Storing Luggage at The Clubhouse
Remember that you have to email us when you want to either pick-up or store your luggage to make an appointment. This is because we do not store the luggage at The Clubhouse. We store it at a location nearby and will need to arrange with you, via email, when to meet. Please email all luggage correspondance to baclub@saexplorers.org

Going to Brazil???
Our top Brazil expert and SAE Volunteer, Caroline Major, spent 6 months volunteering in Brazil within and travelled the country during her stay. The records of her trip are invaluable to the traveller about to embark upon their Brazil experience. So, please come in to the clubhouse and read THREE indepth articles about her experiences to ensure you make the most out of your all-important trip.

Made in San Telmo.Come by the clubhouse and pick up a copy of the San Telmo Tourist Guide: a pocket guide to San Telmo that provides quick information on cultural centers and exhibitions, local events, bars and restaurants, and more! You can also check out their website for information at: www.madeinsantelmo.com.

Poke us, befriend us.
O.k. So, every week since I arrived I've advertised through this newsletter that we have a facebook page....well, we really do have one now!!! Caroline has been working really hard to update the page recently. Since we moved locations, some things have been difficult to keep up with, but we're getting back on track at a pace now. Therefore, 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 www.myspace.com/saebuenosaires and www.facebook.com (search for Buenos Aires Clubhouse SAE.)

Pick one up! Get South is a fantastic free guide we have that features pages and pages of invaluable tips and information on life in Argentina. It has discounts on hotels, tours and trips all over Argentina. We also have copies of the latest Traveller's Guru! All you need to know about travelling in Argentina and chillin' in the Capital. Both are free so swing by and pick one up!

SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday, May 27th 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.
Email us at BAevents@saexplorers.org to reserve yourself a place.

DEAF CULTURE IN BA (Seminar)
Tuesday 26th May @ 2pm - 4pm in the Clubhouse is a seminar about deaf culture in Buenos Aires. The talk is going to be given by one of the associates of Villasoles, which is a sign language institute here in BA. The institute gives sign language courses as well as offering a degree course for people interested in becoming deaf interpreters.

AR$5 (for members) AR$8 (for NON members)

The seminar will consist of a talk on the Deaf Culture here in BA, an introduction to sign language where you will learn how to communicate your own name and a question and answer session. Our very own Amelia Edwards has worked in this field since September 2008 and will also be on hand to talk about her own experience as a volunteer worker here in the capital. She is very enthusiastic about her experience and so you can be sure to be inspired by her energy.

Email us at BAevents@saexplorers.org to reserve yourself a place.

GALLERY HOP AND WINE TASTING (in San Telmo)
On Friday 29th May @ 5.30pm
Masottatorres Gallery on Mexico 459 in San Telmo
This gallery hop and wine-tasting evening is a one-off event beginning at the Masottatorres Gallery at the above address and WE ARE MEETING AT THE VENUE AT THE TIME STATED ABOVE.....DO NOT COME TO THE CLUBHOUSE!!!. The gallery has invited various local contemporary artists from the city and they will be showcasing their most recent work to date. After this gallery, we’ll be heading off to two other galleries close by for more fun and culture through organised talks. These talks are one-offs and therefore worth your visit! The final gallery will be a good place to stop and have a drink too, so there is absolutely no reason not to come.

AR$10 (for members) AR$20 (for NONmembers)

RSVP to BAevents@saexplorers.org to reserve yourself a place.

ADVANCED WARNINGS! ADVANCED WARNINGS! ADVANCED WARNINGS!

ARTESANAL BEER TASTING SESSION
On Saturday 6th June between 12pm and 1pm, the BA Clubhouse is hosting an Artesanal Beer Tasting Event. A local Argentine, Hernan Francisco Natalichio, will be giving on talk on how his beer is made, where's it's sold and you'll then be able to sample the three different varities. He is also going to be offering some cheaper deals on the beer at the end of the session too, so if you develop a taste for it throughout the hour, you can walk away wih your own stash of the stuff at a good price.

I'm not a beer lover at all - much more of a cocktail girl - but I really liked the black beer variety. It's a little like Guinness, but less heavy and less bitter. It had a very smoothe quality to it and didn't leave me with the horrible after-taste that I get from most of other beers (one of the reasons I don't really like the stuff). So, in short, I'm a bit of a fan and suggest that you join us here in the Clubhouse for an hour of good old-fashioned fun. Beer in the afternoon has got to appeal to a fair few of you, for sure?!

AR$ 5 (members)
AR$10 (non-members)

The above price includes the free beer tasting and all the info provided in the talk. Please RSVP by sending an email to BAevents@saexplorers.org to reserve yourself a place.

