your next city attraction?

Check out the following Buenos Aires attractions, for free!

Cementario de la Recoleta

More like a city for the deceased, this unique cemetery is the resting place for political figures, government officials, and other famous names from Argentina. It is an intricate maze of resting grounds, sculptures, and tombs, an absolute gem in Buenos Aires.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

This fantastic Latin American art museum is packed full with master pieces, both from Latin American artists and other renowned artists, such as Van Gogh and Klee, from around the world.

Museo Casa Carlos Gardel

This museum, renovated from the house of Carlos Gardel, shows the home, personal items, and the biography of Argentina’s most beloved tango singer. Entrance is free every Wednesday.

Feria de Mataderos

This is one of the largest markets around, featuring arts, crafts, food, clothing, and special items unique to gauchos (Argentine cowboys), as well as folkloric shows on Sundays. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer, Sundays year round, except for in January when the fair closes for one month.

City Tour

There are plenty of city sites that are simply outside for the public to enjoy; Teatro Colon (gorgeous opera house), Oblesico (Symbol of Buenos Aires), Plaza de Mayo (plaza where every famous protest, political speech, etc, takes place). Every Thursday Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo (the Mother’s of Plaza de Mayo) march in order to remind everyone of the atrocities that took place during the Dirty War.

Interested in Spanish Courses in Buenos Aires?

Living in a Shared Apartment while Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires.

Thursday, December 3, 2009 9:11

Categories - Accommodation in Buenos Aires - 0 Comments

balifestyle061 Living in a Shared Apartment while Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires.

Living with new people while abroad in Buenos Aires is a living and learning experience! Everyone is new to the city, away from their home country, looking to meet new people, discover the best experiences,  and of course, learn a foreign language.  Living with roommates can teach you a lot about people and become more patient and understanding of other cultures, customs, and traditions.

Here are some tips on how to live with new roommates in your shared apartment in Buenos Aires

  • Tidiness

The entire apartment is a shared living space and therefore you should be respectful of others and keep the space tidy. Everyone differs in what they think is clean or not, but there are certain simple rules to follow: wash the dishes after you are done with them, take out the garbage if its full, don’t leave personal items throughout the apartment, replace toilet paper, if you spill, clean it up, don’t walk with dirty shoes, and take the initiative to keep the house clean!

  • If it’s not yours, don’t touch it

This may not always be a factor, as you become friends with your roommates, personal belongings may becoming exchangeable, but until then, do eat your roommates food, don’t use their shampoo or razor, and definitely don’t borrow anything without permission.

  • Security

Put any expensive items or valuable items in a locked space. Maybe one day you, or a roommate, brings over a friend and suddenly something goes missing. You can never be too careful and although the chances are slim, put away your stuff so you don’t have to deal with this type of headache.

  • Communication

Living successfully with others is all about communication and therefore understanding. Speak openly with your roommates, don’t judge, don’t discriminate, and most of all, keep and open mind. You will be living with people from all over the world and everyone has a different way of living, be positive, accepting, and patient, and you and your roommates should get along just fine.

 

Check out our Shared Apartments in Buenos Aires!

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Studying Spanish in Downtown Buenos Aires.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 9:23

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

dsc02057 Studying Spanish in Downtown Buenos Aires.

Downtown Buenos Aires is one of the older areas of the city, yet has been kept modern, efficient,  and up-to-date due to the high number of people infiltrating the streets, business’s, and buildings at every moment of the day and night.  It is a fact that downtown is a mix of hurried traffic, bike riders on route, business professionals in between meetings and lunches, fashionistas trying to find the best stores, foreigners exploring city sites, locals enjoying mid-day coffee breaks,  the hip and trendy frequenting restaurants and bars, and everything else imaginable. 

Laid out like a grid map, the major avenues that run through downtown are Avenida 9 de Julio (one block from Expanish Spanish School), Avenida Callo, Avenida Libertador, Avendia Florida (Pedestrian street), Avenida Corrientes, and Avenida Santa Fe, Avenida 5 de Mayo. There are many streets that run every way in between these avenues, easy to navigate whether on foot, bus, taxi, or subway. Use the Buenos Aires map you receive at Expanish to get yourself around downtown Buenos Aires!

There are a few big sites to see downtown, besides just walking the historical streets and admiring the cobblestone, gorgeous architecture, larger than life buildings, and age-old plazas. 

  • Florida Avenue - This pedestrian only avenue is THE place to go shopping in Buenos Aires (and people watching). Hundreds of people are walking down this avenue all day long, shopping, eating, and commuting, a must-see in Buenos Aires.
  • Plaza de Mayo - At the end of Avenida Florida is the very famous Plaza de Mayo, which includes the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo (the city council during the colonial era), the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the May Pyramid, the current city hall, and the headquarters of the Nación Bank.
  • Obelisk – Built in 1936, this structure (height: 67 meters, base area:49 square meters) is the icon of the city of Buenos Aires and in the past and today is where many events and activities have taken place.
  • Avenida Corrientes - The historical ‘Broadway’ of Buenos Aires is scattered with theatres, cinemas, tango shows, traditional and modern restaurants, shopping, cafes, and more.

Is Downtown Buenos Aires Safe?

Students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires should feel completely confident exploring the areas of downtown Buenos Aires. Like any big city, there are regular precautions that should always be taken. Keep your belongings close to you, do not walk with large amounts of money, and avoid looking like a ‘rich’ tourist. In saying that, students should have no problem exploring the exciting centre of Buenos Aires, enjoying the shopping, and dine in one of the city’s traditional cafes.

 

Find out more about Buenos Aires here!

Check out our Expanish Spanish School in Buenos Aires and School Facilities.