Buenos Aires - 2002 Reports

jamesbond69:

1) Top Secret club (Artigas St and JB Justo Av) has a website with pictures. It used to be a good club, but not nowadays (at least from 2000 on). I guess I saw the URL at Rubro 59 of Clasificados section of www.clarin.com, at www.ambitoweb.com or at www.buscasexo.com.ar, but I don't remember exactly.

2) Although the Argentine trade balance was negative from 1993 to 2001, the exports amounted U$S 15-20B and imports U$S 20-25B. I guess that these exports were bigger than those of most African countries, so being the fifth worst is hard to imagine.

3) 7 years ago, there was a dozen of places as those you are looking for, but not anymore. Since police busted several "saunas" in 1996, saunas owners kept away from investing in nice facilities. Also, the crisis that started in 1998 decreased the number of patrons for such places.

Currently, there are some places that fit partially your description:

- Yamila (Avellaneda): 20+ girls (many really beautiful) and take out option, but not upscale facilities neither open on day.

- La Nuit (Flores): 30+ girls and take out option, but girls not very pretty, not upscale facilities neither open on day.

- Uruguay St 188 (Downtown): open on day, but not upscale facilities, few girls (hit or miss) and perhaps no take out option. You have to ring the bell and a man may search for weapons before coming in.

There was a place 3 years ago that fitted your description (pool included) in Venezuela St and Boedo Av (Boedo Quarter), called Aloha. It may have reopened. There was also another called Partenon in the same block, and perhaps it reopened too.

Buenos Aires used to be a city of astoundingly expensive real estate prices, so no place with big pools could have afforded the high rental prices. That's why Aloha and Partenon were located away from downtown.

Hope this helps,

Andres

Said it before and I'll say it again. We can all agree to disagree with one another. Not everyone is going to agree with one another. It still amazes me that this board is as civil as it is. Says something about the class act guys that go down to Buenos Aires. I've been a part of private and public boards for almost 5 years now and this section is among the best as far as flame wars and the like.

Most of what these guys is saying about Black's is true but I still think those of you that have never been there HAVE to go there just to check it out. Have your one drink and watch the action if nothing else. But make NO mistake. The girls there definitely are more expensive. Especially if you speak zero spanish.

However, many good reputable guys will tell you that there is a fun time to be had there. Especially guys that go to Buenos Aires over and over and over. They start to recognize your face and treat you different than the average client that goes in there. I'm not sure of the 'handles' of all you guys I met but some of you can attest to the fact that Black's is a good time. I went there with two dudes one night and after walking in I don't remember seeing them again. Some girl that recognized me from a previous trip came up to me and I started talking to her.

Also, guys like SuperJeff (who also goes down to BA frequently) owned the place! He had his digital camera. Was taking pictures of the waitresses, the dancers, the girls. I was surprised! Even the waitresses were asking to be in the photos! He brought a big CD case and was handing CD's to the DJ to play. He was dancing with the girls on the dance floor. Remember, life is what you make of it. So is almost everything else in life. If you're determined that you're not going to have fun at places like Black's then you won't.

I think Jackson and several others hate Black's and that is fine but trust me. There is fun to be had there. Everyone's taste is different. So if one guy is raving about some club that he loved. Keep in mind you mind find it a dump with all trashy girls that you wouuldn't sleep with if they paid you. Everything is relative in life.

The countdown begins. T-minus 8 days and counting and I'm back in BA. Life is good.

jamesbond,

hello my friend. Suffering from post BA depression. Welcome to the club. Enjoyed your posts and keep on posting about alternatives ways of making a living in BA.

You wrote that apparment is much cheaper than the hotels. Iam curious. How much cheaper. What about the standard of these appartments? Better, the same or worse?

Your not entirely right about the argentine export. The export was pretty weak and for most of the 1990s they had a negative trade balance (i.e. imports bigger than exports). But, infact the argentine export wasn't that much worse than the U.S export at the time. Nowdays the argentine export sector (9-10 percent of the GNP) is actually about the same size as the U.S (10-11 percen of the GNP). The argentine problems has other roots. Losy monetary policy and hyper inflation combined with a recession and non-adjusted fiscal policy (high goverment expenditures during the recession that made the deficit grow).


Schampoo also has a website. www.newshampoo.com.ar

BA_ROBERT

Guys, we all have our idiosyncratic views on life and politics et al.

Remember what unites us in this forum..., our love of women !!!
And our conviction that great sex is the main reason to live and enjoy life (and then each of us with our personal tastes and our little preferences, be they good food, wine, travels, etc.)
Man is sexually poligamous and though he may have a great girl next to him who loves him, and so forth, he will still lust after the other women around him. That´s the truth. Unfortunately we live in societies based on repression of life energies (libido).

In any case, here we go, another day in BA, with new adventures.

Today went better than yesterday. Did not need to run around BA in search of chicas who are simply not there. Called Dina from Platynum (aka Perla from www.altosex.com). Agreed on Peso 150 an hour, anal and massage included.

Got to the apartment she rents and she was there !!!

Great bod. Really !!! (ex dance student). Very friendly and chatty, funny, cultivated, very tanned (has a Russian and Turkish mix in her). Very good sex. Quick massage prior. Covered BJ though. Never got to the anal part, as I could not hold it that long (though we were at it for quite a while reviewing the Kama Sutra in depth.) You can easily see that she takes good care of herself in all ways.

Age? Approx 26 I would say.
Stayed for nearly two hours, and she only wanted me to pay for one hour. But I gave her an extra Peso 100.
Seriously thinking of repeating.

