It’s another hot, humid Saturday afternoon in Buenos Aires. The sound of a lonely bandoneon is lazily aspirating from my laptop’s speakers as I circle my room, gathering this and that, arranging my things neatly into my suitcase and backpack, and reflecting on the time I’ve spent here.
It’s not Buenos Aires that I’m leaving, though a chapter of this trip is now being closed. Last week I decided to take a pass on renewing my stay at Casa Maria Tango, where I’ve been staying since my arrival nearly a month ago. Tomorrow I’m moving my belongings into a shared apartment with Ingo, a German expat who’s lived in Bs As for 6+ years and a friend of Phillip and Melanie, two fantastic, welcoming Torontonians who just ended a 1-year stint here in Bs As.
Things have been great at Casa Maria Tango. It’s a lovely house, it’s introduced me to some lovely people, and they’ve done a great job welcoming me to Bs As. In the whirlwind of planning this trip, it was a relief to know I’d have a decent place to stay, with trustworthy business operators. And now I’m looking forward to adventures in a new neighbourhood and new living arrangements.
This Sunday, of course, aside from being moving day, is also Valentine’s Day, and the Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year, Tết, shogatsu, or Seollal). Oh, and it’s Family Day on Monday in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and PEI. So to all those celebrating special days, I hope you have a great time. For my part, once I’ve moved I’m hoping to head up to the Barrio Chino again to see how they celebrate – and, yes, avoiding visiting the wrong restaurant.
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