Buenos Aires, 3rd week of June 2003

Prologue:
First, I am sure this report fits better for those who have never been to BA before – I doubt that I can add much for those who are “veterans” of BA. Second is that I love women, pure and simple, the spiritual/human side as much as the physical attraction side. As such I like to post about the women in a certain way. Whether now, or in the future, if I encounter a woman who is psycho/dangerous/bad intentioned, etc. I’ll certainly post about it but it’s really not my gig to give micro-detailed physical reports or minute-by-minute recollections of my encounters – I’ve tried it before and have found I’m just not that comfortable with it. Last, the only reason I’m writing this prologue is that in my short week in BA, a lot changed for me – BA literally changed me, if for only a short while (I hope not), so that I find I am suddenly wanting to write silly shit like “prologue” in a report…


Buenos Aires, the city and people:
Everyone has got his or her own paradise, either in mind or in actual life. I just found mine and it’s Buenos Aires. With my job, I’ve been lucky to travel a fair amount. I’ve seen “old dirt and stones”, beautiful cities, and met a lot of wonderful people around the globe. I’ve never encountered a place like BA (or BS AS, as the locals seem to write it). Besides being a visually interesting city, with the mix of architecture from different cultures, etc., there is a unique energy there, a vibe, that’s hard to pinpoint but very real. In my opinion, Spanish handicapped or not, one would have to try very hard not to feel welcome in this city.

The architecture in the city runs from the spectacular to the mundane. It is commonly written that BA is like, or feels like, a European city. I think it’s better to say that it is simply a cosmopolitan city. However, I don’t think either is exactly correct because it is clear, after a short while, that this city stands on it’s own, larger than the sum of it’s parts or immigration oriented history. That, to me, is because of the people of the city. Because of the Portenos there is a spirit to this place, unique to itself and it’s people. It is easy to find out that it is a city of thinkers, of open minds, and of tolerance. I found it really cool, and interesting, that on multiple occasions I engaged into conversation with complete strangers, discussing economics, politics, sex, religion, whatever and always I was struck with how each time these people don’t do this to preach, or to convince you of how correct they are in their logic or knowledge, or to display their grand wisdom. They converse without little to no pretense and are quite open. In short you can find many of the Portenos to have true heart and spirit – and that is very difficult to find in this world. By the way, this heart and spirit is also very much part of the chicas, if you choose to look or pay attention for it.

A short thing about speaking Spanish and being in BA. I now speak, fluently, perhaps a total of 20 words of Spanish... I don’t know why, as it’s never happened to me like this before, but it did not matter one bloody bit. I got by with absolutely no problems. There just wasn’t the tension I usually encounter (in myself and others) when I am language handicapped during my travels. As I’ll explain later, I even had adventures with 2 women in BA who didn’t speak a word of English and I will swear to you that somehow we communicated quite well – but in retrospect I’m not exactly sure how I/we pulled that off.

Argentina wine: The wine in Argentina is absolutely fantastic. I am not really an super aficionado of wine, but I know what I like and there was plenty to be found in BA. In Recoleta, there is a very relaxing wine bar called Pane e Vino. They regularly feature wines that are not yet available for retail purchase. Their food there is quite good as well. I found that even the grocery store carried a nice selection of regional wines.

I’m sure they are there, but it seems hard to find a bad restaurant. If you happen to be a budget conscience person, I would only recommend to be patient and look to the menus. You can eat very well for very little money. Even the expensive restaurants are cheap based on U.S. currency conversion but there is a little of everything available. Mostly, I ate Italian or at steak shops. Each experience was quite good.

Chicas:
First, as others have before me, I must make my plug/recommendation about Roxana (see Moondog’s special BA section of the site for detailed info) and her services. To start she is a delightful woman with a quick mind and wit. If you don’t speak Spanish and you are not comfortable to use the cafes or clubs to meet with BA women and want to use the Internet girls, etc. Roxana can help you make contact and prepare your appointments. Her city tour is also worthy of praise and recommendation. I used Roxana to arrange for one appointment for me – for my first day in BA and I took a tour with her – both things worked out very well.

