Thirty hours of travelling later, Buenos Aires received me with a record heat wave of 35 degrees Centigrade. That compares to having a heat wave of similar proportions in Winnipeg in April. Officially Buenos Aires switches on air conditioning on 1 November - if required. Ergo, I tangoed the first milongas/tango dances during the days after arrival to the dual sound of ceiling fans on full blast and tango music competing for the ears of dancers.
However, it felt like 'coming home'....the same milongueros with whom I danced in previous years, recognized yours truly and I danced almost non stop with the result, that jet lag is gone, and bags under the eyes have arrived.
But Buenos Aires, never ceases to surprise - or to express it succinctly - surprises are routine happenings. After the heat wave, torrents of rain....
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| Buenos Aires after the flood |
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| Lujan after the flood |
The Lujan River rose 5.35 meters flooding most of Lujan, a pilgrim's destination just outside Buenos Aires. Argentinos take it in stride. They ride their motorbikes along flooded streets as if nothing is amiss. However, once the water rises above knee or waist level, things start to change. Kids - and adults - take a swim fully clothed, some take out their fishing poles, some take their kids for a ride in a swimming pool type inflatable, the better off take a spin in a 'gomom', a big rubber - i.e. Zodiac - and some take their dogs for a walk/swim to find a place to do their thing.
Wellingtons are standard equipment, however they become useless in deeper water, as they flood as well. So people wade around barefoot, up to their waists in water, and put the boots back on again when water level allows them to do it. Nothings seems to be 'off limits' and life goes on, except for the many unfortunates, who have to be evacuated from their homes, where their belongings have found a watery end.
No water, no power, no food in the flooded stores. People are desperate - but take it with an incredible equanimity...this kind of thing happens after heavy rain, albeit this one packed about 136 mm in one night.
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| Scenes around Lujan |
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| Waiting for the waters o recede |
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| Shopping for groceries |
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| Still time to play |
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Boat rides.....
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| Lujan's Cathedral remained open to worshippers... |
Buenos Aires was hit as well, however, a day after the deluge, life was back to normal. Lujan is still flooded, and more rain is forecasted....
One's heart goes out to the people of Lujan and the other towns, which are still suffering the aftermath.
