Hi guys!

Where am I?... What have I done this week?..... Well, I have crossed through the Argentine border La Quiaca in order to reach Bolivia, which has the most amazing landscape I have ever seen. I spent two days riding horses and mountain biking in Tupiza and two days in the dizzying heights of La Paz, where I bought two fine Alpaca jumpers.

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Don’t forget to ‘Rate My Top Spots’

1. You happen to try out one of my ‘Top Spots’
2. You then email me at buenosairesclubhouse@saexplorers.org
3. In the email, you need only give me

• A rating: sad face, straight face, smiley face OR a face of your choosing!
• Your full name
• ONE sentence to attach to your rating

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Failing that, send me a photo or chase me up with a query. I always want to hear from you, even while I’m on route!

Ciao ciao
Tracey

SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday 5th August at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse.
Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday for an informal conversation class with a teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
FREE for members and $8 pesos for non-members.
Please RSVP by sending an email at BAevents@saexplorers.org and reserve yourself a place.

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Empanada Cooking Class
Tuesday 4th August at 3.00pm at The Hostel Clan
At The Hostel Clan on Adolfo Alsina 912, tel. 4334-3401 we'll be learning how to make both meat and veggie empanadas. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU RSVP because the hostel needs to know numbers.
Price: $5 ARS for members and $10 for non-members
Please RSVP by sending an email at BAevents@saexplorers.org and reserve yourself a place.
For more details about the hostel, go towww.hostelclan.com.ar

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FREE Truco Afternoon (Argentine Card Game)
Wednesday 5th August @ 4.30pm in The Clubhouse (straight after conversation class)
Do you know how to play the Argentine card game called 'Truco'? It's a very cool game, full of subtle looks and signals between the different players that makes for an entertaining afternoon. Amauta Spanish School are sending some of their experienced representatives to the BA Clubhouse to teach you all. It's going to be a fun afternoon - delivered in Spanish, so more practice for you (with us on hand to translate as always) - and the best thing is that we've organised this activity to run directly after the Spanish conversation class on Wednesday. That means that you don't have to find time to come to the Clubhouse on another day and your Spanish will be nicely oiled to participate in the game too. How can you resist?!
Please RSVP by sending an email at BAevents@saexplorers.org and reserve yourself a place.

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Please RSVP by sending an email at BAevents@saexplorers.org and reserve yourself a place.

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Dia del Nino
Sunday 9th August
For the past 10 years, volunteers have gotten together to make this day fun and special by organizing games, activities and snacks for underprivileged children in Rafael Calzada outside of Buenos Aires. SAE is trying to get a group together to help out on Sunday 9th August. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Caroline for more details at volunteerba@saexplorers.org

SAE DISCOUNTERS OF THE WEEK!!!
This is a new feature that we´re trying. Follow us in Clubhouse News each week to find the best discounts during your stay in BA. It will always be at the top of Clubhouse News. Enjoy!

1. Hostel Tango Suites
Hostel Tango Suites captures exactly what San Telmo is all about. Nestled in the heart of this historic Buenos Aires neighborhood, Hostel Tango offers rooms ranging from 2 beds to shared dormitories in a classic, colonial style building. Guests can also enjoy a piece of Argentine culture with tango and Spanish lessons, and asados (BBQs) on Fridays. Other services include breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, Internet and WI-FI, and a TV room. SAE Members - remember to present your membership card at Hostel Tango Suites to receive a 10% discount off of lodging!
Address: Chacabuco 747, San Telmo, Buenos Aires; Tel: (+54 11) 4300-2420 or 4300-6026
info@hosteltangoargentina.com

2. Experiencia Buenos Aires
Cabildo 936, Buenos Aires
Experiencia Buenos Aires is a Spanish school that not only allows students to learn the language but also experience it through the integration of real-life and cultural activities that take place outside of the classroom. Students receive personalized lessons as the school tailors its programs to the student's needs through individual and small group courses and flexible scheduling. SAE members receive a 10% off of the dynamic Spanish courses at Experiencia Buenos Aires.
Contact the school's friendly staff at - tel. (+54 11) 4856 7687
www.experienciaba.com.ar

