Aloha Everyone,
The first order of business was to get our laundry done. You ask three people and you get four directions. The closest lavandería is located on the next street parallel to our hotel location. It opens at 9:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. We are happy to be able to drop off our weekly laundry. The cost by weight is US$6.12.
The next destination for the two of us was the Mercado Central. We again were given directions by helpful people including 3 Americans who seemed to be long time residents. The two of us walked up and down the unfamiliar route only to reach the Mercado which was less than a block from a familiar square. I was pleased to have a chance to get additional walk, but J.J. did not share my sentiment.
We bought 2 pears that were imported from California and a half kilo of grapes imported from Chile :-)
At the flower shop, I asked for the price of a rose. The shop keeper said that it is 5 peso each. I asked for two. By the time she added ferns, put them in a cellophane bag and tied a ribbon, the price tripled to 30 pesos. It was not worth making a fuss so we paid her $1.67!
To vary our diet, for lunch we ate at an Italian Restaurant. Excellent spaghetti marinara for J.J. and a garden salad with tomatoes and feta cheese for me.
For dinner, we splurged and went to Buenos Aires Bistro. A very popular restaurant with foreigners. It is always filled to the capacity. Reservations are must and tonight there were a total of 16 diners occupying all the tables. We started with their complimentary chips, bread with homemade pesto, eggplant and chili dips, followed by an appetizer — 3 types of empanadas. J.J.’s grilled lamb was absolutely fantastic. My selection of salmon baked in ginger sauce was too salty and I ate it, but just a little. Catering to a non-native clientele, the service was impeccable, fast and efficient. It felt different. We have gotten accustomed to less hurried service. Cost for this memorable dinner was US $59.00 inclusive of a generous tip.
Aloha -- Cathi
