El Bondi

While living in Buenos Aires I discovered the joys of public transit. The Porteños lovingly refer to their local buses as "bondis" and more formally "collectivos". Knowing and feeling confident to ride the bondi's in Buenos Aires took some effort and memorizing the little map guide, however, gave this somewhat tentative, yet surely intrepid new resident a new found sense of independence.

It was before I had decided to "live" in Buenos Aires actually.  I remember the day I decided to "get lost" on the buses in an effort to truly learn the system.  Andres, the Hostel employee and new friend, suggested that I purchase a guide.  This wasn't as easy as one would think.  I went to several new stands looking for one without much luck and then realized that I had to purchase one from a local street kid on the bus or subway for $3 pesos. 


Once in hand, it was as if the entire city was there at my finger tips.  I can only imagine the first iPhone app for travellers to be developed (actually, Omnilineas sort of has), but for now, the old fashioned way seems to work marvelously.  If you  haven't used a map in a while, it might be a bit intimidating.  I know many of my younger friends who rely all too frequently on their smart phones might find it a bit awkward. 

I remember vividly, if you took the 152 line, you'd be taken over to La Boca where you could check out the historic old neighborhoods famous for Tango and futbol.  Or the 64 line was a quick one from where I lived in Palermo Hollywood into downtown, near Retiro.  I could take the 124 to Corrientes for a day of bargain shopping.  Or, if I had recently gotten paid, I'd prefer to head to Puyerredon, an upscale, leafy, tree-lined shopping district on foot.  Or, to visit one of my girlfriends and perhaps indulge in a little Argentinean-style bowling, I'd take the 166 to Villa Crespa. 



The truth is, I really and fully immersed myself in the lifestyle, culture and essence which is Buenos Aires.  In 6 short months, I easily managed the city via bondi, subte, by foot and even by bicycle.  It feels like a lifetime ago.   What I wouldn't give to be back there again...anything except Ziggy, of course.