To quote The Saint, "Life is good".

By the way, if anyone wants to hook up to pay visits to some clubs (Madaho et al., or the Cielo brothel), drop me a line at b69pat@hotmail.com. I leave on Sunday and still have not explored these places.

Hey Guys!

Has anyone of your tried AGOSTINA from Platynum??

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BA_ROBERT
[i]jamesbond,

You wrote that apparment is much cheaper than the hotels. Iam curious. How much cheaper. What about the standard of these appartments? Better, the same or worse?

[/i][/QUOTE]

This post really belongs in the Hotel section so I will respond here but copy also to the hotel section.

I stayed in the Diplomatic Suite at the Etoile, a sensational room, underpriced for what you get at the Mayri discount of about $66/day or about $85, if you factor in my average mini-bar bill (thanks to Delores, who loves to raid it upon entrance) and telephone bill, high because I used it to connect to the internet on dialup at almost a peso a minute. As I mentioned before the Etoile has a policy of no chicas under 21 and no twosomes, as you have paid for double occupany, not triple occupancy.

The big perk of the Diplomatic Suite is the oversized jacuzzi, which BA_Robert knows well, and the Health Club on the roof, which has a heated pool, a full exercise room and aerobic classes with model level amatuer chicas. Also the breakfasts that end at 11am are great (the breakfast opens at 7am, about when I go to sleep.) And the staff is GREAT. You can leave your laptop, digital cameras, even money on the bureau and nothing will be taken.

My total bill for the hotel for the month was a whopping $2,500, high but around the same for my relatively modest one bedroom apartment in Manhattan.

Now Johnguapo rented a two bedroom modestly furnished apartment with cable tv, balcony, telephone, kitchen, living room, fairly good security, since the room locked from inside and the entrance had an intercom. The apartment faced the back of the Etoile, that is, it was on the same block. Space wise my suite at the Etoile was probably a third bigger.

His total bill, $1,000 a month plus telephone and whatever he bought to stock his for his kitchen.

Was the room and the perks better at the Etoile? Certainly the Etoile was better.

Would I rent an apartment when I return to BA. Probably I would.

PS
Mayri tells me that the rates at the Etoile will come up in March.

BA Robert,

Check out the link in the hotel section I posted. It will give you an idea of what you can get for less than 1/2 the cost of renting a place like Etoile for a month. $2,500 US is too much for any place in Buenos Aires in my opinion.

b69 or Nibu,

Guys,

I will be in Bs As Saturday night....anybody up for a run on the town? Would love to meet some fellow BA mongers.

b69...would like to check out some of the places you mentioned.

Nibu...I think I just want to lay eyes on you and see what you're all about. Your posts are a riot!


Concerning Delores at Shampoo...did someone mention she is mature? Any guesses on her age? Sorry I missed the stated info on her....I read that she works at Shampoo....as a pro or works to run the place? I'm interested if anybody has info.

Thanks

FB

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fat Bastard
[i]
Concerning Delores at Shampoo...did someone mention she is mature? Any guesses on her age? Sorry I missed the stated info on her....I read that she works at Shampoo....as a pro or works to run the place? I'm interested if anybody has info.
Thanks
FB [/i][/QUOTE]

I'm an expert on Delores and I must warn you in advance that Delores is very smart and internet savy, so I wouldn't be surprised if she is on this forum.

That said I can't say much except that she works at Shampoo from time to time, not full time, which is one of the interesting things about Shampoo and sets it apart from most other clubs...the girls can work when they want. They are like free lancers, so you can get some different "alternative" types of chicas, like Delores. She also works or worked from time to time as an escort but for an agency that got a 50% cut, so I think she stopped. And she likes to frequent El Crocodile after 4pm and pull out the few foreigners.

Since she is highly intelligent (I dare say possibly has a genius IQ, like she knows everything about everything), speaks several languages fluently, including French and English and is charming as hell, she sometimes picks up unsuspecting foreigners in internet cafes and restaurants.

And she works on references. I don't know exactly all the ways she works but she manages to get enough clients a week to support her mother, brother and put aside for various educational activities and perhaps start a business renting out apartments or whatever can get her through the economic crisis.

As for her age, listed as mature by DCRAIN I think she's around 26-28. She's definitely attractive but she would be the first to admit she's not a Vogue covergirl. What DCRAIN meant about Delores as being mature is not a euphimisim for being old but that she is really wise, a woman rather than a girl. Most of the chicas are really dumb, so she's an interesting change from the usual screw them and send them home right away scenario before they start to bore you. You can hang out with her for years without getting bored, although if she gets bored she will bail on you after getting paid for her services.

To sum up, Delores is not for everyone. She's high energy, full of wit and information, useless and otherwise. There is a saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink". This was updated by Dorothy Parker to say
"You can lead a ***** to culture but you can't make her think." Delores is a thinking man's hooker. If she wasn't in Argentina during this time of crisis she would probably have several PHD's and teach philosophy or economics (her father is an economist) at a leading University.

Hey Delores I hope you don't read this...but then again maybe I hope you do. Thanks for the good times in BA.

PS
When Bandy and BA_Robert, two excellent mongers, first met Delores they were really distrustful of her and warned me not to see her. She speaks really fast and in spurts and thought she was a drug addict or something. I went back to my hotel room and couldn't find my Apple IPod and was sure she ripped me off..

