Building-Architecture-Renovation-House Projects

podborski says on Aug 30, 2007, 21:17:

This photo was taken today of the facade of my place in Palermo Soho, BsAs,

The facade has just been cleaned and has the base coat of 'tarquini' applied. Tarquini is the brand name of a stucco like coating, but it is a far better material, looks better, resists water.

They will put two coats (one is good enough, but two coats leave a smoother finish) of tarquini on top of this base coat.

podborski says on Aug 30, 2007, 21:28:

my "can't ANYTHING go right" story for today is this:

my painting crew were painting the medianera (common wall between houses) on the side facing my neighbours. I could have left it grey, but I offered to paint whatever colour they wanted. So the painters matched each colour on the existing walls of my neighbours' houses, and then cleaned the walls, prepped them put 1 coat of primer and 3 coats of finish on them.

Everyone is happy. So happy that one neighbour asks the painters to paint the rest of the walls in his back patio. I think, thank god, finally the neighbours are happy. Painters have all their gear there so they go ahead, finish the job in 1 day.

They hand the neighbour a bill for 500 pesos, and he says that's too much, refuses to pay.

Painter complains to me. Neighbour phones me at the same time to complain about the painter.

I think, what the F&*% have I got to do with it?

Long story short, neighbour pays 400 pesos, is pissed off. Painter gets 400 pesos is pissed off. Keeps apologizing to me, but insists neighbour is a 'mal tipo'.

I end up paying 100 pesos just to stop from having to hear about it anymore.

scotty says on Aug 30, 2007, 21:48:

try to be a nice guy and help a neighbor and help the neighborhood look better and what do you get for it? grief!

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

houstongal says on Aug 30, 2007, 21:53:

oh pod! i guess that's why you're always supposed to negotiate price upfront huh? maybe your neighbor learned his lesson.....maybe not!

good color! and i love the details on the building! anyone ever suggested a slightly lighter shade to make those details "pop"?

podborski says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:12:

hola HG!

(it's 2 am, I have meetings at 8 am (potential new architect) and 10 am...why am I still up?)

Yeah, it makes sense to paint the trim/moldings/details a lighter shade, that is common here, but the idea is to leave it monochromatic to tone it down a bit, as inside it is going to be full of very strong colours.

Today I was looking at possible colour combinations for the metal shutters. I originally wanted grey/silver to keep the monochrome idea going, but it just looks too cold.

I am also considering a rust colour, and one other I can't even describe.

decisions, decisions...

houstongal says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:16:

these are interior shutters? and it's 2 am? geez! i didn't realize you were 2 hours ahead of me! hey...it's FRIDAY!! And I'm almost finished with my risk assessment report!

podborski says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:20:

no, the dark green ones you can see, they are just on the windows now to protect them as much as possible from the painting etc.

new front door and 'garage' door arriving saturday...

woo hoo, friday! Hope you get your work done and can relax on the w/e. i plan to relax with maybe 2 bottles of wine on saturday night, i really need a drink.

now i am going to bed..chao

houstongal says on Aug 30, 2007, 22:28:

chao pod. it's a long w/e here - labor day on Monday!

OK...the shutters....I like the dark color contrasting with the neutral shade of the building. what's the color of the metal work in the bottom right? Black? I would prefer black as a strong contrast to the building (classic color combination). But it's difficult to tell for sure in this photo.

But I see a problem...the very top windows have a wood-colored trim? Will it stay that color? If so, then the shades need to coordinate with that. Or the window trim needs to be painted to match the shades. One or the other. My two cents on the matter.

gringoloid says on Aug 30, 2007, 23:43:

I know why you're still up pod, pbh is an addiction; attackers and all.

The soon to be esposa and I are going to come down and see you; puede reservar una habitacion para dos personas.

Man Tequila says on Sep 3, 2007, 13:59:

It's a nice building. Your neighbour is a jerk.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 18:20:

one bathroom almost done, just need to finish the moldings (solid aluminum) and paint..

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 18:23:

bathroom on top floor with skylight

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 18:28:

this is an older photo but I like the light...

the workman is Mauro, one of my favourites, always singing while he works. He's also the night watchman, and I joke with him that he's living pretty well these days in a big mansion in Palermo. I think he's enjoying it. He asked me to take some photos from the terrace so when he goes home to Chaco he can show his family where he was working/staying all this time.

houstongal says on Sep 13, 2007, 19:19:

I like the "gay" bathroom! Hey, is that my skylight? I assume no elevator, but stairs to the top floor? Pod, after being on the road for 2 weeks, my suitcase gets pretty heavy (especially after I hit the gem store in Sao Paulo) so I hope you've got someone available to carry my bags up the stairs! :-) Oh wait....I think that's Gabo's job! Gabo, you meeting me in Buenos Aires in December?

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 19:40:

yup that's your skylight, and it will be tiled starting tomorrow, but the installer is scratching his head a bit about how to tile the sloping ceiling...

elevator is scheduled for mid nov, but more likley they will wait until their drop dead date of dec 15...

anyway, I need the exercise carrying bags up stairs

houstongal says on Sep 13, 2007, 20:10:

jajaja! I dunno....my bags are usually pretty heavy and Gabo was the one who said he would be my porter wherever I go. The weight allowance is usually 70 pounds because of my frequent flyer miles....oh wait...I have that non-Continental flight between Sao Paulo and BsAs. Darn......