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ADVERTISING WITH SAE!!!!
We are at present focusing a lot on advertising. This is because we have a new publication coming out (a guide book that we will be selling here in the Clubhouse) which will be full of tourist and expat advice that can’t be found in other guide books, because we’re writing it! It is first-hand knowledge, written by real expats who live here in BA and is therefore the most up-to-date information that can be found. If you want to advertise with us, making yourself known to expats and tourists who pass through our office or who live in BA, contact our Marketing Manager, Jessica Dufresne at baadvertising@saexplorers.org

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INTERN WITH US!
Over the past few months we’ve had some fantastic interns – Caroline Major (Brazil expert from London), Amelia Edwards (Events Manager from Philadelphia), Jessica Dufresne (Marketing Wizz Kid from Michigan) and the newest Caroline Stephenson from Wales, who seems to be dipping into everything that needs doing right now. We are a fantastic bunch and it’s a pleasure coming to the office every day. So, if you want some SAE experience and you feel you’ve got something to offer, get in touch with us at baclub@saexplorers.org

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Storing Luggage at The Clubhouse
Please remember that if you want to store or pick-up luggage you need to make an appointment with us beforehand via email. This is because we store all luggage at a different location and we will need to organise a time to meet. Email all luggage correspondence to baclub@saexplorers.org

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Poke us, befriend us.
Please visit our facebook page because it includes lots of stuff about events, contact details (that are up-to-date!) and more. Find us online at

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WE HAVE TELEPHONE CONNECTION!
Finally, the powers that be here in BA have managed to get around to connecting our telephone line and so you can now call us from anywhere the city on 5275 0137 (+54 11 and then the number if you're calling from outside Argentina or if you're using skype to call us). Also, if you need to make a local call to any landline here in the city you can do so from our office for FREE.

Rojo Tango @ Faena Hotel, Martha Salotti 445
Monday 3rd August @ 8.30pm
This is a theatrical performance that recounts the history and development of the tango from its origins until the present day. Go to the website and follow the links through ‘universe’ and then ‘cabaret’ to find out more details and make reservations.
www.faenahotelanduniverse.com

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Guided Tours @ MNBA (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes), Av. Del Libertador 1473
Every day (except Mondays) until 8.30pm
Why not take a little guided tour at this national museum? Practice your Spanish and grab some culture at the same time. The best thing???? It’s all FREE so there’s no reason not to go.

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De Hombre a Hombre @ Teatro Del Nudo, Corrientes 1551
Friday 7th August @ 10.45pm
A charismatic professor and an argumentative student find themselves clashing – a battle of wills to the death – that eventually becomes a story about love. This little theatre is a must.
Cost: 30 pesos

Tea Connection (Puerto Madero and Palermo, Las Heras area)
Tea Connection is a small chain of..... tea shops. This being Argentina, they still do obviously serve coffee and there is a small variety to choose from, including cappuccinos and the regular cortado. However, if you make a visit to Tea Connection, it really should be to try the tea.

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There are so many different types of tea to choose from that it took me at least ten minutes to decide. (However, I am normally fairly indecisive anyway, but there are at least 30 types of teas to choose from). There are fruit-based, teas, infusions, basic brews and more. I was very happy to see an African Rooibos choice on the menu and was very pleased with my eventual decision. This Rooibos is served with a slight taste of vanilla (always a favourite of mine) and took me back to days living in London.

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One of the nicest things about stopping for a pot of brew in Tea Connection is the presentation. A serving of any tea chosen means an entire pot, a large cup and saucer and your own personal hour glass to enable you to brew your tea to perfection. Your waiter/waitress will tell you exactly how many turns of the hour glass you need to make to brew your particular tea selection to perfection. It’s this kind of special treatment that gets tops marks and puts Tea Connection way above the rest. Yes, the tea costs about 9 pesos – which may seem expensive on paper – but you get a pot of tea and therefore about 3 full cups. Therefore, it’s actually very reasonably priced in Tea Connection.