They made me paranoid and they were wrong. Delores is someone I trust completely. Don't be put off my her eccentric behavior. She's a bit high maintence at times but people like this are really worth cultivating, for sex (she's real good), friendship, just sheer wacky fun, all the great things in life.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by saint
[i]BA Robert,

Check out the link in the hotel section I posted. It will give you an idea of what you can get for less than 1/2 the cost of renting a place like Etoile for a month. $2,500 US is too much for any place in Buenos Aires in my opinion. [/i][/QUOTE]

I agree. I could have rented a very decent apartment for $1,000/month and used the other $1,500 on chicas, which translates to about 15 black girls at $350 pesos at the top price, 30 internet or Madahos/Hook girls at $150 pesos or 60 50 peso Clarin girls.

Live and learn. This is a mistake I will not make again although I must say I really loved the Etoile....in some ways it was almost worth 60 hours of clarin girls:-)

Just want to add my 2 cents to the hotel v. apartment debate,
During my recnt trip in Nov. (Thanksgiving), I also stayed at Etoile in the diplomatic suite; for the price that I payed (approximately 65 dollars), you get a huge room with the Jacuzzi. And let me tell you, my man, jacuzzi and hot chicks is a great combination. You turn on the jacuzzi, you may even splash on some bubble bath solution, you and your chica lathering each other in the jacuzzi.....simply priceless.
I think for a short term stay in BA, Eotile is entirely a good option. The staff is friendly and non-judgemental (you don't get the dirty look from the reception desk when you try to sign in a chica, for those of you that are on the bashful side). The location is great. That being said, the next time I go to Buenos Aires, I would definitely look for an apartment after seeing Jackson's apartment and pictures of Saint's apartment; you can definitely find a very upscale place for much less than what you will pay in hotels. In addition, it allows you much more freedom than afforded by the hotels. The apartment option has worked for me like a charm in Rio; I am sure it will work quite well in BA as well.

jamesbond69:

I think that you mean "Dolores". There is no such name as "Delores" in Spanish.

Andres

Final Post:

In case it's not obvious I'm coming down from the BA high to the NYC low, so all this posting is my therapy for the day, a poor BA monger suffering intense withdrawal symptoms. Pray for my libido.

All (and more) then you need to know about BLACKS:

It has a website, www.blackbuenosaires.com, which is as misleading as a drug dealer site selling Sarah Lee cupcakes.

The entrance price is 20 pesos and includes one cheap drink like a beer but if you come often they know you will buy a drink and wave the charge.

You will have no problem finding it. Just walk fifteen feet in Recoleta and one of the great legions of underemployed in a suit and tie will take your there, claiming that he will provide free entrance or something, when actually all he does is drop you off at the cashier, who asks for the entrance fee.

The best nights are the worst nights at the other clubs, Saturday and Sunday. Blacks is run like a real business, and all the girls are required to show up six nights a week, so you have the same selection on a really busy night like Thursday on the weekend and less monger competition. If a girl is one minute late she is fined.

The best time to come is early, around 11pm, before the mongers show up.

On any given night there are 25-40 girls, and there is something for everyone. The ratio on weekends is five chicas per monger. On Tuesday at 2am (prime time) it's more like one to one and these other mongers are serious, not looky lookies

20% of the girls are Brazilian and about 2% from Paraguay. There is something for everyone - porno type girls, girl next door, black girls, even a older woman. In my opinion all are girls you would like to go home with and some you would die to go out with. The problem for me is deciding who to leave with.

Most of the mongers are foreigners, including executives and businessmen on expense accounts staying at the Alvear Hotel, Hilton, Sheraton, etc. They are not impressed with the Diplomatic Suite at the Etoile, only the money.

The girls are not impressed by anything but money. If you are young, so what. Build well, who cares. Old, ugly and fat but have the green you are King for an Hour but don't expect GFE. You are paying for beauty.

The asking price is $200 but most girls will settle for $100US. Sometimes if it is late and the night is slow you can get lucky and leave for the price of a top girl at Madahos - 150-200 pesos. The girls will only go out for 1 1/2 hours for that rate. Your drink is 20 pesos, the chicas drink is 50 pesos and you have to buy two drinks to take out a chica. Sometimes they will try to hit you up for 60 pesos a chica drink but this only happened once. If you want to take them out for longer I thnk you have to buy two additional drinks but I don't know for sure, as I only took one girl out for 1 1/2 hour for 300 pesos, a bargain the girl said, since it was late.

The girls will never approach you. It's company policy.

It is extremely competitive to get a job at Blacks, as the money can be really good. A top girl like Jovana can go out as many as four times a night. That means that she can earn $400US a night minimun. These top girls are hard to find, since as soon as they come back some monger moves in and takes them out again. You have about 15 to 30 minutes to get a top girl.

The average black girl goes out once or twice a night max. Some girls only go out three nights a week. All Black girls live on the occasional customer that may show up once a month and spend thousands of dollars for an all nighter at the Alvear. That can equal ten days of going home alone or with only one customer a night.

Blacks is 12 years old and a BA institution. It's a gold mine for the owner, an Argentine, who owns the building among many other things.

Two years ago all the Black girls were required to wear evening goans and speak English. Now the money is not so good, so most dress like college girls in blue jeans and few, if any, speak English.

Most of the girls live together a few blocks away in an all women hotel. Few do anything but work in the sex industry.

The girls swear that they don't have sex with the owner to get their job. It's all totally professional.

Sometimes - once a month maybe - they have special nights where the girls dress up in evening goans and spend hours fixing up their hair and make-up. On nights like this it looks like you just landed in a high roller suite at Vegas for a private party for Prince Faisel of Saudia Arabia and his entourage, with high class call girls flown in from all over the world. It absolute monger paradise.