Cool! I can watch my skylight bathroom being finished online! Hmmm...I can see your installer's point about the ceiling. Something will need to be propped up against the tile to hold them in place while the mastic dries! Hmm....

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 20:17:

plus, when you put the tiles on a slope (angle) on that wall, the lines will not match up with the ones on the vertical walls...tricky....

pretty easy to prop them up though.

now, what do I do with the bathroom with the oval window? the installer is already pleading with me to paint around it instead of tile, jajaj. But I want tile...

houstongal says on Sep 13, 2007, 20:43:

jajaja! How's the tile to cut? Pretty easy? I've always found that cutting tile was the most fun. But then it's very similar to cutting glass for stained glass so I never thought it was too difficult to cut tile to fit around toilets.

Ah yes....the matching lines problem. I didn't think about that! I'm sure he'll get creative there! You certainly want to challenge this guy don't you! ;-)

podborski says on Sep 13, 2007, 21:39:

it's porcelain and very very hard...

and the glass trim is even worse, we decided to send it to a specialist. I won't use that again!

houstongal says on Sep 14, 2007, 14:45:

Ahh....no wonder he's not keen on cutting the tile. Glass can be tricky. Once you get the hang of it, it's not that difficult to cut though. Glass cutters a grinder is sufficient. Maybe you should've tried sending the glass trim to someone who does stained glass. I wonder if it would've been cheaper?

podborski says on Sep 14, 2007, 16:44:

the grinder he has is ok, just not great.

I think the glass guy we found will be good, he is also doing the etching of the logo on the front door, and he did all the work for the famous Starck designed Faena hotel.

The good things is, things like this are not expensive, I'll probably pay like $50 to have all the moldings cut.

But things that should not be expensive, like accessories for the bathrooms (towel racks, soap dishes etc.) are outrageous. If I want to get accessories to match the faucets I got, I'd have to pay something like $100 USD for the toilet roll holder! It's almost unbelievanble.

Yet I can get a granite counter top for $400.

I'm having fun shopping now though!

houstongal says on Sep 17, 2007, 04:39:

I agree with you....it's amazing how much faucets cost in itself, but the towel bars and toilet paper holders on top of that is nuts. Sometimes I think it's probably better to not bothering to match everything and get by with less expensive choices. But then, I can't get a granite bathroom counter for $400! Geez.....how nice!

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:23:

a whole bunch of photos I took today:

the new faucets:

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:29:

the green bathroom

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:32:

courtyard balcony

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:34:

top floor front room

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:36:

recepcion area

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:38:

view from the roof terrace

podborski says on Sep 22, 2007, 14:59:

the kitchen extension in the courtyard

houstongal says on Sep 23, 2007, 12:03:

very cool pod!!!!! those tiles really are huge! i would think they would be fairly easy to put up. fewer tiles to have to morter. i like the faucets. very old fashioned.....classic! looking forward to seeing this place. things are slowly coming together i see! i will email you with the dates once i get my reservations changed.

podborski says on Sep 23, 2007, 12:25:

thanks HG.

yeah the green tiles are 24 x 18 and some of the white ones are 36 x 18.

Fewer tiles, less to grout, but they are very heavy, very hard to cut, and need a lot of material to hold them to the wall. The tiler wants to finish the green bathrooms asap as he is really struggling with them. 'Your' bathroom is next, then we head down to the bar/kitchen.

Next week I will probably be his 'ayudante', as his usual guy is on vacation, and I don't mind helping out to keep us on schedule. Time is flying now.

Going there now to see how the wooden staircase is coming along. Hope your trip is going well, chat later.

podborski says on Sep 25, 2007, 12:24:

I think I'm going to like the wine bar business.

A well known bodega just dropped off a little gift at the hotel, 13 boxes of wine, some wine glasses, a decanter, ice buckets, etc.

I'm now thinking I have to call every bodega in argentina...

this might be the last time any of you see me sober : )

houstongal says on Sep 25, 2007, 13:07:

very, very cool.......me thinks your next business venture should be a wine bar just for the amenities!!!! sounds like you now have wine to stock in your cellar....is it completed yet?!

i sent you my new itinerary. it`s not as good as the last one, but it will have to do for now. i still hope to return to argentina in 2008 for another visit!

Man Tequila says on Sep 25, 2007, 14:20:

Man, how soon can I make it to BzAz anyway?