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Don't forget to RATE me!......see Editor's Note.

This week I received my first rating....Maraya Loza-Koxahn writes about Amaranta
I rate Amaranta at the highest rating possible. It's my favorite place for brunch. the food is spectacular, the place is clean and welcoming - good ambience and the staff are great. The owner remembered me after being away for 6 months and he greets me when I come in. It feels very comforting to go there.
To see the full write-up I gave Amaranta and for location details, click here and go to Top Spot!

Retiro
On first appearance and pretty much every time after that too (if I'm honest), the area around Retiro's various bus and train stations is not a beautiful site. Nor is it a relaxing place to go, nor an obvious place of interest, whether you're an expat, a traveller or a native. However, as mad as you think I might be, I like Retiro.

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Perhaps it has something to do with the East End of London where I come from, amongst the dirt, the markets and the dodgy fast-food joints, where you expect some kind of fight to break out amongst the chickens (clientele) at any given moment. In fact, only last week when I was in the area on a Saturday did two fairly aging Argentines decide that they need to have a dispute of a fairly physical nature in the middle of the afternoon. Rather than aiming to calm down the two hot-heads, the rest of the 'regular' crowds in Retiro looked on in delight and I suddenly thought that I may well have been in the middle of 'The Gladiator' movie, moving amongst what Oliver Reed so beautifully referred to as 'the mob' – ie: the masses. Thirsty for blood, this fight was the best entertainment to be had all day for the majority and they weren't going to bow down to any feelings of shame in enjoying themselves.

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However, despite constantly checking the contents of my backpack and being on full alert for people standing a little too close to me for comfort when passing through the slow-motion and heaving crowds in this part of town, Retiro does have its charm. For one, the architecture. All the various stations are actually built within quite spectacular, though not necessarily beautiful, buildings. High ceilings and grandiose doors and windows abound and there are many original features from days gone by; craftsmanship that simply takes too long to be profitable today.

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Retiro, for anyone who lives here and is struggling to make a living abroad, is also a place to pick up some of those necessary things that sometimes we need in life but don't really want to spend those all important pesos on. For example, hats, socks, tights (in various styles and colours) and gloves are popular winter stock. If you're having some friends over for a late-night weekend dvd and snack fest, facturas in Retiro are cheap and good, empanadas cost as little as 1 peso and pizza is very cheap indeed. Sunglasses and ordinary reading glasses at different strengths are the cheapest I've seen ranging between 8 and 15 pesos and the all-important earphones for ipods and what-not (auriculares in Spanish) cost as little as 5 pesos here. Lastly, there's a small shop past the old train tracks that sells maicena alfajores for 2 pesos and they're the best in the city for me and you can buy rough muesli by the kilo for 7 pesos too. You're not going to find better than that.

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If you're looking to try the famous Argentine choripan (featured in this previous newsletter), I suggest that Retiro is the place to do so. There's an old Argentine that is there every day, all day (not sure about Sundays though) and he has a huge parilla set up next to the old train tracks. His choripans are massive and cost 5 pesos. You can add the Argentine condiment 'chimichuri' and other such goodies to your snack and you won't feel hungry or cold for the rest of the day, I can assure you.

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Lastly, as mentioned in a previous newsletter, the Retiro Cafe inside the train station really is the perfect way to convince yourself that the outside Retiro madness isn't really there if you need a break for a couple of hours. It is so comfortable, never busy and the menu is excellent. Salads for 10 pesos, hamburgers for 8 pesos, deals that combine main meals, drinks, coffees and desserts for as little as 18 pesos and alcoholic coffees that cost 11 pesos. Therefore, whether you're looking to breakfast, lunch, dinner or enjoy an alcoholic winter warmer with a close friend, this cafe can give you everything you need.

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Transport links make getting there and away a breeze wherever you live or work and although I'll admit that it's not the prettiest place in town, nor the safest, who wants to constantly go to the places advertised in the likes of Rough Guide and Footprint? If you've got a spare minute or if you live in BA, don't wait until you're leaving the city to go to Retiro. It's more than one of the most popular routes out of BA, even though it doesn't seem that way on the surface.