The girls don't make any money on the drinks, only going out with the guys. Some girls will work days without going out and make zip. The top girls are leaving on a daily basis, for Chile, Mexico, places where they can make even more money but there are always more coming in, some working there way up from lesser clubs, some coming from other countries.

You can find even more beautiful girls at other clubs, brothels and internet services, at more than half the price but you have to work at it. At Blacks it's all there, for a price if you are willing to pay it. Call it the Tiffany of sex in BA. Blacks is what it is.

I can go on and on..I spent lots of time chatting with the chicas and finally took one back - the top earner who averages four guys a night - Jovana....but time to stop posting and re-enter my NYC routine. It's not like the girls in NYC are less attractive then in BA. The girls here can be even more attractive. The problem is that they are so much more wary of mongers types like me:-)

apstar,

How's it going? Just wanted to comment on Etoile. We had a compadre stay there in September and they have a guest policy that forbids more than one lady going up to your room. Some of the other posters can probably confirm this.

For you guys that like to do the Doublemint action, this sucks. Just to warn you.

Kick Stand

Hey staticicon,
I have not been with Agostina from Platynum, but did think about it. Probably will not have enough time. I was able to exchange some mails with her, but she did not want to mention any price in them. She definitely looks good and seems smart. However, she might be a barracuda, possibly. Hard to tell. Good luck.

Fat Bastard,
I am in BA until Sunday afternoon, so we can definitely hook up on Saturday night. Send me a mail at b69pat@hotmail.com.

By the way, the place I stay at is definitely Chica friendly. It is the Apart Hotel Recoleta, which I mentioned in previous posts.

All right, yesterday night. Hooked up with Johnguapo. And he gave me the James Bond tour, summarized version.

We went to Playwomen. It was OK, very dark, crowded, silly shows on stage. And a few pretty good looking chicas.

Went to Sodoma around the corner. 90% guys. Dark. Smoky. Small and cramped. Were a couple of gems though.

Went to Madahos. WOW! WOW! WOW! Impressive. Amazing quantity of hot women. Excellent. As Oscar Wilde said, I can resist everything except temptation.

I did resist though, luckily, as we went to Nuevo Estilo Boliche. Were the only foreigners there, as expected. It is like a middle-class argentine guys place. Lots of 20 year olds. Again, lots of great looking girls. Less impacting than Madahos, probably because they don´t dress as well or use make-up. But what a sight, and a real lesbian show on stage.
Anyways, met Lorena, who remembers James Bond very well (sorry JB). Talked to her for a while.

Then suddenly an angel appeared. 19 year old. Short, perky, funny, sweet, really nice, body of a 14 year old, a real SIN made flesh. Her name is Leila. I believe another monger has had a bite at her.

Could not resist anymore and the big bad wolf that I am devoured little red riding hood (and not the grand ma).

Life is indeed good. I am still here and I can already imagine the post-traumatic syndrome I will have on Monday.

Stay tuned.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by b69
[i]
Today went better than yesterday. Did not need to run around BA in search of chicas who are simply not there. Called Dina from Platynum (aka Perla from www.altosex.com). Agreed on Peso 150 an hour, anal and massage included.

Got to the apartment she rents and she was there !!!

Great bod. Really !!! (ex dance student). Very friendly and chatty, funny, cultivated, very tanned (has a Russian and Turkish mix in her).
[End of Quote]

Are those magnificent cannon balls in her photo real? Can you tell, I'm a cannon ball fan.
:)

Hello Gentleman,

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is "dancesw/chicas" and I am also, like all of you, a BA lover. Each time that I land at the Ezeiza and breath the Argentine air, the "high" is such that just a few hour later my weapon of mass destruction had seen action several times.

Anyway, some time ago someone wrote about a gorgeous dancer at Shampoo. Recently the website was posted [url]www.newshampoo.com.ar[/url]) and it show pictures of some of the dancers, I remember I felt the same way about this dancer a few months back. She is so beautiful!! Now my memory of her is not that good. I remember that I asked a waitress and found out her name (Paola or Paula) I tried to talk to her when she sprinted backstage but I only could exchange a few words. I wanted to dine and wine her and the whole thing. Some girl later told me that she is married and with a kid. The newly posted website shows her (the first dancer wearing black and white, blond, huge black boots). I am really curious to know if anyone had better luck than me with this dancer. After all, let's say she makes 1000 pesos a month dancing all night. She's got to be tempted...


Does anybody have a comment regarding my post. I will try to make my future posting as funny as some of you guys.

dancesw/chicas

Hey Lotsafun,

I too am a fan of cannonballs. So I sympathize.
No, the ones you are asking about have also been enhanced bionically. But they are great.

If you are into natural ones, I suggest Caro at www.placeresvip.com, Anita at Platynum, or Analya at www.sexoeste.com.ar. (As you can see I did my homework). I have not eaten any of these water melons yet (and probably won´t have the time), but all look to be proceeding from Mother Nature.

More to follow, as tonight another raid will take place on the clubs.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dancesw/chicas
[i]Hello Gentleman,
I am really curious to know if anyone had better luck than me with this dancer. After all, let's say she makes 1000 pesos a month dancing all night. She's got to be tempted...
[/i][/QUOTE]

As far as I know the dancers at Shampoo and most of the other clubs are off-limits. I have heard that some dancers at Madahos - in my opinion better than the Shampoo dancers - will leave with you after their last performance for 400 pesos.