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

houstongal says on Sep 25, 2007, 14:22:

I dunno MT....come join me in December. We can party in Pod`s hotel! Only problem is I will be there the week before Christmas. The nerve of these guys scheduling a meeting that required me to change my plans!

podborski says on Sep 25, 2007, 16:23:

I think december would be a good time to come man t...we'd just have to get mona down here and we'd be all set

We can party all the way up to christmas, what's wrong with that?

then if we could get 2 more PBhrs to join us, we could each have a room and have the whole hotel to ourselves, just like a rock band would do : )

houstongal says on Sep 26, 2007, 00:45:

jejejeje...that would be fun huh pod? Sell out the hotel to PBHers!

goin_south says on Sep 26, 2007, 01:03:

'r...PBH Winos.. ;)

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

LA_MONA says on Sep 26, 2007, 02:08:

omg look what I have been missing out on by not entering this thread!
Great progress Pod, well done darling.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

LA_MONA says on Sep 26, 2007, 02:09:

"then if we could get 2 more PBhrs to join us, we could each have a room and have the whole hotel to ourselves, just like a rock band would do : )"

hey I could leave London early and go with my suegra? She's a blast don'y worry, and she loves wine.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

houstongal says on Sep 26, 2007, 04:43:

yeah, that would be fun huh mona? a pbh meet-up at pod's hotel!

not sure how you missed this thread, but pod started all of this in another thread called House Projects (search PBH). He wasn't the OP, but we hijacked it after pod posted photos there.

podborski says on Sep 26, 2007, 16:15:

good evening everybody

well today we finished your bathroom HG, tiles on the sloped ceiling, moldings and all. Just needs fixtures and paint.

maybe I'll take photos tomorrow.

I have to say, the place is really starting to look like something, finally. The front door looks really good, it is 3 feet wide by about 8 feet tall, and I am just waiting for the glass engraved with the logo to be delivered.

These days people are starting to knock on the door to ask when it will be ready, or to sell me hotel supplies.

This week a guy came by and gave me an invitation for a free massage at his spa which is a few blocks away. He wants me to send my guests there for massages.

I like this business!

podborski says on Sep 26, 2007, 16:17:

ok so we have man t, HG, mona and her suegra and me, we just need one or two more and we will be set.

who should we invite? CK? kat of course...

kalder too. I could see drinking many bottles of red wine and great conversation with kalder.

I'll need a bigger hotel.

Man Tequila says on Sep 26, 2007, 17:33:

I might be able to get a week off in December. Is this an offer en serio?

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Sep 26, 2007, 19:23:

Absolutely

HG is definitely coming, and I'll certainly be here

Monita? We'd hate for you to be left out of this...

Lucas Freley says on Sep 26, 2007, 19:28:

Man Tequila sos bienvenido por estos lados cuando quieras. Así que si tu compatriota te da alojamiento gratis y con vino...las chicas te las presento yo, Ok ?

Houstongal, ni bien recibí tu email, te lo contesté. Pero no se si te llegó. Aprovecho a reiterartelo, por las dudas de que no estuvieras enterada. Estoy a tu disposición para lo que necesites saber. ¿Cuanto tiempo vas a estar? ¿Tenés pensado ir a algún sitio en especial, o solo Buenos Aires? Si tenes pensado algo mas, avisame. Yo te recomendaría Ushuaia y el Perito Moreno. Es la época ideal para ir.

Pod, me alegro mucho de que las cosas te estén yendo bien. Hace un par de semanas pasé por ahí...y la verdad el Hotel es muy lindo. Aparte la zona cambió bastante. Sabes que podes contar conmigo cuando lo necesites. Está bueno eso de que te relaciones con negocios de todo rubro.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

podborski says on Sep 26, 2007, 19:43:

hola Lucas!

Tenés que venir y dar una vueltita adentro, casi siempre estoy en la obra. O si querés esperar hasta cuando tengo un bar funcionando, yo entiendo.

Por supuesto, nos juntamos en diciembre, cuando HG, man t y monita estarán.

Pero lo del alojamiento gratis, tengo que decir que no seria posible, pero hay discuentos importantes para mis amigos del PBH.

Vino gratis, eso si.

houstongal says on Sep 26, 2007, 23:50:

You bet MT, this is serious....I'm arriving December 15 (1:30 pm) and departing late in the evening on Dec 22. Unfortunately I'm working during the week, but the weekends are free. It would be great if you could join us!

Lucas, my apologies for not sending you an email. I had to change my reservations last week and I believe this is not changing any further. Unfortunately, because I have to work I will only be able to spend my free time in BsAs (the week before I will be in Sao Paulo). I wanted to extend my trip for a few days, but with Christmas the following week, leaving on the 22nd was the best I could do.

If MT does not join us, at a minimum Pod, Lucas and I should have dinner together one evening!

Dan says on Sep 27, 2007, 00:52:

Pictures look pretty good. I like the room with the windows. Looks to be very open.

God Bless America!

