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The Sound of Yet More Music in Buenos Aires.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 7:41

Categories - Argentina News, Argentina Travel Info, Argentine Customs and Culture, Art, Museums, Theatre & Cinema, Concerts, Events, Festivals and Holidays, Health & Safety, Spanish, Student Stories - 0 Comments

Although the world-renowned electronica festival Creamfields came and went last weekend, there’s still plenty of cutting edge music to be had during the spring month of November in Buenos Aires. Kicking off on November 18^th in Luna Park with Smashing Pumpkins and continuing on the 19^th and 20^th in Costanera Sur, Hot Festival boasts an impressive line-up of artists with styles ranging from alternative rock to synthpop to electronica.

Although the headliners (below) don’t hit the stage each day until about 7 at night, you might want to arrive early to get a good spot to see the bands. The venue is located at the Ex Ciudad Deportiva de Boca Juniors which is directly south of the Ecological Reserve in Puerto Madero. To get there, simply take the same route you would to arrive to the entrance of the Eco Reserve (located right off of Padre M L. Migone and Av. Rodriguez) and go south down Av. España (the entrance to the festival is located on this street).

As is recommended at all music festivals and concerts, be aware of your surroundings and try to take it easy on the alcoholic beverages. Although there will be a ton of people enjoying the music, there’s always those undesirable types who try to take advantage of people who are having a good time and throwing caution to the wind. Make sure your valuables (camera, wallet, etc.) are close to you at all times and NEVER accept a drink from a stranger. When the concert ends, be aware that the area where this concert is held isn’t the safest of places so make sure that you travel with a group of friends on your way back.

Key Details about the Festival

Line-up

November 18^th

November 19^th

November 20^th

November 22^nd

Tickets

Prices range from AR$250 (Campo) to AR$350 (Super Pullman) and can be purchased on the internet (www.ticketportal.com.ar), by telephone ((011) 5353-0606) or at ticketbooths:

Ticketportal

Palermo – Vidt 2084
Monday to Saturday from 10 to 14 and from 15 to 18hs.
Purchases can only be made with Credit Card

Johnsons
Microcentro – Florida 313
Monday to Saturday from 10 to 14 and from 15 to 19hs.

Extra cost per ticket of AR$3

Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires City Attractions, La Boca, learning spanish in argentina, learning spanish in Buenos Aires, neighbourhoods in buenos aires, Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires

How to Wake up for your 9am Spanish Classes in Buenos Aires

Friday, January 22, 2010 11:23

Categories - Health & Safety - 0 Comments

As much as you may love studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, getting up between 7:30am-8:30am to get to your Spanish classes at Expanish that start 9am can, well, be utterly painful! I mean, for a culture that begins to think about eating dinner at 9pm (early!), has drinks at a bar at 12am, and heads to a nightclub at 3am-4am, and yes, this includes weekdays, what were they thinking starting the weekdays at 9am?

Well, if you want to be a real Porteño/a you are going to have to get used to this schedule and no matter how sleepy eyed you are, you must force yourself out of that comfy cozy bed and get yourself down to your Spanish classes!

Let’s see if we can give you all a few tips to help you beat those sleepy blues while still learning Spanish and taking advantage of those late nights out!

Get a nice alarm.

Do not wake-up to one of those screeching, shouting, beeping alarms that make you feel like you are in the middle of WWW2 for the first 5 seconds until you get your wits about you.

Make time for yourself

Even if you have stayed up late, it is better to wake up a little earlier and enjoy the morning then wake up in the exact moment if have to get out of the door. You may think that extra half hour or 15 minutes helps you, but believe me, your body doesn’t know the difference and your mind will certainly be at more peace if you wake up normally, take a shower, have a coffee, and then head to school than if you wake up, get angry when you can’t find your socks, fall down the stairs, and go smelly and untidy to school.

Mind over matter

If you are only going to sleep 5 hours tonight, don’t stress about it! If you keep thinking, ‘oh god, i’m going to be so tired tomorrow, i am going to feel so awful, blah blah blah”, you will feel exactly those ways. 5 hours or even 4 hours is more than enough sleep to make it successfully through the next day without any complaining. You can make up your sleep the following night.

Interested in Study Spanish in Argentina? Check out our Spanish programs in Buenos Aires!

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Eye Care: Visit Labortario Optico Lens in Buenos Aires

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 13:03

Categories - Health & Safety - 3 Comments

Living in a foreign country can sometimes make even the most routine tasks seem challenging…

For many people, a routine visit to an optometrist, optician, or optical shop is anywhere from a monthly to a yearly task, whether you need to renew your prescription, buy contact lenses, or refill your contact solution. If you are studying Spanish in Buenos Aires and are in need of eye care, there is an optical shop with three central locations in the city that offer a myriad of services and products, and most importantly, great and efficient customer service to both locals and foreigners of Argentina.