I'm poor and hungry!

I've given you 24 hour cafes, empanadas to die for, the best steak in town and buzzing streets that are lined with different places for you to whet your appetite. This week, I've been out and about scouting for those poor little travelling souls who are living on a serious budget and who aren't bothered about sitting down to enjoy a good meal, but more interested in staying alive on 10 pesos a day. (It can be done, I assure you!!!)

So, if you're hungry and poor, I suggest you dine with the finest of BA on Lavalle, inbetween 9 de Julio and Florida in the Microcentre. Along this part of the street there are about 3 or 4 fast food joints that serve 'panchos' (hot dogs with many different fillings), milanesas and hamburgers at exceptionally low prices. Either one of these tasty little numbers can be bought for as little as AR$2.50 and the portions aren't bad. A hamburger, for instance, will come with all the trimmings (lettuce, tomato and sauce) and the panchos are topped off with different vegetables, sauces (depending on the variety of panhco you order) and even small potato chips in some of the outlets - and let's face it, everyone likes to think they're getting a freebie, don't they?!

Of the pancho variety, what's called in most places 'the italian' is the kind that most appeals to me, with its toppings of cheese and ham and olives. However, I'm not a fan of the basic 'american' (a plain hot dog with mustard and tomato ketchup).... I mean, that's just not good value for money when you compare it with the other offers, but maybe you'll disagree - some of us have simple tastes, it's true.

There is the occasional plastic high chair and accompanying food bar in all of these outlets for you to sit on to enjoy your 'meal'? in comfort, but most people tend to stand around the serving hatches and top up their unheathy snacks every now and then with the many sauces on offer. Some of the deals even include a coke for the equivalent of about 1 peso - not to be found anywhere else in the city as far as I've been able to tell. So all in all, if you're hungry and poor, you can't go wrong with the 3 or 4 blocks of Lavalle...even its location is perfect for all being so incredibly hip and central.

Tasty!

Partying the night away with live Jazz at Thelonious

Last weekend, I had a fantastic evening at 'Thelonious,' a very slinky little bar on Salguero 1884 (Palermo) with two Argentine friends. Every night of the week (excluding Mondays) this bar presents a different live jazz band to entertain its regular Argentine clientele. Last Saturday's main band, Hernan Merlo 'XL 9net,' played for about two hours in total, with a short 15 minute break in-between. At 12.30am, the Transnoche Event, 'Ignacio Amil,' made up of a pianist, trumpeter and a sexy female saxophonist provided a background of upbeat, funky music that helped to keep the venue energised and happy.

The cocktails (tragos) were also nothing to be sniffed at. I sampled a Madras (vodka, cranberry and orange) followed by the classic Tequila Sunrise and found myself quietly merry in time for the little walk back to my flat on Las Heras at closing time. My friends between them ordered a Brandy Alexander (very creamy), a Caprihana and two great classics - the Cosmopolitan and the Martini, Daniel Craig style. In my experience (and as a Londoner, the cocktail naturally formed an important part of my staple diet for many years), you can't just order a cocktail and expect it to be as good in one place as it is another. We're not talking about chain production goods here and so when I say that this place served cocktails that matched the quality of its live music, what I mean to say is that The Lionous is top of the list for me in BA. Not too much alcohol, but a definite kick, mixed with the juices and sodas delicately and expertly and served with the utmost care in terms of presentation. Basically, an all round ten for me.

Thelonious also serve a few snacks (however, don't expect to go and have a meal there... it's not that kind of place). Pizzas served on dark wood platters (how I'm a sucker for presentation!) olives and different cheeses as a platter to share, are some of the hunger killers on offer at Thelonious. Although the portions are small, the quality is good and lining the stomach before the alcohol is a good idea. Musically, the trumpeter was simply sensational. I love the sound of the instrument regardless - the way that it cuts in through the other instruments and makes its presence so obvious has always been something that has got into my very soul....I love the way that Jazz music makes the floor and tables of a venue rumble and resonate when they hit the bass-line notes.... but the entire band were flawless and sent me to my comfy bed a very happy lady. I will most certainly be returning.