LA_MONA says on Sep 27, 2007, 04:38:

Pod! Wow great spanish honey! Hasta con vos y todo jaja

Well I will try and make it...it is very very tempting, I think it would be absaloutely fantastic actually to meet with all of you and in what better setting than our own private hotel.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Lucas Freley says on Sep 27, 2007, 11:06:

Pod gracias por la invitación. Durante la semana se me complica ya que estoy en la zona de Tribunales. Pasó que el otro día fui a una audiencia cerca, y pasé para ver el Hotel. Y la verdad me dio no se que molestar. Pero la próxima paso a saludar. Desde ya cuando tengas todo armado ire al Snack Bar. Claro lo de alojamiento gratis fue un chiste, no te quise poner en un compromiso. Te pido disculpas. Además ese Man Tequila tiene que pagar alguna vez...jaja.
Pd: Si compraste el diario La Nacion de ayer, en el suplemento Arquitectura salió una nota interesante sobre una exposición que se hace a partir del sabado con diseños de mas de 50 estudios de arquitectura. Y lo mejor es que es ahí a casi dos cuadras de tu hotel. Es en el perímetro ubicado en Godoy Cruz entre Santa Fe y Paraguay. Seguro te puede interesar. Podes verlo en este link:
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionImpresa/suplementos/arquitectura/ind...

Todo bien Houstongal. Pensé que no lo habías recibido. Of course, well at least you have a weekend. Upss...I think December 15 is the final concert of Soda Stereo, and of course I will be there ;) haha. But if I could not meet you this day, maybe on sunday. Ya veremos cuando tengas confirmado y lo arreglamos con Pod. Ok ?

Mona, Pod es todo un Porteño. Hasta es fanático de Boca Juniors. Tiene fotos en La Bombonera que documenta mi afirmación.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

houstongal says on Sep 27, 2007, 12:17:

yup, lucas....perhaps we can do something on sunday. we will arrange it all through pod. it seems like many months away but the year just flies by!

podborski says on Sep 27, 2007, 15:59:

thanks mona, but my spanish would be a lot better if Ihad a novia here, but i'm counting on Lucas to set that up soon : )

Lucas, thanks for the link, I didn't see the article but I passed by the site this week and it looks great! I'm looking forward to checking that out, and eventually seeing that whole area developed, I think it will make a great improvement to palermo.

Man t: I promise that if you come mona will come too.

Mona: I promise if you come then man t will come too.

And I also promise that we will all have a great time.

HG, we'll set something up with Lucas for sure. I have a feeling we might all be hung over on Sunday though....

gringoloid says on Sep 27, 2007, 17:35:

Myself and Mrs Gringoloid will be in BA that week; looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing the hotel as well as BA. Save me a room!! My birthday will be that week so we can celebrate that too.

right now I'm in santa marta getting ready to go out for an evening of laughter and entertainment as well as some intoxication and intercourse.........I won't be on pbh too much until the end of october.

podborski says on Sep 27, 2007, 18:32:

alright GL! Looking forward to seeing you (and la senora)

mona, you better hurry and make up your mind, I only have 6 rooms...

Lucas Freley says on Sep 27, 2007, 20:25:

Jaja Pod. Tengo algunas amigas. Asi que averiguo y veo que se puede hacer. Ok ?
Si te recomiendo ir al Stand de exposición porque siempre hay algo novedoso. Y le viene muy bien a la zona que lo hayan arreglado. Durante años eso eran galpones de tren abandonados y las Ex-Bodegas de vino Giol. Y era peligroso andar de noche por Godoy Cruz. Yo tenia un amigo que vivia en Godoy Cruz y Soler, y si bien yo iba y volvía por Oro, la casa estaba enfrente de ese descampado. Incluso había gente intrusos viviendo ahí. El barrio se cotiza mas. Bueno por ahora la suerte esta de tu lado !!!!!!

Si claro Houstongal. Si no es el sabado, es el domingo eso seguro. Justo Soda Stereo se volvió a reunir despues de 10 años y ese dia (15/12) da el ultimo concierto de toda una larga gira por la America entera. Lastima que vengas solo a trabajar, pero bueno ya se verá. La noche de Buenos Aires es linda. Y aca se estila hacer los after hours luego del trabajo los miercoles y jueves :) Pod puede atestiguarlo...

Gringoloid good. So you are coming here for travel or work? How long are you staying ? If you need some info, only tell me.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

houstongal says on Sep 28, 2007, 00:17:

OMG....this is so exciting!! PBH meet-up in BsAs at Pod's hotel?! I'm not going to want to go to work that week! What a motivator for me to get as much done in the prior weeks.

Hey GL, when is your birthday? Mine is on Dec 30th. Sounds like we a good reason for a bigt celebration (as if we needed one).

And Lucas - After work on Wednesdays and Thursdays are big huh? I will definitely keep that in mind. An even bigger movitator for me to get my work completed. Your Saturday fight sounds like fun, even if you will be there for work.

LA_MONA says on Sep 28, 2007, 02:29:

Pod great strategy jaja

Listen Pod, I doubt very much I can make it... I have everything planned for January but I really really mean it when I say, I would genuinely love to be there, if a miracle happens and I can make it no worries, I'll just go without the suegra and bunk up with HG, you don't mind do you HG ;))

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

houstongal says on Sep 28, 2007, 02:43:

Of course not! That would be fun Mona...like a slumber party. We would probably talk all night and get no sleep!

podborski says on Sep 28, 2007, 04:42:

ahh what a nice image to send me off to work with, on a Friday no less : )

ok, mona, I understand, but we're all very disappointed : (

man t, are you in?

LA_MONA says on Sep 28, 2007, 05:57:

Podski, not as dissapointed as I am believe me..