Labortario Optico Lens

Opening their first optical shop in 1939, this family run business has been operating successfully for the past 70 years, offering clients friendly and customized service in three distinct and central locations in the city of Buenos Aires. Located in downtown, Belgrano, and Pompeya, Labortario Optico Lens is consistent in each of its locations, offering top quality products (everything from Dior to Rusty to Ona Saez), services, and client care.

Labortario Optico Lens Products & Services

Sun glasses – international and local brands
Eye glasses – international and local brands
Contact lens – contact lens solution
Sunglass accessories
Prescriptions for contact lenses and eye glasses
Medical insurance (discounts)

And much more…

If you have medical insurance from abroad, make sure to keep your receipts so that you can send them in and have your prescriptions (or any other eye care that is valid for insurance) covered. If you have insurance here in Argentina, make sure to bring your medical card so that you can receive a discount.

Locations:

Centro

Avenida Callao 784 (corner of Cordoba)

Belgrano

O’Higgins 1799 (corner of La Pampa)

Pompeya

Avenida Saenz 1145 (corner of Roca)

Check out their website at the links above or here: http://www.labolens.com.ar

Tags: labortario optico lens in buenos aires, studying spanish in Buenos Aires

Going to the Gym in Buenos Aires

Friday, August 21, 2009 8:10

Categories - Health & Safety - 1 Comment

get fit gym by phoenix 88 Going to the Gym in Buenos Aires
Are you ready to put some exercise into your routine in Buenos Aires?

Do you want to wake up in the morning with more energy?

Looking to clear your head after a day of Spanish classes in Buenos Aires?

Exercising has always been one of the best ways to get your body and mind in shape and there is not better time to start then the present! Buenos Aires is home to many gyms as porteños love to look and feel good and spend a couple of hours after their work day working out at a local gym.

Depending on your flavour of gym, there are many to choose from, but if you are looking for a gym that ‘has it all’, here are 2 that make the list.

2 Major Gyms in Buenos Aires

Megalton
This gym is the largest chain in the city and each Megalton has everything you could want in a gym; exercise machines, swimming pool, squash/tennis courts, yoga, pilates, boxing, group and private classes, professional trainers, and much more. If you are looking for the ‘Cadillac’ of gyms, this is it.

Location: More than 15 locations in Buenos Aires
Website: http://www.megatlon.com/index.php

Sport Club
A direct competitor of Meglaton, Sport Club is very similar, offers the same gym services as above, has various locations throughout the city, and is one of the top gyms to attend in Buenos Aires. Make sure you ask about their plans and if there are any related promotions.

Location: More than 13 locations in Buenos Aires
Website: http://www.sportclub.com.ar/index.php

Going to the gym in Buenos Aires is a great way to create a routine while you are studying Spanish, release some energy, and meet new people in your gym classes. Plus, once you start speaking with people at the gym, it might be the best Spanish practice in Buenos Aires you will find!

Tags: Buenos Aires City Attractions, gym in buenos aires, Spanish classes in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires: A Complete Guide About Going to The Doctor

Monday, July 20, 2009 13:43

Categories - Health & Safety - 3 Comments

961619 be healthy 3 Buenos Aires: A Complete Guide About Going to The Doctor
If you are studying Spanish abroad in Buenos Aires and need to go to the doctor, the idea alone can seem confusing, scary, and just plain impossible. However, fear not, despite many doctors speaking English, the process of going to the doctor in Buenos Aires is totally painless.

If you need to go to the doctor in Buenos Aires, you should go to a private hospital. First of, like many other countries, walk-in clinics or small medical clinics are uncommon, most go to a regular hospital. In a foreigner’s case, a private hospital is recommendable and will be covered by your international health insurance. Once you arrive at the private hospital, take a number and a seat, and if you prefer, request an English speaking doctor if it makes you feel more comfortable.

If you need to go to a specialist, you can ask one of our Expanish staff members for a contact number. You will have to make an appointment but you will often find an open spot within a week. Many clinics reside in old apartment buildings and therefore old apartments. Do not be put off by this, once you are inside it is another world!

Remember: Your insurance will cover any medical visits in a hospital. Check beforehand for specialists as it may not fall under regular coverage. More importantly, you must pay for the visit and afterwards send the receipts to your insurance provider in order to receive a refund.

Here is some vocabulary you may need when going to a doctor in Buenos Aires:

Cita/Turno: Appointment

Obra Social: Health Plan

Medico: Doctor

Credencial: Medical Insurance Card

Dinero: What they will want you to pay with!a

Ask Our Staff for Guidance Here!