Second I know that, as of late, some have posted about not finding attractive women in the BA clubs and cafes. I noticed a lot of comments about women leaving, etc., etc. All I can contribute to that is in my week there I went to Shampoo, Madahos, Blacks, Solid Gold, Salome, and Café Orleans. Only in Solid Gold would I say that there was not very many great looking women and even there one could find some treasure here and there. Because I was working for most of my stay there, my observations were generally made before midnight, except for my last night (a Friday). On that night I was in Madahos until about 4:00 A.M., waiting for an amiga I made there earlier in the week, and I just sat for most of that time watching a lot of very beautiful women prance by…

As I stated above, I did my only “blind date” (a.k.a. escort), via Roxana, on my first day. Her name is Libia. She can be found on argentinaprivate.com. It states on the website she also works at the club Envidia in Flores but she told me show now works out of Blacks. Libia and I took a late lunch and a walk and then later, a session in my apartment. Overall she was very nice company and it was an excellent way to shake off 20 some hours of transit that I had go through to get to BA. Paid AR$ 300 for about 4 hours.

Earlier in the day, before my date with Libia, I needed to venture out and find a grocery store. I stayed in Barrio Norte/Recoleta and discovered the location of the club Shampoo when I found the grocery store Disco – as they are directly next to each other on Quintana. So, I’m a simple guy, therefore, for my first night, after Libia, rather than any big adventure through the city I just walked back to Shampoo – as I recall it was quite early, about 10:30 P.M. In Shampoo I found about 10 to 12 girls, and maybe 2 or 3 other guys. So I sat to get my “free” drink. For me, the “free” drink thing was a common joke throughout my stay in BA – everything I like to drink costs extra – every club I went to. No matter, I get my drink and just sit and relax.

I liked Shampoo, however I don’t know exactly why. It was dead every time I stopped in there but I didn’t mind that. The club was nice, with two bar areas, show stage and a dance floor. Anyway, my first encounter with “I only speak English – you only speak Spanish” happened there. The girl’s name was Mica. What I remember most is her beautiful eyes and smile. I ended up having a great time with Mica at the club, despite the language barrier and then later I took her back to my apartment for the rest of the night. On a whim I put in some classic Rob Zombie (White Zombie) metal music and she went nuts – in a very nice way - and the fun began. Paid AR$ 300 from 12:00 to 7:00 A.M.

On my second day, into the 5th day, I had to work, which was my primary purpose to be in BA. Therefore I started my endurance tests on how well I could operate on a few hours to no sleep. All in all it worked out well. I didn’t so much stay out late each night but I had company, each night, which kept me up. So on the second evening I would have liked to relax a bit after work but I ended up having to work later into the evening. I was supposed to meet Grshel at Café Orleans but there was no way to get there in time. Went to eat about 10:00 and then ventured out to find Madahos about 11:30. Thanks to Moondog’s maps I had no issues navigating around Recoleta or the Centro area of BA – a heartfelt “thank you” to him! My first night in Madahos didn’t go very well. I ordered my drink and within seconds a very well worn woman looking like 48, claiming to be 32, attached herself to my side. Unfortunately, all she wanted to do was tell me about the terrible tragedies in her life. While I actually believed and sympathized with her – that method was not going to get me to take her out of there. Also, unfortunately, she bummed be out so I left. Couldn’t even tell you how many other women were in there, etc. The club is nice, if not a little dark, and I was told very recently remodeled inside. It's quite big with a lot of sitting tables, etc.