Lastly, some notes for ensuring you're evening goes without any hitches..... It's important to book ahead - which you can do online. (www.theloniousclub.com.ar) This place really is popular and it's better to reserve a table. Once you've been once, you'll get a feel for the layout and see that you can reserve small side tables at varying distances from the stage, a spot on the balcony at the back of the venue or a place at the bar itself. However, I repeat quite clearly here, please make sure you book. It is always nicely full (not packed, even on a Saturday) and this is because the venue takes bookings. Therefore, you may find that you're evening is not as comfortable as it could have been had you phoned ahead. The main music acts normally starts at about 9.30pm, but the music lasts all night and the venue shuts at around 3am (relatively early for our beloved Portenos) and for this reason the bar has a very chilled vibe with people who are not there to party, but to appreciate good music. During Saturday's main act, nobody spoke...infact, I couldn't even detect any breathing. Therefore, if you're serious about your music, get yourself on over to Thelonious one evening. You won't regret it.

Exportation Problems Hit Argentina Hard

Amid the world economic crisis, Argentina is now facing even more problems. Well-known globally for one of the countries responsible for large exportations of beef and wheat, recent figures are worrying. In short, there are concerns that Argentina may not be able to meet exportation demands of its primary products in the coming years due to poor harvests and a reduction in the areas of land that are at present being farmed. Indeed, there are rumours that Argentina will not even be able to meet the beef and wheat demands internally, let alone feed the rest of the world.

Such concerns are being inflated due to the fact that countries such as Brazil (normally one of the main buyers of Argentine meat and wheat) have been rumoured to be looking elsewhere for these staple products. Indeed, if Argentina loses the partnership it holds at present with its neighbouring country, the effects on the economy could be disastrous and amid what is already a global problem, the worries are of the utmost concern.

So, why have the harvests been so bad? Why is the country producing such a reduction in beef at present? There are a number of reasons and many of those directly involved within the farming business attribute these reasons to government decisions. Export duties faced by Argentine farmers are very high. However, the government have recently announced that AR$800 million will be granted to the farmers in soft loans to help rebuild industry produce. Farmers say that these loans would only fund ten percent of the area that needs to be sown in order to meet business demands and have accused Fernandez de Kirchner and her government of only introducing these loans as a means of winning more votes ahead of the June elections.

Dairy and meat trade is performing just as bad and as a result, members of the farming industry are now running for government candidacies in order to have some sway on future decisions concerning their livelihoods. The facts are incredible. The 2008 - 2009 season in comparison to the season before is expected to produce 11 million tons less of soya beans, eight million tons less of wheat, nine million tons less of corn and two million tons less of sunseed. Naturally, however, the issue is far more complex than what I have been able to print here, but if the subject catches your interest the English printed newspaper, The Buenos Aires Herald, is following the developments very closely on a day by day basis.

Where do they sell the cheapest nuts and seeds in BA???

I don't know if any of you will have noticed, but nuts and seeds or anything of a healthy nature in BA is very expensive (relatively speaking, of course). In fact, it seems to be the case throughout the entire South American continent. Why? I don't know, but expensive they are.

I am a big fan of nuts and love eating muesli with seeds or putting different types of seeds into my cooking. I have tried the factura or media luna and coffee diet for breakfast (not least because it's the cheapest breakfast on offer) but I just can't stomach it in the mornings. Its too sweet and I need something wholesome and savoury (the finicky British, hey!). However, it is rather depressing when you're on a budget and a sticky factura in almost any shop will cost you no more than AR$2, but 100g of nuts (because buying less just isn't an option) will cost you from anything between AR$6 to AR$15. That's an hour's pay for me!

So, since arriving in BA I've spent some of my time checking out the prices across a number of different 'nut and seed joints' as the other frustrating fact is that depending on where you shop, the prices can vary radically! These are my findings:

Almonds (almendras) can pretty much be bought anywhere for the same price AR$6. Sometimes, if you by them in a small supermarket, pre-packed they will cost one or two pesos more, but on the whole you can be sure that the cost in a deli or a supermarket is more or less the same. Sometimes you can buy caramelised almonds from little stands on Corrientes, Santa Fe and Colonel Diaz, to name but a few, and these are sold for AR$3 - a fair bargain in my opinion, but they're covered in sugar which kind of defeats the healthy focus - Argentines just love their sugar! Lastly, Carre Four supermarkets sell 50g packets for AR$3.50 if you're looking for a little snack - and they're toasted! Mmmmm!

Cashew nuts (caju) on the other hand, vary ridiculously in price. Sometimes a deli can sell 100g of cashew for AR$12. This is ridiculous when I know that I can buy 100g of this delicious nut in a small health food shop on Viamonte inbetween Suipacha and Esmerelda for AR$5.40 (The cheapest I have found in the whole city so far). The only other place that sells them at a reasonable price is the supermarket 'Disco' (I go to the one on Santa Fe inbetween Sanchez de Bustamante and Billinghurst in Palermo). They sell 100g packets for AR$7.25.

