Lonely Planet: Recognition for a job well done!

Planning for a holiday abroad can be incredibly time consuming and mentally exhausting as endless options for a variety of experiences appear in our google searches. In times like these, we look for those familiar names, those sources of clarity in times of confusion. A source synonymous with travel and adventure, an organization ready to guide you on any journey is none other than the Lonely Planet.

For over thirty years, they have done the leg work for us, often saving us from the disastrous restaurant experience undoubtedly followed by a painful bout of food poisoning; the well-situated hostel that does not consider cockroaches a household pet; and of course how best to spend our time whilst on our individual adventure. For years they have provided us with this support and they haven’t let us down yet. In fact, they have recognized Elebaires as a premier Spanish language institute in Buenos Aires in their most recent edition of the Lonely Planet Guide for South America. A well-earned reflection of the quality of the programs offered at our school. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and would like to recognize the efforts of all our staff and students for making our program unique.

We know how difficult it can be organizing a trip to a foreign country. At Elebaires, we are here to make that a little easier for all of you with our variety of accommodation alternatives and city excursions to make sure you maximize your time in Argentina.

A Face Lift: Puerto Madero

In the late 1800s, Puerto Madero , a newly developed port along Rio de la Plata, was an engineering landmark and the city’s solution to the challenge of accommodating the numerous cargo ships. Ten years after construction was complete, Puerto Madero was made obsolete as bigger cargo ships made entering the port an impossible feat. Fast forward through 100 years of neglect and Puerto Madero has now become one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires.

The west bank, with its old red-brick buildings, offers the authenticity of the old, with the comforts of the new. Restaurants across the west bank of Puerto Madero, cater primarily to the tourists who flock to the waterfront to enjoy the fresh breezes, a sturdy sidewalk (not to be taken for granted in Argentina), and of course, a juicy argentine steak. Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge) is the most recent addition to the connectors between the east and the west. Designed by Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, Puente de la Mujer encapsulates the modern outlook of the city.

While the west bank has maintained the portside exterior, the development across the east bank could be likened to Shanghai (okay, severe exaggeration but you get the point) with high-rise office buildings and new apartments making the cityscape almost unrecognizable. While the wide avenues are certainly a consistent feature in Buenos Aires, the feel of this neighbour is eerily similar to those found in the States. Further across, the Ecological Reserve offers a safe haven for the exercise junkies to get their weekly fix with bicycles and joggers dominating the paths, however it also offers a variety of local flora for those interested in a slower-paced experience.

The good news is that while Puerto Madero has undergone a face lift, the locals are still the same. You’ll still see Argentines sweating it out on the pavement, or trying to soak in that last bit of sunshine, or ever-so-coolly sitting at the corner cafe with a cortado (macchiato). Whatever it is you are looking for, Puerto Madero certainly offers a sweet escape from the chaos that surrounds it. While in Buenos Aires, be sure to witness the change that is going on as the city begins to shake off the old and embrace the new.

Day at the Polo Fields

This past Sunday a group of Elebaires students partook in an excusrsion to Final Copa el Remanso Polo Club. For only 150 pesos (USD$38) we received transportation to and from the polo fields, tickets to the match, all you can eat/drink, and an after party. How could I pass up such a great deal?! We rode in a double-decker bus to the Polo Club which was 100 km (32 miles) outside the city. Upon arriving to the beautiful estate, we were met by waiters with trays of choripán and steak sandwiches as well as wine and champagne.

Sunday was an unseasonably warm day in Buenos Aires 33°C (91°F). Lucky for us there was a nice breeze on the fields which made it quiet comfortable to be outside. Despite having no clue what was going on, the match was very entertaining to watch. It was so incredible to watch how the players controlled the horses’ movements. After the match was over we walked to the stables and got a chance to see these beautiful creatures up close. As the sun began to set, a DJ started to play music and the crowd slowly began to dance. It was so fun dancing under the stars! Sunday was one of those days that I honestly have to say to my self "How lucky am I to be in Buenos Aires right now?"

Promoción Especial - Enero 2010

Un verano en Buenos Aires!

Estudiá español con Elebaires y disfrutá de una ciudad más tranquila y disponible para vos!

Los porteños (personas habitantes de la ciudad del puerto) suelen tomar sus vacaciones durante el mes de enero, por lo tanto, reina una tranquilidad increíble, el tránsito es menos complicado, los restaurantes están esperando sus clientes con alegría y las salidas culturales siguen con su ritmo de siempre... Enero es un mes muy calurosso la ciudad y por eso las propuestas de actividades después de clases de español cambian un poquito... En verano vamos a una piscina en la ciudad, también salimos al Tigre los fines de semana, nuestras salidas en bicicleta son más tarde porque está más fresco y la vida al aire libre es parte de nuestro ambiente para estudiar español.

También organizmos fines de semana en la playa o días de estancia para tomar un poco de sol y practicar juntos el idioma español.

Si estás pensando en aprovechar tus vacaciones para mejorar tus conocimientos de español, nuestros cursos intensivos en grupo te permiten tener las tardes libres para disfrutar también del descanso en una nueva ciudad con atractivos increíbles...

¡Elebaires también te ofrece viajar por Argentina aprendiendo español con su programa de Combinación de Ciudades! Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza y Bariloche son destinos de Argentina que podés reservar en nuestra escuela, pero también: Santiago de Chile, Lima y Cuzco!

¡Reservá tu lugar ahora y preparate para mejorar tu español y vivir una experiencia única con nosotros!

VIAJE EN GRUPO:

Te presentamos un grupo de amigos que nos estará visitando en Enero desde Sao Paulo: la Profesora Rita con su grupo de http://www.mimundoespanol.blogspot.com/

¡Bienvenidos a nuestra escuela!

We're Going to Iguazu Falls!

We have a great group trip leaving for Iguazu Falls on Friday Oct. 31st and returns the morning of Nov. 4th. The trip includes travel on a bus with dinner and a bed, accomadation in Iguazu with breakfast and dinner, translators, and a trip to the Argentine side of the falls and the Brazilian side of the falls. The total price is 930 pesos and 890 pesos with your Bais card. If you'd like more info contact info@supernovargentina.com or info@baisargentia.com. There's limited space so book your spot now by coming to the Elebaires Spanish School, emailing (above) or calling 4322-0076. Iguazu Falls are some of the most beautiful falls in the world and cannot be missed if you are traveling in Argentina.