If you are interested in a dancer you should contact a waiter and ask which dancers (waitresses?) might be interested in working after hours. If one is availabile they will let you know.

Be aware that almost all the dancers have fake boobs; if that's not a problem go for it!

James Bond is correct. I didn't mean Dolores is old, just mature in personality. I don't see well at night, so my judgment in that regard is questionable.

Pharmacy - Farmacia Guido Plaza located at Guido 1602. I looked into the generic equivalent of Viagra. It was a 10 pack for 97 pesos, without a prescription. I didn't ask about Viagra. I don't know if the lack of prescription was the policy of the pharmacy or the pharmacist. The man I dealt with was blond (quite rare in BA), spoke English (studied in the US 11 years ago) and looked like the actor Chris in the movie There's Something About Mary.

Money Exchange - The Paris Cambio on Avenida Santa Fe had the best exchange rate of any place in town. Service was quick by BA standards. It is located about 1 & 1/2 blocks from the American Express office. From November 21-December 10 my exchange rates were 3.53-3.58. I never got the exact street address but someone has posted the AMEX address before. Avenida Santa Fe is on the other side of a small park that separates the building where the AMEX office is located from Avenida Santa Fe. I beleive that the cambios close at 3pm, so keep that in mind on your day of departure.

Amex - The American Express office does not charge you to convert travelers checks into dollars, but they do charge you to convert dollar denominated traveler checks into pesos, about a 2-3% fee. What we did was convert the travelers checks into dollars at Amex and then walk over to the Parish Cambio to convert the dollars into pesos. Since my AMEX checks were free, I had no converstion costs and got a great exchange rate at the Paris Cambio. My one caveat about the Paris Cambio is that they will try to give you all large bills ($100 peso notes). My first time I was able to get $300 pesos in tens and twenties. The final time , I had to ask a second time just to get 5 twenties.

Small bills - Treasure them. At first we would round up taxi fare to the next 5 peso increment. But then we discovered that we were always out of small bills and 1 peso coins. At the end we were just rounding our taxi fares up to the next peso. And places are always asking you if you have smaller bills. If you gave them a $50 peso note for a $15 peso bill, a lot of clerks would have a look of horror on their faces. The two places we did not have much trouble breaking large bills were the nicer restaurants and the disco supermercado (supermarket). Disco didn't like the larger bills, but would take them if you said that was all you had.

Food - Price of good and bad food is the same. What we discovered through trial and error is that a lot of restaurants have started substituting cheap cuts of meat for the good ones to save money. We talked to some locals and verified this recent phenomena. With the exception of one supper in Bariloche, our best meals came from BA and more specifically, the restaurant row that runs in front of the Etoile. I am not good at names, but I believe Pepe Lomo was where I got an excellent steak. Another good place was Celettos at Alvear 1592. The dark-haired male cashier at the bar is the only person who speaks any english. The place serves excellent Italian food and that is where I learned that I love Sopa de Calabaza (pumkin soup). One place I would avoid is Club Buenos Aires. My $16 peso lamb chops contained a total of 1 oz of meat and I am not exaggerating. Found out that I also like dulce de leche (tastes similar to caramel). Helado (ice cream) consisting of 1/2 dulce de leche and 1/2 fruitilla (strawberry) was my favorite treat.

Beggers - Everyone should follow their own conscience on this issue. When we were in Mendoza, we found out that the beggars, who usually appeared to be of Indian descent, worked in gangs. Most of the money goes to their bosses. Our local friend said that she tried giving them food and they would throw it down. They only wanted cash. It is a tough situation, because you want to help the people in need, but you don't want to get scammed.

Money - I don't know if there is lot of forgery in Argentina, but at almost every place they would examine even $20 peso notes for authenticity.

Airport arrivals and departure - When you arrive always tell them that you have a reservation, even if you don't. My friend told the van driver that we did not have a reservation and that is how we ended up at the Dazzler, with the driver getting his cut, even though he was supposed to be taking us to Apart Recoleta. With two days of virtually no sleep, I was too tired to argue, but I limited our stay to 2 days. I posted a warning in the hotel section about the Dazzler ripping off my friend when we checked out.

Departure - The current departure fee is $18 US or the peso equivalent. Pay in pesos because the exchange rate upstairs is as bad as you would expect at any airport. I lost about 10-15% on my remaining $220 pesos. Remis fee to airport was $8US or $28 pesos. For about a 40 minute drive with 2 tolls, I would call that an extremely reasonable fee.

Women - The guys who spend a lot of time there can correct me where I am wrong in this area. While a lot of the women in the web sites are blond, the women in BA are not. Saw very few blonds outside the clubs. Those women dying their hair went for the dark red-haired look. If you like the girl-next-door look the average woman on the street is better looking than the average woman in the clubs.

Clubs - I only went clubbing my last night, but here is my observations for a Monday night outing:

Club Affaire - I would rate most of the women a 5-6. James Bond disagrees with me. Let Johnguapo cast the tie breaker on this club. I also did not care for the aggressiveness of the women. Entry fee was $20 pesos which entitled you to 2 beers or 3 champagnes.

Playwomen - Much better assortment of women and no cover charge. Lighting was better than the other clubs. Again the women were aggressive. Upon sitting down a woman immediately set beside me and within 1 minute was hitting me up for a drink. Playwomen was packed with women and customers on that night. My guess on the men to women ratio was at least 3 to 1.

Shampoo - On average I would rate the women below Playwomen but way above Club Affaire. The women at Shampoo must not be able to approach you, but they can stand fairly close. Exit fee is 2 $20 peso drinks. I gave my drinks to James Bond and Dolores.