After my depressing encounter at Madahos I decided to check out Blacks. This was a Tuesday night, now about midnight, and it was pretty jammed with men and women. Unfortunately, I really did not like Blacks. It’s just not my kind of scene. It reminded me too much of overpriced, over hyped, “plastic people” U.S. executive strip clubs. In fact, I’d argue that the atmosphere in Blacks does not fit BA well at all. Anyway, had a mineral water and people watched for a while then left. I should be clear about this – I personally did not like Blacks but there was a ton of very nice looking women in there. I was tired so I figured I’d just walk back to my apartment. As I started out, I remembered that Shampoo is right on my way back. So, I stopped into Shampoo for the second night in a row. This time there were maybe 20 women and only one other guy besides me. I did not pay to walk in this time, which was nice. I should have known this might happen but there was Mica again. I ordered my drink and “poof” there she is, locked onto my arm. As I said before I liked this girl, even though we had no chance for real conversation, so I wrote down “150 pesos – toda la noche?”. To my absolute shock she smiled and said Si. So of we went for another round of metal music and some pretty wild fun. She definitely fit the PSE style, but with a sweetheart demeanor.

On my third night, I decided I really should not have let the first woman from Madahos get into my head and figured I needed to go back. This is the night where I discovered how easy it is, if you are not very careful, to fall very hard for a girl in BA. This night I met a beautiful blond Brazilian girl. Many of you may laugh at this but, in the end, the sex was absolutely secondary to me with this woman. That did happen and it was very nice, but as a person I found my true counterpart in this world. I suffer no delusions about this. It was what it was and it ended when I left – but I will never forget it or her – ever. On this night I paid AR$ 250 for TLN.

On my 4th evening I took my new friend from Madahos to dinner and off to work she went. Then off to Solid Gold I went. Solid Gold is kind of weird. On the lower level it’s small and claustrophobic but I found a spot at the bar and got my drink. They have some nice dance shows there but I noticed (maybe it was because it was more brightly lit than the other clubs I went to) the women really looked miserable – in mood, if not looks. There were a few really attractive girls but not many, but as I said most looked liked they would rather poke a stick in their eye than be there working it. However, out of nowhere came a very nice Brazilian girl and, by luck, she spoke OK English. I don’t think I ever caught her name correctly… After about a 1/2 hour of simple joking around I asked her price. She told me AR$300. I asked TLN? She said no, for short time… I said OK, then AR$100. She said AR$150. I said yes and off we went. Sometimes, it’s a turn on for me to see just how much I can get a pro woman to get off – if they are a little bit seasoned, of course it’s a bigger challenge. By this time in the week I was ready for some serious fun and this girl was definitely no rookie. Ended up with about 3 hours with her and had a great time. I wasn’t really sure if any of my techniques had truly impressed her. However, just before she left she gave me a strange look, grabbed my crotch, and told me “You are a dangerous man”. I told her that sometimes I like to give back what I’ve received…

On the 5th day I worked only a short time in the morning. I then met Mayra and Roxana for lunch, along with another monger who had just arrived that morning. Had a fun, nice lunch and did the city tour with Roxana. It was a little bizarre to take a tour on my last day – but by then I already knew it was only the last day of this particular trip… After the tour I got measured for, and ordered, a leather jacket, which was promised to be ready in one day (and indeed was). Then Grshel and I went out to dinner at Plaza de Mayor and later met up at Café Orleans.

Café Orleans is a nice place, nice atmosphere. I know Grshel liked it a lot there and went almost every day of his vacation there. I did not take any women out from there but there was one beautiful brunette with killer eyes who, once I talked with her, turned me into jello. However, on this night Grshel and I met guy named Pablo. He is a Porteno, who was simply a great guy to get to know. He is one on many local people who I met and exchanged contact information with, all in a short week. Anyway, Pablo says he is going to a club called Salome and asks if we would like to join him. I say sure and ask Grshel. He agrees so I leave the girl who turned me into putty and off we go.

