The Murray Chronicles

March 05, 2013

La Boca

La Boca is a barrio in Buenos Aires on the riverfront, at the mouth of the Rio Plate. It is most definitely a working class neighbourhood and a highly popular tourist destination.

Walking through the barrio, which is not accessible by subway, presents a rougher side of town; not the nicest part of the city, yet still very much a neighbourhood. Some guidebooks suggest ignoring Boca all together, others say it is unsafe at night. One source mentioned that police are there during the day to watch over the tourists; when they leave at sunset, so do the police. Somehow it doesn't seem quite that bad.

As one gets closer to the waterfront the barrio's homes and businesses become more colourful. There is a certain element of fun, and there is lots of noise and colour.

Souvenir shops and overpriced bars and poor restaurants appear as one gets to the centre of the barrio, a street called Caminito (immortalized by the tango of the same name). English and Portuguese become the most widely heard languages and tourists are everywhere.

Side streets offer a place for local artists to set up stalls and these are well worth the visit. The artists seem genuinely happy to talk with people and present their works.

Boca is a neighbourhood. Somewhat touristy in the daytime. Vibrant and colourful, and full of life, with or without the tourists and the Policia.

March 04, 2013

Dengue Fever

Throughout Argentina signs and posters are prominently featured on street corners, in Subte stations and at bus stops. Radio and television spots also remind people of the need to restrict exposure to a problem that increases in Argentina with each year: Dengue Fever.

Dengue is a problem that began only in the 1950s and has grown since. It is a virus spread mainly by several species of the Aedes mosquitoes. While millions worldwide are infected every year, about 20 000 humans die as a result of infection.

There is no vaccine,
so prevention is carried out by reducing the habitat and number of mosquitoes, and by limiting exposure to bites. Proper treatment once infected is important.

We have noticed mosquitoes since arriving in BA two months ago; mainly in the evening hours. I seem particularly suited to attracting bites. So far, no symptoms.

The kitten and the statute

Statutes attract birds, mainly pigeons.

This statute, at Plaza Italiano, also has, perched half way up, a kitten.

There are many dogs in BA. At times it seems everyone has a dog. Cats are less visible. The cats that appear in parks and along streets are often skittish and thin.

March 03, 2013

Jeem's Used Car Emporium

From my perspective, most of the cars I see, as they narrowly miss me as I cross the street, are relatively new. There aren't all that many older models. I don't know the actual figures; it's my observation.

However. Automobile production is important to nation states. It is a key driver of employment and economies around the world. Canada produces over two million vehicles a year, most destined for the US market, and increasingly more are being made in Canada by Japanese companies, Toyota and Honda in particular.

Argentina has European flare in its lifestyle. The late night dining is Italian and Spanish, and the coffee culture is clearly Italian and French. That European influence is obvious in the country's auto trade as well.

Last year the number one selling brand in Argentina was Volkswagen with 20% of the Argentine market. This includes the VW badge of SEAT, something we don't see in Canada.

The number two auto seller in Argentina was Chevrolet with almost 16% of total sales. Mainly small cars of course; nothing American looking here. A favourite of taxi drivers for reasons unclear to anyone.

The Renault-Nissan alliance sold 14.7% of all cars in the country, and few indeed are from the Nissan side of the partnership.

Peugeot-Citroen was in the number four spot with 13.3% of the market. Sharp looking cars of course; they are French designs after all.

Ford sold 12.1% of all cars sold in Argentina in 2012, followed by Fiat with almost 10% (including the Chrysler line, which accounts for next to nothing in Argentina).

Toyota held only 5.4% of the market and Honda was a minor player at less than 2%. All the other automakers accounted for less than one per cent shares, though it is interesting to see the Chinese brand Chery making inroads in this market.

Most of the above companies, especially the European concerns, make cars here in Argentina. In fact, last year, Argentina produced almost one million vehicles. Most were exported to Brasil, some to Europe and the balance was sold here.

As for me. Now that I am fluent in Argentina's version of Spanish (another story altogether) I have decided to go into the Used Car business. There are a few wonderful bargains to be found, and I think... with a little wax and duct tape, I can sell these things. Make some money. Make people happy. Maybe. How about: Jeem's Used Car Emporium ~ If you can mark an X, you can drive away in your very own car!