In summary - I found my girl next door type at Shampoo, but if I only had to pick one club out of the 3 it would be Playwomen.

Re: AMEX Office

It's just off San Martin's Plaza on 707 Aernales. FYI re: AMEX bank downstairs in the building. You can change your AMEX checks to American Dollars for free N/C. To me this is the best of all worlds. You get the safety of the travellers checks (I get them for no commission thru the local AAA office.) and you get almost the liquidity of cash without conversion charges. As of last week when I was in BA, they were exchanging Dollars for Pesos at 1 to 3.4.

I LUV'd BA and Argentina. Made a few side trips to Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. Fellow members. Take the time and make some side trips. IMHO, you'll be missing the 4th leg of the Argentina - besides the Girls (of course), food, and shopping - the natural sights. It's absolutely breath-taking!

Just heard on the radio that the Argentinian Government defaulted on another round of loans. Whadya think this will have on the exchange rates?

DCRAIN:

1) Small bills: Go to any bank (it is mandatory by law to change money to the public), ask security "cual es la cola para cambio chico?" (what's the line for small change?), wait for your turn and ask the cashier "billetes de 10 pesos y 10 pesos en monedas" (bills of p10 and p10 in coins). I usually change p400 in p10 bills in the first business day after arrival.

2) Beggers: Yes, beggers are organized in maffias. One of the most famous ones were the Romanian immigrants who flooded the Calle Florida by the mid 90s, all of them with the same kind of sign written with the same letter. Police found later that they released the day collection at a San Telmo or Constitucion hotel to a maffia organizer.

My advice is not to give: Spend your money in goods and you will indirectly help the country and the poor.

3) Counterfeit money is pervassive. Look for security measures in bills and be careful.

4) Women are more auburn or dirty blonde than real blonde. Many of them dye their hairs with colors ranging from "platynum blonde" to copper. We jokingly call the fake blondes as "rubias taxis" (cab blondes) because they are yellow in the top hair and black in the bottom hair.

5) Food: There is an EXCELLENT and cheap book about BA restaurants written by the famous Argentine restaurant jury Francisco Vidal Bussi. Buy it and I'm sure that 80% of these places are really great.

Ah! If you have money to burn, go to the BEST restaurant in Buenos Aires: "Tomo I", in the Intercontinental Hotel in front of the Obelisco (well, best tied with the French Alvear Palace Hotel restaurant). The chef is a Doctor in Mathematics and she prepares excellent and genuine dishes. It used to cost $100 per person during the 1-1. Now it may be cheaper.

Hope this helps,

Andres

Just a quick note, excellent advice as always from Andres and DCrain. The banks are certainly an option for small bills, but I went to my favorite cafe each morning for coffee or breakfast, and simply always paid the check with a 100p note. The restaurants always have change, and this provided me with enough small bills to last the day. Each trip I have come home with lots of small bills to spare.

EZE :)

jamesbond,

007 man....great write up about Delores. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. She sounds absolutely wonderful and I can see what you meant about MATURE. Although I don´t mind age maturity, I can see where this is the kind of maturity you want to stick around "afterwards."


FB

Also, b69, just left an email for you.

FB

All right another post.

Yesterday night hooked with JohnGuapo and Jackson the man himself. Gave him my thanks for all he does for the mongering community.

And we did a small tour. Went downtown. First club was Hook. Mainly young chicas and quite a few hot looking ones. Definitely happy to go. Typical cabaret with shows, etc. Nice and laid back.

Then went next door to Cattos. Older girls, apparently with less energy. Older crowd also who goes there. Similar type of cabaret. I personally preferred Hook, since there were more girls, younger ones, and more attractive.

Then we left the downtown area and went to Madahos, with the fresh memory of the day before with such a variety and high quality girls. Surprisingly, there were many less girls and far from having as many hot ones as the night before. Go figure !
Could it be that on Thursday more guys go out (without family) and thus more girls are there to attend ? No clue.

In the end, I chose a nice looking dark haired girl. Good bod. Name is Maria Belen. 25 years old. Has a kid and is single mother. Had to buy her a couple of drinks at Peso 30 each before leaving Madahos.
Very friendly, full of positive energy, sweet and funny. The sex was good but not a GFE. BBBJ but she was not very good at that. Gave me a decent massage afterwards. Peso 200 for an hour. Gave her Peso 300 for two hours.

More to follow. I leave tomorrow evening. So there is still tonight and tomorrow afternoon !!! Fat Bastard and I will hook up later on tonight normally. So another raid!!!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vsg888
[i]Re: AMEX Office

Just heard on the radio that the Argentinian Government defaulted on another round of loans. Whadya think this will have on the exchange rates? [/i][/QUOTE]

Apparently the latest default yesterday had no effect on the peso, as it was expected. The pesos is still around 3.5, where it's been for almost six months.

About a week ago the government partially lifted the corralito, the limit on bank withdrawals and the peso spiked to 3.6, then went down to 3.5 again the next day.

But on Dec. 19 and 20th there is going to be a massive demonstration in BA, a year from the date of the devaluation and corralito. Most Argentines, including Dolores who is active in the politicial scene, believe it will be violent, with supermarket looting, etc. Some mentioned that some Menen supporters want to show that the current goverment can not control the situation and that the army should be used to control social turmoil and rising crime.

IF it is violent the peso will probably go to 4 to 1 dollar or more. For the sake of the country I hope it's not violent and the pesos remains where it is but that's the situation.

