Buenos Aires

[grweyers]

Our Man In BA. Roberto is really one of a kind. Not only does he know alot about the History of BA, but he gives you a good guided (basic) tour of BA. He also makes him self available either in person or by phone for any problems, issues or just general information. He is truely a friend and a wonderful person. BA is full of beautiful, friendly people. I had the privilege of meeting a number of them. I will say that Fabian is one extremely good looking sexy Man. Roberto was kind enough to set Fabian and I up. I will on a return to BA make plans to meet up with Fabian for a longer period of time. He is really a genuinely nice person to be around. I am a private kind of a person when it comes to my partner, and will there fore not post a review, all I will say, is Fabian is every thing any one would want all in one, and is worth alot more then he charges.....Now onto to some thing a little bit different. BA is a save place. I have heard how some people are pretty nervous and scared about BA because of the propaganda they may have read, well do not believe every thing you read. BA along with its Beautiful People are save. Like every major city it has its fair share of problems, but nothing to make one concerned about. Roberto will show you and let you just how save BA is....Plan your trip to BA and include Roberto in your plans, he is a valuable source for a BA trip....and have Fun.....

[Guest Deweywop]

I've read much about Roberto on these boards and his services do seem helpful. However, what's the economic arrangement with him?

[gulliver]

I just returned from two weeks in south america - spending two of those nights in Buenos Aires. I lost my passport while in Rio six weeks ago and had to cancel my first planned trip to BA without notice.

My arrangements for both trips were made by Roberto on Trilingual's recommendation. Remember, it is summer in BA and like NYC or Boston in August there will be less to do than there would be during the season.

Let me brief you on my experience with Roberto.

 

Both times he handled hotel reservations and airport pick up. You ABSOLUTELY should book hotel thru him. he is an exacting sort of person and makes recommendations and bookings only after checking out all details. You will get a MUCH better price if you book thru Roberto. Give him exact information about what you would like to do in BA (sex, dinners, touring, shopping, etc ) and since he knows the US well what sort of atmosphere you want your hotel to have and the budget.

He arranged a room at a incredible Howard Johnson on Rua Florida just off San Martin for about $50. including full buffet breakfast. the hotel staff and accomodations were suberb. He was there shortly after I checked in to introduce himself. The next morning he picked me up and we spent most of the day togethor walking and touring. He is a sheer delight as a tour guide and am looking forward to doing a week in BA during their Fall.

 

We stopped at his apartment - and you always get a real sense of a person when you are in their home. I honestly do not remember what I paid him but it was so reasonable and when considering the money I saved by having him make hotel and "boy" arrangements it is a REAL BARGAIN. I do know that when it came time to pay he charged me by the hour for the time he personally spent with me and did not charge for the time spent planning and emailing. I do not think he charged anything for making the hotel or boy arrangements. If you are not using him as a guide (a big mistake in my opinion) he will probably set up some rate for his services. My impression is that he truly enjoys making these arrangements and money is not the motivator and he would be most apt to undercharge - so feel comfortable talking openly with him regarding fees and dont worry. He forwarded about six or seven escort agency websites to me and arranged my meeting the boys (also at a rate more favorable) than a tourist who does not speak excellent Spanish would negotiate.

He was the epitome of discretion in making arrangements. You can feel absolutely comfortable asking him for help in setting up whatever personal "boy arrangments" you may wish.

 

However, these boys need advance notice so you can not plan on what you want last minute. Preparation is important especially during their summer season when the boys may be at the beach for the weekend.

 

Some general feelings re BA - I am not a shopper but the leather belts, briefcases, suitcases, shoes are too cheap too pass up. So plan on bringing lots home. I am not a late night person in NYC but BA is a late night town for eating out. I did not go to any bars but had a nice experience with an escort in my hotel. Internet cafes abound. Plan your trip a bit - you are in an exquisite European type capital city not a beach resort so you need to be on a different wave length than when planning a trip to RIO - there is no comparison between the two cities - its like Boston compared to Miami. Saw great antiques and furniture reproduction store and will spend more time checking those out this year.

 

Roberto leaves BA for trips to the shore so plan in advance and definitely include having dinner with him at least one night - he is so enjoyable to talk with. I invited him to stay at my apartment as a guest when he visits NYC because he is such an easy person to be with. Considering I don't relish many people as houseguests I think my invitation reflects how relzed he is to be with. He has a great sense of humor.

 

I would allow four nights in BA as there is much to see. I found the city even more beautiful than I ever expected and it is a walkers delight. I never felt unsafe. Hope this helps you in your plans.

 

If you contact Roberto give him my regards.

[trilingual]

Contact Roberto directly for rates, but in general it's about US$20-$25 for the first hour and $15 - $20 per hour afterwards. Rates depend, of course, on what you require from him. Usually Roberto doesn't charge just to make a phone call or a hotel reservation for (unless that's the only thing you use him for) but if he spends several hours making more elaborate arrangements for you, like setting up several guys (or researching them for you); making your hotel reservations; arranging for airport transportation; making other arrangements like getting opera tickets, tours of the annual decorators showcase (Casa FOA), visiting an estancia, doing an art gallery crawl or attending an art/antique auction, etc., then he'll expect reimbursment, particularly if your plans change and you end up not going! In that event, just work out a fair price with him by phone or e-mail.

[Guest Deweywop]

Thanks you guys for the replies. I still am dying that I don't currently have the time or money to make an Argentine trip, but I'm hoping some time this year. I'm a pretty independent traveler who reads and researches and explores most things by myself (that's how I went on my 2 trips to Argentina in college) but it does sound as if "our man" can provide additional services and information. In any event, I might enlist his help in something just to have the chance to meet such nice-sounding and well-connected local.