RAINY DAYS AND FAST FOOD

On a rainy day here, I like to watch people on the street. There are men on every corner saying "paraguas diez pesos paraguas muy baratoooooo" (cheap, 3 US$ umbrella). Interestingly enough, all the Argentines stick with their tattered umbrellas that either have one metal bracket poking out the side (putting all others' eyes around them in danger) or turn inside out with the wind. The motorcyclists wear a full outfit of black rain gear - pants, hat, boots and coat. Some other men have the bright yellow full-length raincoat. The more high-end Portenas (Argentine women) color-coordinate their umbrellas with their shoes or shirt.

I have learned to conquer "Avenida 9 de Julio", which is a 15-lane highway with like 4 dividers you have to cross. I started walking across it, but you can never make every WALK signal before the cars speed up to try to nail you. Now I just sprint - and I usually make it.

On main streets, you will see Burger King and McDonalds on almost every corner. They are pretty hardcore. Sometimes, they have two levels, and are immaculate with security guards. They are more expensive than in the US, too ($6 for a salad, $2 for a small fry). Because they are so obsessed with coffee here, McDonalds has a McCafe - a little stand with empanadas and tortas and coffee.

One of my students said every Sunday after church, her husband makes hamburgers and hot dogs, then their family plops down on the master bed in front of the TV to watch a movie. They call the event "McHouse" because of the grill-out.