Don't forget to RATE me!......see Editor's Note.

Argentine Pop Music Figure - David Bolzoni
As a music lover, I'm proud to say that my taste is incredibly broad, and whilst enjoying the likes of Nirvana, Madonna and Radio Head, I also enjoy the odd Prokofiev classic, Eminem rant or Elvis Presley love song. Therefore, please don't judge my musical tastes by this recommendation, but as always, my life in BA is your life too whilst you're reading. Take from this newsletter what you will and discard what doesn't appeal.

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Having set the scene well therefore, I introduce to you an Argentine singer and songwriter called David Bolzoni. I am still incredibly new to the music scene here in Buenos Aires and therefore couldn't tell you whether this guy was popular, un-popular, internationally known or not. But, I can say that I like a couple of his songs, 'Hazme' and 'Te Amo Asi,' even though they are what I'd call you're typical love song and therefore perhaps not everybody's cup of tea.

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'Hazme' has quite a prettily shot video, filmed in New York and there are various live acoustic recordings of 'Te Amo Asi' on Youtube for you to enjoy. (I have two downloads of my favourites on my Youtube channel www.youtube.com/thetraceychandler so please feel free to have a look/listen). For anyone aiming to improve their Spanish skills, I recommend listening to some of Bolzoni's music. His accent and pronunciation is very clear. Also, if you are a lover of the typical pop song and are going to be taking a typical long bus journey to get to the next stop on your South American adventure, again I recommend these tracks. They're perfect for sending you off into a relaxing gaze as you watch the world pass by through the bus window, day or night.

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You see, at SAE Buenos Aires, we even think of you when you're leaving our base in the capital and off to pastures new.....you never stop being a valued member with us!

Don't forget to RATE me!......see Editor's Note.

Pastaflora vs Torta de Ricotta
Pastaflora (featured to the right) is perhaps one of the most iconic Argentine sweets (and by that, I mean of the sweet variety – cakes, pastries, etc. – and not things that kids want to eat instead of their dinner!). A deep baked pastry, filled with membrillo and covered in coconut flakes, it is incredibly sweet and a popular favourite in both panaderias and Argentine households alike.

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I really enjoy having a slice (or two!) of this sweet delight in the afternoon to accompany a few rounds of mate. However, I try not to have it too often, for fear that it is very difficult to stop eating and I really don’t want to be having to shop for bigger sized trousers over the next few weeks.

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Having said that, I have to say that I think I prefer the Ricotta cake (Torta de Ricotta) much more. This cake (featured to the left) is exactly what it claims to be: an open-topped, criss-crossed tart filled with a creamy ricotta based centre. Heavier, and therefore more satisfying than an ordinary cheesecake, the sturdy torta de ricotta is still very sweet. However, the cheese element helps to cancel out the gooey, sugary taste that you get from the pastaflora. Therefore, the after-taste is a lot fresher and lighter. It gives the allusion of being a little less bad for you.

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Even though, the pastaflora is clearly the more traditional of the two desserts, when torta de ricotta is on the menu it’s something I cannot resist. If you haven’t tried either of these two desserts, please do so during your stay. Then you can write in to me buenosairesclubhouse@saexplorers.org and give me your considered opinion.

Don't forget to RATE me!......see Editor's Note.

Palabras, Palabras!
Guita is the Argentine word for ‘cash,’ not to be confused with last week’s ‘mangos’ – meaning ‘quid’ or ‘bucks’ if you remember!) You wouldn’t say ‘It costs 10 cash’ in English, but you would say ‘I’ve got cash.’ In the same way, you can say ‘Yo tengo guita.’

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LAST WEEK’S QUESTION.......What is ‘GuiaT’? GuiaT is a small book that you can buy for about 5 pesos from almost all of the kioscos in the city and it gives you a complete breakdown of all bus routes and includes a small subte map too. Invaluable. Everybody needs one.

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THIS WEEK’S QUESTION.......What is ‘morcilla’?

