Sunday, May 24, 2009

25 de mayo

The 25th of May is a national holiay in Argentina. It celebrates the May Revolution, which cluminated in the deposing of the Spanish viceroy and the proclamation of a provisional government. Independence was not proclaimed until the 9th of July of 1810, though, and the Spanish were not driven out until 1824. Our hotel is right off Avenida 25 de mayo and we will visit the Plaza de mayo, which is picured above and which is the site of La Casa Rosada (The Pink House), the Argentine house of government. This plaza became famous during the miltary dictatorship of 1976-1983 when a group of mothers began to protest there the disappearance of their children. We will attend the mothers' weekly march and talk with them afterwards.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Voltage Converters/Plug Adaptors


Don't forget that the voltage in Argentina is 220, while in the US it's 120. That means unless your electrical device runs off both, you'll need a voltage converter. The plugs are different in Argentina, so you'll also need plug adaptors. Go to this website to see the most common types of plugs used in Argentina: http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm.

The pampas are grass/farmlands which extend throughout the central part of the country (where we will be). The food the Pampas produce is vital to the economy as an export. It's also feeds the nation.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Packing Tip


Remember that you must bring a coat/heavy jacket. In addition to your carry on and personal item you can also carry on a coat. Carrying it on will give you more space in your luggage.
To the right is 9 de Julio, one of the main avenues in Buenos Aires and according to some, the widest street in the world, even wider than the Champs Elysee. We'll be on this grand avenue very soon!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Start Getting Ready!



Hola, grupo! El dia y la hora se acercan. We're getting close to the 26th. Check the BLOG every day for additional infomation and updates. To the left is a picture of Cafe Tortoni, a very famous cafe near our hotel. We will have brunch there our first day. I hope you're getting excited!