Salome is definitely not a tourist club but I liked it. They have two levels there, where one level is for “overload”. Sorry but I can’t remember the street/address – might have been on Cordoba… Grshel met this really tall girl and off he went. No chance for any English speaking girls but I did not care. If it did not work out there I’d just go on my way. As it turned out, one of the girls I noticed before, but looked to “hooker trashy” for me, came by. As it turned out she had a way about her that was completely opposite of the “look” she put forth with her outfit, etc. Pablo did some mutual translations and I took her back to my place, 2 1/2 hours AR$100. It was just kind strange but wonderful to have seen and feel the transformation of this woman from “hard core” to truly tender and passionate. I wished we could have talked. Unfortunately, she is another whom I cannot remember her name

After my Salome girl gets her taxi I see it’s only 2:30 A.M. (What a transformation – thinking 2:30 is early…). So, my only plan is to find my special amiga, to say goodbye, because I leave the next day. The funny part is all I planned to do was stop and say “bye”. This is now my third entry into Madahos in the week and I simply asked the cashier girl “don’t I get a frequent customer discount?” She said sure, you can just go in. I said “Ok, but what about my frequent customer free drink too?” (all of this was meant in fun). She surprised me by laughing and giving me a drink ticket! I go in and now the bartender remembers me as well. I ask for a coffee and she gives me one “on the house”, which was also a nice surprise. One thing about Madahos is the girls do seem aggressive in there. Each time I stopped in I had someone on me within a very few minutes. This time it was two girls, both not very good looking, who trapped me at the bar. I was in a good mood and was determined to keep it. Therefore I just started talking and joking away. One spoke fairly good English and I explained I was there for my new amiga but I had some time for some laughs. I thought that would send them on their way but both stayed and we ended up having a really great time talking shit and wasting space. Later, while talking with my amiga, the one who spoke better English walked over and kissed both of us and told my friend (not me) to treat me right…

As I said before, my intention this last night at Madahos was to simply tell my friend goodbye. She asked if I would leave with her and I told her I could not afford her this night. She told me that I did not understand her and explained she wanted to go out and wanted me to join her. So we left and went to some Brazilian disco bar. We drank and danced until 8:00 A.M. After we went back to my apartment and slept until 1:00. We said our goodbyes, she left, I packed to go home. Costs, were, ahh, nada.

Summary:
Buenos Aires is a very special place with very special people. Chicas or not, I’d go back in a heartbeat. Regarding the women, I know I only scratched a tiny bit of the surface there. I did not get to any of the clubs in the Centro, and I did not spend nearly enough time in Café Orleans - because I liked the "vibe" in there. For sure, knowing Spanish will help a lot. Not necessarily to get around better, etc. but to get to know the people there. I found the prices for the women can vary a lot – and it’s for sure that they price based on how they like you, etc. I remember a quote from Moondog that was something like “treat the women there right and you will be surprised on what you get back” (or something like that). I’d like to add that If you can gain a little of the heart and spirit that is engrained into the culture there you will be treated as a Porteno and that kind of thing, my friends, just does not happen in too many places...

Zappaman

Zappaman,

Glad you had a good time. This was an excellent report, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Thanks again, and enjoy the life.

Moondog

"Plastic People...Oh, baby, now you're such a drag."

Beautiful allusion to our composer in common. And nice report regarding BA. One of these days I'm going to get there.

Deanyc

Thanks for the great report. It is refreshing to see BA through the eyes of a first time visitor....I think I will try Shampoo tonight....

Great report. The tall one from Salome spoke some English and was very good in the bedroom. Took some nice pics too. (Will be posted soon)

Zappaman - Glad you had a good time in one of my favorite cities in the world. Once you go to BA you will return. I'm looking forward to reading more reports.

Thanks for all the nice comments. I'm guessing some of the effect of BA will wear off me before too long - I just hope not... :-) No matter 'cuz I will go back - no doubts about that.

More importantly thanks to all those who reported and posted before. I don't get the time/freedom to frequent Brazil or Argentina like many do and you guys have contributed a lot more than I ever could. It really helped me a lot!

You are what you is...

Zappaman