Do you think you can do another get together before I come back from Colombia, so I can just hop over to Argentina, pleeeeease?

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

kalder says on Sep 28, 2007, 07:58:

Apologies for my late arrival. I've only just stumbled on this thread. Great stuff Pod! Absolutely fascinating- your story- Canadian hotelier in BA- starting (more or less literally) from the ground up.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

houstongal says on Sep 28, 2007, 08:30:

jejeje pod.....i'm sure you were thinking of panty raid (interesting considering the discussion on the other thread re: underwear) and playing spin the bottle?

gringoloid says on Sep 28, 2007, 09:14:

Lucas........this trip is just pleasure; i've never been to BA so it's a new adventure.

I have other friends there that have been begging me to stop by, so this is a good excuse to go. I think the weather would be good too.

Looking forward to meeting you......

Man Tequila says on Sep 28, 2007, 16:30:

Maybe if I promise to come Mona will change her mind. I´ll know more next week, but should be doable.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Sep 28, 2007, 19:09:

too many comments for my wine addled little brain to be able to keep track of, but the important things is we have HG and GL (and guest) confirmed, Lucas and I of course, Man t a near sure thing, mona scheming on how to manage it, that just leaves kalder...who just had a long vacation over here, but you only live once you know...

Anyone else?

LA_MONA says on Sep 29, 2007, 09:16:

"Maybe if I promise to come Mona will change her mind."

ManTequila, the fact you are going has been a small factor in deciding against joining the hotel meet up.

I tend not to hang out in person with guys who make me laugh as much as you (and Pod for that matter) it has to do with the papayazo. These kind of papayazos could be detrimental to marriages plus the fact I have no desire to live in B'sA's or Canada.

And yes, we women do read too much into things -)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Sep 29, 2007, 11:52:

ohh sure mona, as if man t or I would even THINK about trying to convince you to live happily ever after in BsAs or Canada, as if it ever crossed our minds ; )

(Anyway, I don't think either of us owns a uniform, so you wouldn't have to worry)

houstongal says on Sep 29, 2007, 11:57:

What pod....no hotel uniform?! ;-) I am really looking forward to this gathering of PBHers. That'll be half the hotel with PBH members huh?

podborski says on Sep 29, 2007, 12:07:

me too, and yup that will be half the hotel.

Maybe I'll fill up the other half with various colombianas that I have written about on PBH..that must count for something too huh? jajaja

LA_MONA says on Sep 29, 2007, 12:10:

Pod that's the thing you guys don't need 'em.

Bring on the colombiana's, Man T and Lucini will have a field day, did you get the number of the one in the green dress?

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Sep 29, 2007, 12:10:

and now, off to the antique market to search for a big, fancy front door handle.

chao pescados

LA_MONA says on Sep 29, 2007, 12:16:

Great !
Those all important finishing touches..hope you find the right one, see you in about 10 hours jijiji mentiras!

Something tells me Pod might be needing that free massage when he gets back ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Lucas Freley says on Sep 29, 2007, 13:44:

Gringoloid, how long are you staying in Argentina ? Because maybe you can make a trip to the Glaciar Perito Moreno in South Patagonia, and Ushuaia. Or Bariloche. You have a lot of places to enjoy in December/February. Ok mate, prepare to drink a very nice wine that Pod have in his Hotel.

Both, you and Houstongal can take a look to some Threads that I post in the Travelicious Section, with pictures of Buenos Aires and Bariloche. I will post more about other places, in the next weeks. Es una manera de ir conociendo un poco mas Argentina, y de que les vaya dando mas ganas de venir...jaja.

Houstongal, just take a look to the Thread Buenos by night. There some nice pubs and bares, like Buller, Kilkenny, Shamrock, Sahara Continent, Romario, to name a few. I like to hang out during the week. So I promise that you will enjoy it ;)

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

podborski says on Sep 29, 2007, 15:49:

you're right mona, I need a massage, if only to get me all rested and relaxed after a hard day of shopping. Have to be fresh for the big night out I have planned, prime outside table at Campo bravo, nice bottle of malbec, big steak, grilled veggies....and scenery to die for : )

wish you were all here

talk to you in about 12 hours

houstongal says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:01:

Uh oh....sounds like I'm going to be enjoying myself just a little too much in BsAs. It's really a pity I have to work too!!

Pod - I hope you had a great evening. It certainly sounds like fun! And will you offer massages in your hotel?! There's a place across the street from my hotel, but it's not open on Sundays. I could use a massage today.....

goin_south says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:03:

buenas dias, Hg.... are you back in the USA yet?
I guess not, or you wouldn't be up....
It's about time,eh?

Hey, .. go check your mail in a few moments...

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

houstongal says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:05:

'k GS....but I have to jump in the shower and have breakfast before they stop serving at 11. It's already 10 am here.

I return for the US on Friday. I'm ready to come home. I miss my kitchen and yoga classes. We've decided we need to all go on a diet after eating, working and little exercise (except for our weekend tours around the country) for 3 weeks.

goin_south says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:19:

tough life, eh?
Breakfast at 11!

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:20:

What's up wit that?
It's Europe? and they don't do 'brunch'???

