Unfortunately, the amount of graffitti in Buenos Aires is growing dramatically. I've seen it on church walls, sides of marble buildings, and tons of other really disappointing places.

Much of the writings are anti-government. Others are campaign related. Still others are typical punk ravings or the occassional love message. I have seen ony a few messages with anti-american content. There are others with anti-IMF content is growing. There is some graffitti downtown near Cutty Sark that I think sums up the situation well ... it simply says "No Choices" ... not good not bad ... just existing and waiting.

I ran into my first in-person demonstration this week. It had all of Florida blocked for a while. Driving back from Cafe Orleans, we passed streets covered with papers from the event. So far, not a big deal.

Do you think anti-IMF is any different than anti-US? I think the writing's on the wall.

Yes,anti-IMF and anti-US are different...anti Paul O'Neill is different than anti US as well...by this I mean expressions of frustraton toward the US Govt. or agencies our govt controls (ie, IMF) is not the same as expressions of frustration toward Americans in general.... I have not experienced any of the proverbial "Yankee, go home" sentiment in Argentina...quite the opposite!!!

I agree. There are so many Argentines living in the USA and Europe that the attitude is different from many places. Most of their anger is focused on their own government and its corrupt practices. The bulk of the anti-IMF frustration is that there has been nothing accomplished in 6 months of negotiation ... no help, no temporary relief, nothing of substance to point to. If anything, the locals seem to love talking to Americans and most wish they were in New York or Miami.

I concur with these two. I talk to every taxi driver I get in. None have any anti-American sentiments. Quite the contrary. I was surprised that many restaurant workers in Recoleta remembered me. I don't think any one would have any problems there. I still have yet to talk to even one American that has experienced crime in Buenos Aires (even petty crime). And trust me....I talk to ALOT of dudes via email. ALOT.

I told many of my desire to live in Buenos Aires. All told me that I'm loco and that everyone there wants to be in America. I know that America is the best country but I could certainly handle living in Buenos Aires for the next 10 years. I'm not saying I would ever want to give up my passport and citizenship...because that would never happen....I just love BA.