Chile is a real treat but Urban Argentina was a whole other experience. The people were all friendly, we weren't threatened in any way but yes the culture shock, garbage and graffiti (like the reaper above but on new and old buildings)and refugee tenements is distracting. The sidewalks in Buenos Aires are not walks anymore, the concrete so degraded, it is hazardous to walk with your eyes up. The food was great and the prices we were charged were OK even with the taxes. However the locals saw their Argentinian Peso devalued 20% while we were there. That has to make for a lot of unhappy people. It is not a third world country, judging by the apartment blocks, office buildings, Mercedes, Porches and BMers, but it sure is trying to get there!
Dogs are often abandoned there and are well taken care of-didn't see a skinny scrawny one at all (another reason to keep your eyes on the ground BTW). They followed the rules of the road too, well at least the survivors do!