The walnut is a very expensive nut wherever you go. Normally about AR$12 per 100g in any supermarket, deli or health food shop. For this reason, I gave up the idea of being able to afford them long time ago and stopped looking.....sorry. However, pistachio nuts in Disco supermarkets can be bought for about AR$7 per 100g- in comparison, most delis sell them for twice that. Therefore, Disco is a real bargain.

Whenever you're buying any form of packeted peanut (mani) whether it be crocante, caramelised or normal, never pay more than AR$2. In Palermo and Recoleta there's a tendency to really overcharge. In addition, 100g of mani japones should cost no more than AR$3 in any deli or shop. If you're charged more, you've been seriously robbed.

Finally, the subject of seeds. On the whole, sesami seeds are more expensive that linseed (lino). However, prices do still vary greatly. For example, in the little health shop on Viamonte, the cost of 100g of linseed is about AR$3, but for the same price I can buy 250g of linseed in a similar type of health shop found on Medrano inbetween Corrientes and Lavalle in the neighbourhood of Abasto. This is clearly and huge difference and also shows that you can't even rely on the prices of every product within the same outlet because the Viamonte place is good for cashew and yoghurt (AR$2 for an individual pot of Ser - WOW!), but expensive for seeds and almonds. This is very frustrating, but unfortunately there's nothing to be done about it.

My final advice is to always buy your muesli pre-packed in a supermarket. 500g should cost around AR$3.50 and no more. There are packets that cost more, but the cheaper options taste just as good. In my experience, when buying muesli by the gram in any deli or health shop, the price is always more than AR$2 more.

Am I mad for caring about the price of things when the difference is only a few pesos on the whole? Maybe, yes. However, I know what it means to be on a budget and for all those travelers or expats out there that are going through the same, this research is my gift to you.

Che boludo - if 'Che' means 'dude or mate' and 'boludo' is an adjective to describe someone or something that is stupid or idiotic, then this phrase must be a real contradiction, yes?.....No.....'Che boludo' simply means:

'Hey, listen to this.' However, this is NOT something that you’d say to your Grandma!!!

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Graham Newell and his photo of a woman hosing-down the ground inside Recoleta's Cemetery, is the first entry to win a place in the newsletter two weeks in a row. Well done, Graham! Our other members failed to send in a photo that captured the ordinary, working spirit of BA better than you. Graham has been living in BA since February, teaching both primary and Secondary school children. Taking photographs has become one of his hobbies here - a plus point for us here at SAE, for sure! and because he's won for two weeks in a row, as a special treat, I'm advertising his blog: www.inthereef.blogspot.com

Don't say SAE never gives out prizes!

To enter our weekly competition, simply send in your pics to my email address buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com (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.

Remember, the aim is to take a better photograph than the previous winner (this week Graham). If we don’t receive any worthwhile contenders, Graham will stay in our newsletter next week too. Can Graham and the sparkle of Recoleta find their way into week number three?

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 me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com for more information.

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

APARTMENT FOR RENT
Description

The apartment is 71 square meters. Maximum capacity: 4 persons. It has a full kitchen with breakfast room, living room with dining area, one full bathroom with bathtub, two bedrooms and huge balcony -6 sq m. Amenities: paddle court, swimming pool, yard, security 24 hours and laundry, cable TV, stereo, A/C and ceiling fans, central heater, local telephone, High Speed Internet . Kitchen with kitchenware, microwave, gas stove and oven, coffee maker, bed linen and towels, iron and ironing board.

Contact Details
ccukier@cponline.org.ar

Location
Palermo. Two blocks from Botanical Garden, two blocks from Santa Fe Avenue.
Close to Subway line D (3 blocks, Scalabrini Ortiz Station), and buses. Restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets all within walking range as well as movie theatre, Alto Palermo Shopping.

Rent
Rental: 850 USD pr. Month plus 1.000 pesos expenses.
1.000 USD refundable security deposit
The rental includes all expenses. The rental includes monthly maid service.
Owner, no commission, no extra charges.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT
I'm planning to build a catamaran sailboat out of discarded PET soft drink bottles which are littering the ecological reserve next to Puerto Madero. I'm borrowing the idea from a British environmentalist who is sailing across the Pacific in a PET bottle sailboat that he calls PLASTIKI. If there are any people from SAE who are interested in forming a crew to construct and sail it, or know of anyone in BA who would be interested, please contact me at: greganchors@yahoo.com

I need people to help gather and convert soft drink bottles in the reserve and to help me build it into a catamaran form. I then need people to help me sail it after construction. Experienced sailors are a must.

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

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!

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.

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