Answers to: buenosairesclubhouse@saexplorers.org

Next week, I'll publish the answer....Ooooo!

Remember that for the next few weeks, the SAE girly team are sharing their photo albums with you. Last week, Rebecca Hinely shared a beautiful shot of children playing in the sea in Nicaragua. This week, SAE’s BA Marketing Manager, Jessica Dufresne is sharing Gorditas - a very tasty Mexican snack! - taken at her favourite Gordita chain, 'Dona Tota,' in Monterrey.

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To enter our weekly competition, simply send in your pics to my email address buenosairesclubhouse@saexplorers.org (please put PHOTO COMPETITION in the subject heading) and be sure to include a little info about the photo along with your details so that we can give you credit.

Interested in putting a classified ad in this e-newsletter? Our e-newsletter goes out to over 2500 people weekly, in and around Buenos Aires. Contact SAE’s Jessica from the BA Clubhouse at baadvertising@saexplorers.org for more information.

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Anthropologic Study
My name is Dr. Judith Freidenberg and I am an Argentine-American anthropologist currently researching the subject of U.S. expats in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Beijing (China) and Tokyo (Japan). I am writing to you in search of volunteers to participate in my research, which aims to understand the modern phenomena of the expatriate. If you are willing to participate please e- mail me at jfreiden@anth.umd.edu and I will send you a set of questions.
See the following blog for more information: www.usnationalsabroad.blogspot.com

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DELE exams in Argentina
Elebaires is guiding our students to reach an international certification of Spanish.
ELEBAIRES offers you a specific course to prepare this exam, with a successful guarantee because we practice with past exams and full explanations about the way of solving the exam.
Course dates at Elebaires: 20th July to 19th August
Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm (20 hs)
Price: 325 USD
DELE Exams date: 21st August
Book your place: 43 83 77 06 info@elebaires.com
Ask for Beginner DELE Exams!

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Looking for a place to stay????
SMALL BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BATH IN LARGE, SUNNY PALERMO-RECOLETA APARTMENT. FULLY FURNISHED, WIFI, WASHING MACHINE, CABLE.
AR$1400 PER MONTH
CALL REBECCA 15-6416-2219 or email me @ rhinely@gmail.com

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Learn Spanish with AMAUTA SPANISH SCHOOL
Finally in Buenos Aires! AMAUTA brought over 12 years of experience in Spanish Language and cultural study from Peru to Argentina. Exacting standards and engaging teachers put AMAUTA at the top of its class. Beautiful location with garden and terrace. Amazing discounts for the opening of the new locations ánd, we give away THREE ONE WEEK SPANISH COURSES per week, totally for free! Write now and you might be the lucky one. Till June 30th only. Also special discounts at our Cusco location.

www.amautaspanish.com, info@amautaspanish.com, www.spanishschoolsblog.com

or visit us: www.facebook.com/people/Amauta-Spanish/1500927779?sid=0&ref=search

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FOR SALE
The SAE shop has expanded! Guide books from $15 pesos to $80 pesos (Lonely Planet South America on a Shoestring $60 pesos), Hiking Maps of Patagonia and road maps of Buenos Aires are now available. Come by to see more, or email us: baclub@saexplorers.org

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EXPAT INFO
www.livinginargentina.com is an online publication for expatriates in Argentina. It is written in English, Spanish and French. It covers almost everything that an expat might need to know and offers some interesting articles to read at the same time. Check it out!

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LANGUAGE CLASSES
Learn Spanish with Elebaires!!!
We offer a variety of intensive Spanish courses for all levels in both private and group classes! All Elebaires teachers are university accredited and will do everything they can to help you meet your linguistic goals. Contact us via email at info@elebaires.com.ar or visit our website: http://www.elebaires.com.ar.

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TOURISM
BA: Mallory Outdoors - Located in Palermo, Mallory offers a plethora of camping and ski equipment as well as custom knives and outdoor clothing. Stop in and browse the selection and receive a 10% discount on any purchase with your SAE member card. English and Spanish spoken.
Open Monday-Friday 10:30-21 and Saturdays from 9-15