WARNING:
All mongers should exercise caution on Dec. 19 & 20th, as the situation could get nasty. I suggest you stay in Recoleta during those dates. Last Dec. 19th 28 people were killed in the protest, mostly in downtown and the poorer suburbs.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fat Bastard
[i]jamesbond,

007 man....great write up about Delores. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. She sounds absolutely wonderful and I can see what you meant about MATURE. Although I don´t mind age maturity, I can see where this is the kind of maturity you want to stick around "afterwards."

[/i][/QUOTE]

I wrongly referred to Dolores as a hooker. Actually she is more in the tradition of a "courtesan", in that she's like the women in the eighteenth century French court that expertly serviced the nobility sexually but also provided spiritual and intellectual services.

Coutesans had semi accepted role to play in the society, offering relief from the conventionality of their aristocratic wives and were not shunned and cosidered outcasts, as are women who one would apply the term "hooker" and solely rent out their bodies to any stranger by the clock.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nibu Raphael
[i]HB When you say Delores is active Politicallly in BA I hope the right way. I see way too many Socialist Communist Demonstrations in SA.,,,,,,,,,, NIBU R.................... [/i][/QUOTE]

I didn't have time to discuss in detail her politics, so can't say if she is a communist or not, although in Latin American and other places it's unclear what a communist is anymore. I wouldn't classify Lulu as a communist or even Chavez. There politics are not as clear as Castro. I know that she participated in the demonstration last year against the devaluation and will be participating on Dec. 19 & 20th but then so will millions of others, most of whom are from the now poor middle class. and just feel they must protest the situation somehow but not really have any solutions, as who does.

I can say that she's very familiar with the ideas of the American economist Stiglitz and like him opposes many of the demands the IFM is now trying to impose on Argentina. She feels the IMF is just making the matter worse. Also like almost all Argentines she blames most of the problems on the corruption of Argentine leaders, with the root of the problems starting with the Peron era.

And she is very opposed to Menen and some of this positions, such as dollarization and the militarization of the police to combat crime. That's about all I know.

Well, last night, another round.

Hooked up with Fat bastard and did a tour.

Started light. Went to Kilkenneys (Irish pub), not a monger place, just a regular place for drinks and to see the crowd. Lots of good looking girls.

Stopped at Cafe Orleans afterwards. Was dead, like three dogs were there. I understand it is a day place.

Went to Newport around 1 am. Few people. A couple of nice looking girls though.

Then went to Black, just for the sake of it. Since we had read that Saturday it was the place to check out. The place was definitely full of girls, and many were really hot.
Our curiosity being satisfied, and temptation sorely tested, we headed for Shampoo, curious to meet Dolores who has received such reviews, the modern day courtisane according to James Bond.
Place was rather tranquil. There were a few good looking girls. The dancers were impressive.
Found Dolores. Talked to her quite a bit (she is a windmill of words, a chatterbox). Undeniably very smart and friendly.
I was however feeling pretty tired. Did I hit the monger wall as John Guapo mentioned? And so Fat Bastard was doing most of the talking.
I did try to overcome my tiredness, thinking of heading to Estilo Nuevo, to repear Leila or try Antonella (a John Guapo recommendation) but was simply too tired. And headed back to the Apart hotel alone (which surprised the guy at the entrance; it surprised me too).

And now only a few hours left before the planes takes me away. Maybe I can end with a bang. Will report if anything new comes up.

More to follow in the next few hours hopefully.

Hi Andres,

I went to one bank on my next-to-last day. I waited 5-10 minutes and no teller even showed up to help the people in front of me. I left and went to the Paris Cambio. If you could list some banks with good service, it would help people.

EZE amante - It depends on the restaurant. I think the restaurants near the Etoile do a lot of business and have a lot more cash. We ate at Celettos a lot and and sat near the cash register. I don't think they ever kept more than 300 pesos in the register at one time. Most of their patrons paid with credit card.

Hi Guys;

New to this board. I've been traveling mostly to Thailand, PI, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Interested in getting a quick overview of BA. Sounds intrigueing, but very complicated. Is everything spread out? (No pun intended) I'm gathering that most of the action is in clubs. Anyone familiar with the Asian scene, that can compare that action vs. what you can find in BA?

If you had only 2 days in BA (planning on a stop over), what would you suggest for a newbie (hotel and action spots). Just want to get a taste of what BA is about, and make good use of the 2 days. I'll try to get hooked up with the girl Jackson recommended as well. I think her input would be worth it, due to my time constraints. Thanks in advance, for any light you can shed on this.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jamesbond69
[i]
WARNING:
All mongers should exercise caution on Dec. 19 & 20th, as the situation could get nasty. I suggest you stay in Recoleta during those dates. Last Dec. 19th 28 people were killed in the protest, mostly in downtown and the poorer suburbs. [/i][/QUOTE]

Hmm..I'll be in Bs As during this time frame. Should be interesting. The economy and money problems really weigh on the Argentinian's minds. Concerning the demonstrations....I have heard that the government opposition busses poor folks in and pays them $10 pesos a day, just to provide shear numbers, but I know normal everyday people in Bs As that protested a year ago and plan to do so again this year. Lots of retirees/senior citizens lost their savings last year and they will be out there as well. All in all; non-violent people who are just pissed off and worried.

As previously posted, met up with b69 and did a nice whirlwind tour...brought two workplace friends along who wanted to know the scene. b69 is one smooth guy...much more cosmopolitan and well spoken than I ever hope to be. Speaks four languages fluently...I have problems with English.

