Pick-Pockets:
While walking through some parks this afternoon, my awesome travel companion, Adam, and I were pick-pocketed. It was a very smooth operation that I've since learned is a common scam and was performed in under a minute. After walking under some tress laden with birds, a seemingly nice couple came up to us saying that we had bird poo on us. Looking down, it seemed that we did. They offered us assistance by giving us napkins and helping wipe us down. A third person also came up, jovial, trying to speak English. During all these distractions, one of them successfully pulled Adam's wallet out of his front pocket, unzipped it, took out his debit card & his $100+ pesos (about US $40), zipped it back up, and put it back in his pocket. If I sound a little impressed, it's because I kind of am. It was such a well rehearsed operation. They seemed so nice and it seemed possible that a bird really could have done that. Online, there are plenty of other stories just like ours from not only BA, but other South American countries as well. Next time someone approaches with napkins, though, we'll be on our guard.
Piano:
After picking up a Buenos Aires Herald, the English newspaper, we read about a free classical concert at the Casa de la Cultura featuring a pianist and a violinist. They were fantastic! The performers were pretty young but both had studied from an early age and were very skilled.
Parillas:
A parilla is a traditional Argentine grill, and parillas can be found all over the city. In fact, our Lonely Planet guide, mentions how parillas are as easy to find as falling out of bed. After the concert, it was around 9:30 and time for dinner. We've adapted to the Porteño way of life very easily, so dinner is always a little late. We decided to go to a Parilla in the San Telmo district that was recommended to us by a US citizen living in BA. This one didn't disappoint. The steaks were perfectly cooked.
Yeah, that's a known scan in S. America. Sometimes someone will spill a drink on you and leave, and a nice fellow will offer his help in cleaning up and clean out your pockets.
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Gil
You know, for as little as was lost, it's almost worth the price for a good story to tell. Hhhmmmmm, maybe it's too soon to see it in that light.
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