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

goin_south says on Sep 30, 2007, 01:21:

on Sundays????

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

houstongal says on Sep 30, 2007, 04:27:

It's the hotel....their buffet closes at 11 on the weekends then they prepare for lunch. Yeah, I got up at 9 am and had breakfast at 10:45. Must be rough huh? We were "hiking" around the top of a mountain yesterday so we had a lot of fresh air and some exercise so we were exhausted last night and had a very good rest. Last weekend here. Weather is crappy today so we're being lazy and not doing anything until later in the afternoon.

gringoloid says on Sep 30, 2007, 12:57:

Lucas- I'll only be there for a week; that is not enough time, I know. Who knows, I'm impulsive and I may move there someday.

HG- my birthday is on the 22nd. We have a lousy time of the year for birthdays, don't we?

houstongal says on Sep 30, 2007, 13:34:

I don't know about you GL, but I ALWAYS ask for one big gift instead of two little ones! That is probably the ONLY benefit of a birthday so close to Christmas. Our problem is that we rarely have traditional birthday parties (for you, too close to Christmas....for me, too close to New Year's Eve) like most people have. So maybe this time, we'll just throw our own party in Argentina! :-) See you in December!

Man Tequila says on Sep 30, 2007, 17:48:

I don't even know the difference between a pirobo and a piropo. I don't think Mona has a lot to worry about. I'm about as smooth as a piece of sandpaper.

I'll know more soon, I guess.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Sep 30, 2007, 18:30:

but man t, what you don't get is you had her at 'la lucha contra el hombro' : )

seriously though, hope you can make it.

By the way, do you know how to make beds, cook or tend bar?

Man Tequila says on Sep 30, 2007, 19:24:

I know how to tend bar and cook. Making beds is not my forté.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

Man Tequila says on Sep 30, 2007, 19:48:

Though not smooth with the ladies, I did just post a picture in the Soho thread of a few nice folks I met at the Cartagena airport. ;)

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Sep 30, 2007, 22:25:

oh damn, and I need to get some sleep, but better check those photos out first..

podborski says on Sep 30, 2007, 22:25:

jajaja great photo man t!

that's just too funny...we were talking about those same women just days ago right?

Please tell me you told them about this cool hotel in BsAs where they could spend a week in december...

houstongal says on Oct 1, 2007, 00:32:

That is great MT, but I want to know what the women were doing to you because you had such a pained look on your face!

Mona...go check out your Soho post and see what we're talking about!

LA_MONA says on Oct 1, 2007, 00:53:

Jjajaja omg I 'm getting right now!
Thanks MT!! (anticipating they are men of course?)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

Cerealkiller says on Oct 1, 2007, 11:31:

Pod many thanks for the offer, i wish i could!!! but youll get me there knocking on your fancy door handle one of these days...thats for sure!

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

podborski says on Oct 1, 2007, 11:47:

you better show up one day CK, I want to see if the real thing lives up to the legend. I'm thinking yes.

LA_MONA says on Oct 1, 2007, 14:32:

Oi CK!! Over to the other thread where we want to know what your PBH list of guys would be, in the cute v hot thingy..

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

pedro says on Oct 1, 2007, 14:53:

HG, how to explain the expression on Man T's face?

I wonder if he was reshuffling his fantasy PBH threesome in his imagination, right at that moment.

"Hmm, now I'm going to lock in Miss Santa Marta as one selection. For the other girl, do I stick with Jessica Alba, or maybe Penelope Cruz...?"

¡save pow wow!

pedro says on Oct 1, 2007, 14:54:

I have a photo snapshot of me with Adriana Arboleda. The pic is out of focus, I'm borracho, have my eyes closed and a screwed up expression on my face. Apart from that, it's a great pic!

¡save pow wow!

podborski says on Oct 1, 2007, 17:27:

I'm pretty sure if we saw the pic we wouldn't even notice pedro (well the girls might, but I wouldn't)

christobeldawg says on Oct 1, 2007, 19:28:

Jessica Alba, now there is one that might test my idea of "let's just be friends first, and see how it goes." Mona there are just certain ones where that is not possible, I gotta sink or swim. Usually with those in the past, I sunk.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

Man Tequila says on Oct 1, 2007, 22:30:

My expression is a mixture of stunned deer in the headlights after seeing Miss Quinidio (who is a sweetheart to boot) and concern that the bobo I asked to take my picture waited two minutes to do so after I gave him my camera even though the batteries were depleted. I didn't think I'd get any picture at all, I had to turn my camera on and off four times as it was.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

Man Tequila says on Oct 1, 2007, 22:31:

Can we make it foursomes? I know lots of people I consider to be sexier and better looking than celebrities. And only a few of them are Colombian beauty queens.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

christobeldawg says on Oct 1, 2007, 22:34:

I've definitely had that deer in the headlights look over looking at real people more than I have over looking at celebs. shakira excluded of course

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

houstongal says on Oct 2, 2007, 14:06:

Thanks for the explanation MT. I didn't even think that you gave your camera to someone to shoot the photo. You're right, thank goodness you even got one photo that came out clear. At least the women looked good right (although I don't know what they're looking at)?

