Nighttime in Argentina

It is night and the sky becomes larger the higher we climb.  From the air at this time of day, the world all looks the same.  The city lights below could be any place in the world.   Today however, it is the lights of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  A few days of not knowing words around me; the buzz of a language unknown surrounding the workday comings and goings.   It was a city that reflects the European influences in its architecture, dotted with worn and weathered buildings in serious need of a power washing.  It is a busy, yet charming city just the same.

We visited a restaurant at 8:00pm which was largely empty of patrons, no doubt only warming up for the ‘real’ dinner crowd who would arrive in 1-2 hours time, kids in tow.  We pass the kitchen display of carnivorous choices; a selection for which they are very proud.  Vegetarians need not apply.  As we settle in and comment on the time for dining in Argentina, a colleague with us from neighboring Brazil chimes in “oh yes my kids are never in bed before 10 or 10:30pm” as I gasp in selfish disbelief and nearly choke on my appetizer salad (no meat included).   Surprisingly I was ready to talk Tango but the subject didn’t come up.  We ate.  We drank wine.  We talked about travel, about the 25% inflation rate in Argentina, their great wines and poor coffee, and an occasional business reference or joke nay we forget why we were there.

I am heading home now and as I stood in line at the airport amidst other travelers I wondered: does anyone really answer yes to the security questions requiring a no.   Anyone?  Anywhere?  Its tempting but alas I say my appropriate response and move along into the infinite allure of the duty free hall stocked well with Toblerone chocolates…

Buenas noches mis amigos