Tags: Buenos Aires City Attractions, expanish staff, go to the doctor in Buenos Aires, studying spanish in Buenos Aires

Staying Safe in Big Beautiful Buenos Aires!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 6:35

Categories - Health & Safety - 2 Comments

1160182 chicken little Staying Safe in Big Beautiful Buenos Aires!
Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires?

If so, are you wondering how you can have the most successful stay abroad in this beautiful city?

Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas have a population of about 13 million people making this city just what it is; diverse, hectic, and constantly running at high speed. Despite being one of the safest capital city’s in South America, Buenos Aires, like any big city, has its share of crime, petty theft, and more, and it is best to know how to ‘manage’ yourself well when living abroad here.

1. Always be aware of your surroundings. When you are out in the city, make sure that you are aware of what is happening around you and take care of your belongings; someone that looks like they are not paying attention are often targets of petty theft.

2. Avoid wearing high priced and ‘flashy’ jewellery. You can still wear jewellery but it is best leave anything very expensive at home unless for a special occasion.

3. Use the ATM’s in the day. They are open at night, but let’s be honest, this is a safe move no matter where you live.

4. Do not walk alone late at night. Keep in a group, or better yet, take a taxi. There are many streets that will be full of people, even in the late hours, but locals here do not walk along so you should not either.

5. Take registered taxis as often as possible. It is best to get a ‘radio’ taxi phone number and call it whenever you need a taxi. These taxis are registered and more secure than just hailing a taxi from the street.

If you use your common sense, it is almost a guarantee that you will leave Argentina with only the best memories!

Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires City Attractions, studying spanish in Buenos Aires

Exercising in Buenos Aires; Where to go in the big city!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 9:53

Categories - Health & Safety - 1 Comment

1186400 small tree on white Exercising in Buenos Aires; Where to go in the big city!

If you are studying Spanish in Buenos Aires and looking to get some exercise into your schedule you may have a tough time finding somewhere to exercise, other than a gym, in the city.Rather than jogging down the car filled streets, head to one of Buenos Aires beautiful parks and jog among tree-lined paths and in the fresh air.

Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods)

This big, beautiful, and popular park, located in Palermo, is perfect to jog, rollerblade, or bike ride along its long grassy paths. The park also features a small lake that offers rowboats for hire.

Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays

Another park in Palermo, this park has winding paths under a roof of beautiful old trees. There are many different paths to take and wide range of flora, making this place perfect for a quiet jog.

Parque Centenario

Located in Caballito, this new park to Buenos Aires is safe, clean, and one of the few that does not permit dogs on the premises, and the residents of Caballito exercise, relax, and play sports here.There is a small lake in the middle that makes for a nice stretch or rest spot.

Reserva Ecologia Costanera Sur

Near to Puerto Madero, this ecological reserve covers a large amount of green space, is home to hundreds of birds, and is outfitted with great walking and jogging trails. There are a few access points in Puerto Madero and once you get to know the area, there are numerous different trails you can take every time you jog.

Exercising outside is a great way to relax after your Spanish Classes in Buenos Aires!

Looking for jogging buddies? Ask other students to participate in group jogs during the week.

Tags: Buenos Aires City Attractions, caballito, Puerto Madero, Spanish classes in Buenos Aires, studying spanish in Buenos Aires

Swine flu in Argentina: is it safe to study Spanish in Buenos Aires?

Monday, May 11, 2009 19:26

Categories - Health & Safety - 0 Comments

piggy 300x219 Swine flu in Argentina: is it safe to study Spanish in Buenos Aires?

I have no doubt that anyone reading this will have heard of the swine flu that is now making headlines in 25 countries across the globe, said to have originated in Mexico. The swine flu is an infection that usually affects only pigs, and not humans (in fact only about 50 human cases have been recorded since the mid-20^th century) and is not dangerous in pig meat unless the meat has not been properly cooked.

So what is going on, you ask? And am I safe to study Spanish in Buenos Aires? The outbreak that we are seeing this year is the product of a new strain of the flu and although there is no known origin of this strain, it has been declared a strain that passes from human to human, with ease. Again, no one is sure where this flu originated from but sources are pointing to Mexico where the first cases and largest amount of cases have been found.

There is no real threat in Argentina; there have only been a few ‘flu’ reported cases and only one actual case from a man who had just flown from Mexico into Argentina, however, after a few days was released from hospital in good health.

Argentina, with any regular precautions, should be perfectly safe to travel in without worrying about the swine flu. For extra precaution you can take a flu vaccination or wear a mask during international flights; if you are traveling in and out of other countries make sure to check their health reports.

If at any moment you have more than 2 or 3 of the following symptoms, head to a local private clinic in Argentina and get yourself check out! Symptoms are: chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness, and general discomfort.

Tags: Argentina, study spanish in Buenos Aires, Swine flu