So are you coming to BsAs in December to join in the fun?

Man Tequila says on Oct 2, 2007, 22:36:

Hoping to. Maybe I can stay up drinking and carousing til 6 in the morning than get my picture taken with some Argentine beauty queens while hungover and quemado?

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Oct 3, 2007, 10:33:

I thought you had been here before man t? Dont you know the party only starts at 6 am?

Jeez, I'm going to have to show you how it's done aren't I?

Just kidding (sort of). I think I can promise you'll get a pic taken with argentine beauty queens, maybe not in the airport, but I know this place....: )

houstongal says on Oct 3, 2007, 12:29:

I'll leave the drinking until 6 am to the folks that don't have to work in the morning. But I'll try to join you on the weekends!

Man Tequila says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:14:

I've been to Buenos Aires before, but did not meet any Argentine beauty queens.

However I do recall one butterface argentina almost 6' with a smoking body, who showed up at the gym at Alto Palermo mall (megatlon?) wearing, as one does at the gym, fishnet stockings, white panties on the outside very visible underneath a very small plaid mini-skirt. She spent half an hour doing leg curls while every guy in the place ogled her. Something oddly sexy about such a trampy outfit at the gym. And the only time I have ever seen much good use for the hip abductor machine.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

christobeldawg says on Oct 3, 2007, 21:29:

now I see what those hip abductor machines are used for, to attract more male memberships.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

LA_MONA says on Oct 4, 2007, 02:13:

"Something oddly sexy about such a trampy outfit at the gym"

Come off it MT, you guys find trashy outfits "oddly sexy" anywhere ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Oct 4, 2007, 06:22:

not me mona!

I like jeans and t shirts, or of course a short skirt but with flat shoes.

The style here now is short skirt with converse high top running shoes, I ike that.

I don't even like the trashy look in the bedroom. Give me cotton calvin kleins every time.

LA_MONA says on Oct 4, 2007, 06:27:

Pod but you're not the average run of the mill guy, you're quite refined....you can tell by you liking the converse high top running shoes ;-)

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Oct 4, 2007, 09:36:

well I don't know about refined, but thanks : )

best look of all of course, a top that covers the front but shows the back and shoulders.

(and I'm not just saying that because of your old photo, which I miss, BTW)

christobeldawg says on Oct 4, 2007, 09:47:

I miss that photo as well.

Pod, I have to say you have excellent tastes, and a very good mind to boot

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

LA_MONA says on Oct 4, 2007, 09:51:

I'll have to send you the pic guys.

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

christobeldawg says on Oct 4, 2007, 09:55:

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

Man Tequila says on Oct 4, 2007, 13:52:

I'm not a trashy clothing guy. It was very kinky in a public gym, though.

I tend to prefer women who are smartly dressed -- clothing is often sexier than skin. Heck, I like smart women too. Those Bogotá women who wear smart black suit jackets with the tight black pants do it to me everytime. This look is much sexier than a pair of Daisy Dukes. I will admit to a weakness for gym bunnies though.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Oct 4, 2007, 16:42:

yeah man t, those skin tight black stretchy pants are everywhere in Bogotá aren't they? They must sell a million pairs a week.

And about 99% of them look great, a statistic unrivalled in the world, IMHO.

Man Tequila says on Oct 4, 2007, 19:32:

Colombian women have the body habitus to look good in stretchy pants. This look would work in Spain or Argentina but maybe not so well in the US. ;)

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Oct 17, 2007, 08:20:

these are the tiles called calcareos that I am putting down on the terrace, balcony, courtyard and front sidewalk entrance:



They are traditional argentine style, but not too old fashioned I don't think.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 17, 2007, 09:41:

very nice Podb. I like those tiles maybe, uhmm i am getting ideas for my farm :)))

Lucas Freley says on Oct 17, 2007, 09:42:

Te esta quedando muy lindo Pod. Esas baldosas estilo colonial son de fines del siglo XVIII. Existen en muchos edificios antiguos de San Telmo, La Boca, Barracas, San Cristobal, Balvanera y Congreso.

Quedan muy lindas en construcciones y edificios de epoca (antiguos) aunque esten reciclados. Me gusta mucho ese estilo tradicional. Refleja el Buenos Aires de 1800. Solo falta bailar un tango y listo.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

houstongal says on Oct 17, 2007, 10:58:

Love that tile Pod! The border is a nice touch! Beautiful!

kalder says on Oct 18, 2007, 04:33:

"you guys find trashy outfits "oddly sexy" anywhere ;-)"

Mea culpa.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

podborski says on Oct 18, 2007, 10:05:

thanks everyone, like Lucas said 'esta quedando', which is the phrase I most often hear from the workers now, and the one I most like to hear.

kat, do they use similar tiles in colombia? they'd look very nice for your farm.

I'm sure they could be copied anyway.

when do you want me to start?

