back in BA

Ok so after my Thanksgiving food coma and subsequent last minute soaking up of all things America, I haven't been blogging lately (but have tried to remain dutiful to my dear Panza Porteña). Anyway, hello hello! It definitely feels good to be back where the weather is warm - although it does nothing to get me into the Christmas spirit - and back with Josey. My trip home was much needed, though, and I got a lot done in just 2 weeks' time. Would have loved to popped up to New York to see more friends but there's always next time!

What was waiting for me in Buenos Aires upon arrival? José had filled the apartment with gardenias (jasmines), my favorite spring flower, so that was lovely. Outside of our little nest though, it seems that things are slowly descending into chaos. The Government has decided to lift 100% of all subsidies on gas/water/electricity, but only in certain neighborhoods. You win a prize if you guessed that it's the nicer/"wealthier" areas that are the victims of CFK's new measure. The subsidies in fact were put in place after the economic fallout of 2001, so while they're not totally "necessary" anymore the idea of lifting them 100% completely and not gradually comes as a shock / annoyance to everyone. I think what bothers me the most is how obviously specific it is at targeting "the haves" - apartment buildings with amenities (like the big towers in Puerto Madero and the newer buildings in Barrio Parque, etc) are specifically called out.

Another gem- the AFIP revoked 318 people's "monotributo" status (those who are self-employed, like freelancers, but pay taxes based on their reported incomes) because they had made trips to places like the US and Europe several times in the past year but "their income didn't justify." Additionally, these people "are known to live in exclusive gated communities and own luxury brand cars." The fact that these things are happening makes me feel like I'm either living in some backwards place from the Cold War era or Argentina is some new post-apocalyptic Nanny State that feels it's OK to manipulate these sorts of things.

Anyway, we've also been to the Polo match semifinal last week, and José ran yet another 10k race successfully. My favorite part of the weekend was lounging poolside and catching some rays - I was getting a little pale for my own good in DC - while reading a good book.

It's a 4-day weekend here, thanks to the birthday of the Virgin Mary and there are lots of fun things on the horizon. A delayed Bengal to celebrate my return and 6 months of married life (!!!), a wine tasting with Anuva Wines (more info will be on the food blog), and some other cool things brewing. I can't believe Christmas is in 19 days. What?