Many of you will be going to Buenos Aires for the FCA Argentina shows as well as the FCI World Show, which runs July 8-10. Some rather sophisticated, non-doggy friends of ours recently spent sometime in BA and other parts of Argentina. Very cleverly before going, they contacted Emmanuel Burgio of the private touring company BLUE PARALLEL, who arranged their trip. This is not an inexpensive service but it satisfies the needs of those desiring first-class, personalized treatment. Throughout this issue there are other references as "to what to do in BA," but if you have the inclination (and the money), BLUE PARALLEL is for you! They can be reached at 1-800-256-5307 or on the Web at www.blueparallel.com. If you are looking for both adventure and to be pampered, this is the place. By the way, they cover all of South and Latin America, too, not just Argentina.
One restaurant I am told that no one should miss is the very sexy and swank SUCRE in BA. But don't forget, unlike the situation in Florida, Argentineans don't go out for dinner much before 10pm. No early bird specials here, and take at least the Gold card and be dressed for the occasion. Insofar as hotels are concerned, the headquarters for the show is the Sheraton, but if I had my druthers, the ALVEAR PALACE is the place to stay. Unique in its majestic architecture and décor (we had drinks there the last time we were in BA, which, I may add, was the first time, too), it is located in the heart of La Recoleta, which is probably the most refined neighborhood in BA. If this doesn't remind you of Paris, I'll be surprised.
The buffet at the L'ORANGERIE, located in the hotel, is great. Don't forget, too, the dollar goes further here than almost any place in the world.
If it's something startling new you want to see or stay at, why not try the FAENA HOTEL AND UNIVERSE. It's a dramatic eyeful, with its tornado of doormen in Dracula capes, mirrored hallways with black ponyhair benches and an all-white restaurant with unicorn heads on the wall.
When last in BA, we were taken to LA BOCA DISTRICT, which is a port neighborhood and is most unusual. Tango dancers, amongst others, abound on Caminto Street, while the entire area is full of restaurants and “churrasquerias” (barbecue spots). It's truly a different kind of experience. Personally, there is nothing more I like to explore anywhere overseas than open-air food and art markets, which abound here as well. From Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm, try DEFENSA 1281, San Telmo.
Additionally, I would call to your attention the two articles contained in this issue which go into detail in diverse manner about many other places and things to do while in Buenos Aires. Hope you all have both a good time and a winning time at these combination of shows. Also, I have attached as part of this story a layout plan for the show itself and the grooming areas as well.
For all you dog show travelers, there's a free Web site called SEATGURU.COM that explains exactly which seats to book and which seats to avoid on 23 airlines! It shows seat maps according to plane, detailing not only pitch and legroom but also the location of bulkheads and exit rows. Seatguru even provides thorough explanations for, say, why British Airways seat 1K is so favored by VIPs (it's the most private sleeper) and why the bulkhead seats have more legroom but tend to be narrower.•
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