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 18, 2007, 10:34:

when you're ready ;)

billyb says on Oct 18, 2007, 17:41:

Pod, you better tell Kat you want to get paid English wages :)

podborski says on Oct 18, 2007, 19:05:

but I don't like beer and bangers and mash billyb!

podborski says on Oct 18, 2007, 19:07:

but I really do want to know if colombia has similar hand painted tiles? I would think yes, just maybe different designs?

podborski says on Oct 18, 2007, 19:08:

kat honey, ready when you are : )

billyb says on Oct 18, 2007, 21:33:

She can just fix you an ajiaco then.

Man Tequila says on Oct 18, 2007, 23:36:

Seriously. We getting together for a beer in TO Pod when you come back? Hmmm... what do I need from BzAz? ;)

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 19, 2007, 00:06:

I am ready darling ;)

BTW. i think i am going to start quite soon, I've got a message from my mother yesterday, telling me that there was a hurricane or vendabal in Villavo, and one of the tree felt on the back part of the house so destroying practically the two only rooms, thanks God one of the people that look after the farm was not there otherwise she would be kill.

so i told her that instead of repairing it, i rather take the whole house down and start the new one anyway.

so here I go. :)

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 05:17:

man t, seriously, if you need something from here let me know, asap!

alfajores, dulce de leche, a mate....

I'm heading home with an empty suitcase.

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 05:20:

I could live on ajiaco, seriously.

kat, it's easier and often cheaper to just build from scratch, so I think you are doing the right thing.

Too bad I can't send my albaniles from chaco to help you, they are the best. Unlike every other worker I have had since : (

billyb says on Oct 19, 2007, 05:37:

Pod, carefull or CaritadeAngel will blame your albaniles of going to Colombia for sex tourism.

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 05:55:

jejeje

hey billyb, do you think CaritadeAngel was really ColombiaMike or VUP?

I'm so confused these days I think I need to keep a scorecard

billyb says on Oct 19, 2007, 06:02:

you never know nowadays, jaja.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 19, 2007, 07:11:

woo Argentinean albañiles woooooooo hoo this is getting hot!

Man Tequila says on Oct 19, 2007, 12:13:

No way ColombiaMike was CaritadeAngel. She was clearly Scottish, and could spell.

Best thing to bring back from Argentina to Canada is booze, which is often 10% of the price there. Empanadas from El Sanjuanito would be a close second.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 14:37:

before you get too excited kat, take a good look at Mauro in the 4th picture from the top.

Even if he had all his teeth he wouldn't exactly be George Clooney.

I still find it funny that at the end of every day the workmen always shower, shave, put gel in their hair, use a can or so of AXE, put on gleaming white running shoes and ironed blue jeans.

Me, I leave with paint in my hair, dirty, ripped pants and shirt, shoes that a homeless person wouldn't want.

billyb says on Oct 19, 2007, 14:39:

Kat says no "ajiaco" for Mauro :((

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 14:40:

yeah, I think carita did seem to be female at least. Guess I just wondered because she sang the same tune as miguel, c-mike and VUP. Clavo even recites her 'theories' practically word for word, but I could never really understand what she was implying.

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 14:41:

a nice bottle of Malbec would be a no brainer I think? Doubt empanadas would travel well.

Man Tequila says on Oct 19, 2007, 16:23:

You don't need to bring me anything, Pod. If you bring anything, and don't if it is any incovenience, get me a nine peso bottle of Bols Dulce De Leche Liquor from a grocery store. I'll PM you with times I can make it to TO for a beer that week. Hope things are going okay.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 19, 2007, 16:40:

who's mauro?

billyb says on Oct 19, 2007, 17:09:

One of your future albaniles.

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 20:38:

jeez kat, you don't even read my comments, just look at the pictures huh?

mauro is an albanile in one of the photos posted above.

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 20:39:

I'll load up my suitcase with dulce de leche and alfajores, and my plan is to come back with ice wine and peanut butter

podborski says on Oct 19, 2007, 20:43:

man t: had some very good news, thanks, I'll get to your email asap

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 20, 2007, 02:33:

Sorry podb I am more visual hehe I was looking at the pictures :)

Btw is that mauro? well uhmm no wonder i didn't notice him, hehe no Ajiaco for Mauro

podborski says on Oct 20, 2007, 05:58:

pobre mauro!

but he's the nicest guy you could ever meet kat. He's very loveable. He sings while he works, laughs at everything, never complains.

If Mauro isn't invited then I'm not coming.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Oct 20, 2007, 09:11:

ok ok mauro is invited huh!

podborski says on Nov 8, 2007, 15:36:

laying the tiles for the front entrance today:

Man Tequila says on Nov 8, 2007, 16:50:

Very sweet. Between Tresca, Ghibaudi and Celesia I am betting Ghibaudi has the tiltiest desk.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

LA_MONA says on Nov 9, 2007, 01:22:

Que emocion!

Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin

podborski says on Nov 9, 2007, 04:49:

Tresca is the John Cleese look-a-like who actually knows what he is doing, but is stubborn and arrogant as all get out. Ghibaudi definitely has the tiltiest desk, he has done some big buildings, but I don't know how, he is like a goofy kid, always knocking things over, poking at things that he shouldn't, tripping, and Celesia is the nice but incompetent guy who spends most of his time making George Costanza type bad decisions.