Crime---again....

[Ceviche]

The cops not doing their job due to the lack of money available for law enforcement, because they are in a poor country, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You have a good attitude, though. I'm sure you would be happy almost anywhere!

When I was a wage-slave and was not well payed, I never worked to 100% potential. I shammed and I performed to my 60% levels. And I was in a job of huge responsibility as well. It happens to best of us.

Lower salary= lower motivation = lower performance

Expecting that if you have responsibility and must give 100% irrespective of the salary is a very western mindset. Like taking things for granted " Wear the uniform, take 1000 pesos and go and give your life for the nation!"

 

[Ceviche]

Is this why dogs are so popular in BA, too? Are they partly for protection?

An average person in BA is very lonely. Every single person, particularly those in 30's are looking for a mate of much superior quality themselves. Also unlike the west or US, where the man is dependent on marriage or commitment to a woman for satisfying his basic body needs does not exist here. Most of the people of all genders here have a healthy sex life. This does not mean that its impossible to fall in love or "settle down" in BA, as the city is full of options. However, this search for a superior quality soulmate and with the man not dependent on marriage or commitment for having sex, leads to desolation and lonliness for the single person in BA. It does not mean only single people have dogs. But this is what I have noticed with majority of my friends who have dogs. All in their 30's or late 20;s, All single, all looking for a superior quality soulmate but unable to find so and hence seeking happiness with a dog ( or a cat)! ( A dog or a cat who would love them unconditionally despite their obvious flaws!)

 

[cbphoto]

..."all looking for a superior quality soulmate but unable to find so and hence seeking happiness with a dog ( or a cat)!".. LOL
And all the other comments made by Ceviche on this post

 

[Ceviche]

..."all looking for a superior quality soulmate but unable to find so and hence seeking happiness with a dog ( or a cat)!".. LOL
And all the other comments made by Ceviche on this post

Glad to make you laugh!

 

[Iznogud]

Whenever I see a cop on the street, i always salute him out of respect. I have been doing this for years.

To all:

Weather is getting warner.
These guys are wearing those thick and heavy bulletproof vests that haven't had a few hours rest (or ventilation) since they were issued too many years ago.

Be nice to a cop and if/when you see one guarding a bank or similar under a scorching sun or exhausting heat, be kind and offer or buy them a bottle of water or a refreshment. It's a simple gesture that might not mean a lot to you but it means a lot to them. Small price for a smile.

Thanks.

 

[pompeygazza]

Although I'm back in England now, I recently lived for five months in Downtown (Montserrat) and commuted 6 days a week to Monte Chingolo in Zona Sur. This commute involved either taking the train from Estacion Constitucion to Estacion Lanus and then a bus, or the 37 bus all the way. My employers warned me that the train journey was potentially dangerous but it was usually (when the Subte wasn't on strike) a quicker way of getting to Lanus. The safety measures I took were:

To carry nothing of value in my rucksack. It was opened once but the thieves must have been put off by the used tissues and empty chewing gum packs they found in the outside pocket. In the main pocket I just had my books, water and an umbrella.

To carry a tiny amount of cash (less than 100 pesos), no wallet and no cards.

To carry an emergency 100 peso note (for a taxi), and a piece of paper that had written on it the phone numbers of my boss, flatmate and UK contact. These were kept in a secret place.

To carry 6-8 pesos in coins for the buses in case my SUBE was stolen.

To not carry a mobile phone.

To wear drab, old clothes. I wore a watch all the time, but it wasn't expensive.

Above all I blended in, just walked along with my hands in my pockets. On the train I looked down or out of the window.

I was never robbed and in fact had no problems at all.

Monte Chingolo itself was described as a dangerous place, but I took the advice of my colleagues and, after work, just got on the bus out. No staying behind for a drink, no walking on a warm day. These simple measures kept me safe.

I would like to say at this point that some of the greatest generosity and hospitality I've ever received in my life was given to me by residents of Zona Sur.

When people who live in villas miserias can take a 30 minute journey and see the extreme wealth of Puerto Madero, or the rich expats of Palermo, it's obvious that there is going to be crime.

Frankly, I'm never surprised when someone posts something like 'I was robbed in my £5000 per month apartment.' The thieves know where these places are, and will target them.

 

[Quantum Sparkplug]

Just the other day, i was walking on the street late in the night after visiting a place of ill repute. I was on my way to catch a taxi on a desolate street. A guy came behind me at high speed on roller skates.

By the way, I am not someone who daydreams in BA. I am alert 24/7 with all my 5 senses working overtime. I even sleep in the night in my high security/ heavily guarded apartment building,firmly holding a very heavy weight baton under my blanket. I normally never carry more than 400-600 pesos and always have back-up pesos in my apartment if I run out of pesos and have to take taxi home. I do not carry any bank cards any more and neither I carry my driving license anymore. i do carry my iphone though because I am just unable to use a cheap phone.

So this guy on roller skates behind me. i had already heard him ( with my senses alert). As i thought, he tried to come very close to me, put his hand in my pocket for the wallet and skate away. The moment he creeps up on me, I had my leg entangled in his leg in such a way and so quickly at that, the poor guy fell head fast, on the pavement.

Within few seconds I was lucky to get a taxi and proceed on my way home. I did not even bother to look behind me what happened to the skater. When you live in a city full of vultures/rats, you don't bother to see what happened to the vulture/rat you just kicked away from you. At most, they get up and look for another prey. Harsh as it may sound.

This was just a example for faint hearted expats who may be looking to relocate here. Yes, something may nothing happen to you. But don''t be 100 sure about it. But then if you dont plan to venture out in night time, dont plan to do any extra co-curricular activities in BA, lead a life of a hermit, live in safe /high profile neighborhoods , you would be pretty much safe here.

It's too bad that crime has become so rampant. Have you followed what is happening in places like Johannesburg and Capetown, S. Africa? It's much worse and has followed on the heels of something positive, the abolition of apartheid. Weird.