Missed out on meeting Nibu...we kept missing each other, but I had to laugh as I talked to him on the phone and he talks like he writes. When I called looking for him, I only had to ask for the "loco gringo" and the front desk chica knew exactly who I was talking about.

Fat Bastard,

I'll be there too during that time frame and I am NOT worried. Don't get all caught up in what people write here about demonstrations, rioting and protesting. I've been down there several times this year and have yet to have any problems. I was there during the heat of things when they shut down the banks. Still no problems.

More importantly, I also email with at least 50 guys from around the world that have been down to BA based on reports on this board. NONE of them experienced violance or crime.

People have to remember that the locals are not pissed at Americans. For the most part they are pissed at their own politicians. The people of their own country that robbed and cheated them and that have been for years.

Use common sense and you'll be fine.

P.S. Go back to the archives around April 2002. There were the same type of posts where people were warning about protests, riots, etc.. Everything was cool. Also, I don't see the peso getting too much weaker than it is. I think the trading range will be between 3 and 4 for a while.

Hey FB Yeh Bro I left you like 3 messages sucked we never hooked up the same with Havanaman. I hope to make it back in Argentina Maybe in april in BA For a few days or Man Late 2003 for a good 6 week tour. To B69 Who Are you? I wish I could of met you too. Who Are you B69??? Tell me more about yourself. Again to Jackson thanks for giving me a page but damn I can Not POst on it. Ha Confuses Me but anways Thanks.... Ok You Dudes I might make a post in the Valparaiso Chile section as I am here now and will be for a full 24 hours,,,,,,,, NIBU R.......

[QUOTE]Originally posted by saint
[i]More importantly, I also email with at least 50 guys from around the world that have been down to BA based on reports on this board. NONE of them experienced violance or crime.
[/i][/QUOTE]

Agreed.

I was in BA for a month last week and walked around at night in different neighborhoods, some certainly not upscale like recoleta and had absolutely no problems. And I'm physically no Claude van Damme.

Despite what you read in the press BA is safer in my opinion then NYC during the crack epidemic in the 80's, when it was very dangerous here. The are problems with the taxi's and express kidnappping but if you are just a bit street wise you shouldn't have a problem. For example I always call taxi cabs, which are 100% safe, rather than hail the taxis cruising in the street. So do many Argentines.

And there is NO open hostility to Americans or foreigners, as you might encounter in say Arabic or Muslim countries, even if 37% of Argentines in a recent poll stated that they are against the American government\, which they consider in control the IMF.

I am not posting about street crime. I am not posting about violence against foreigners or Americans.

I only post an annoucement about the dates Dec. 19 & 20th, since email from my Argentine friends, is that there will probably be some violence on these dates during and after the massive demonstrations downtown and no one who doesn't want wants to get in the middle of it, particularly if you don't speak Spanish.

It is not wise for example to go to the downtown boliches ie Hooks or Cattos during those dates. Even many Argentines will not be downtown and caught in the demonstrations. It would be very naive to do so, unless you are specifically interested in the event, which is something else aside from mongering.

Best to stay in Recoleta, far enough away from the massive demonstrations downtown and you should be fine.

re: demonstations....if the demonstrations planned for later this week are as massive and potentially violent as some are predicting it would indeed be wise to stay away from the area where protests are taking place. Generally, protests have been centered around the Plaza de Mayo area, a safe enough distance from the downtown boliches.....In fact, I have been in the boliches a number of times when demonstrations were going on less than a couple of miles away.....and for all practical purposes the demonstrations might as well have been half way across the world.....

But even if Cattos or Cutty Sark are "safe", many of the chicas will not work while demonstrations are going on....they prefer to stay at home until things die down.....

Fellow Mongers,

I am new to the board. I am going to be in BA the week of February 2-11. If anyone wants to hook up and show me the ropes, would be fun. Now if any of you travelers who have too many "AIR MILES", and would like to get some cash, I would like a round trip ticket from "John Wayne airport to EZE, first class." The best coach price I found was $625RT. I am willing to pay $700 if anyone wants to earn extra money for a "First Class Ticket" Must know by Jan 5. Just a thought. Anyway really am having fun on the board, you guys have "GREAT" stories, and I can't wait to get there. Thanks for all the help "MR SAINT", the Spanish course is wonderful, and so simple. 47 days and counting to beautiful BA...

MR LA

Hey MRLA. You're welcome. Pimsleur Spanish is great! I'm glad you like it. It really will improve your spanish if you stick with it everyday. I highly recommend the Pimsleur CD's for anyone that will be going to Buenos Aires. Even learning some basic stuff will help you immensely with the girls.

Also, you'll be very hard pressed to find a first class ticket for anywhere near that amount but Good luck. Tickets to BA right now aren't cheap. Keep in touch with me and maybe I'll be in BA during that time frame.

saintofba@aol.com

DCRAIN:

When you go to a bank, you should ask the security guard (n Spanish, since none of them speak English, and they barely speak decent Spanish). Nobody will approach you.

Respect to good service, no bank has good service. Customer satisfaction is usually just a slogan down there.

---------

jamesbond69:

Catto's and Hook are pretty away from the usual demonstrations gatherings. I guess that there is no problem going there.

Hope this helps,

Andres

Just a quick word about Pimsleur language courses, you might want to try some of the file swapping services( Kazaa etc) to see if you can download them off internet. Few months ago I was able to find a punch of Pimsleur Spanish and Portuguese MP3 files on Kazaa. Just a thought.