[Tango-L] A long, hot summer in Buenos Aires

[Janis Kenyon]

Temperatures this week will be in the mid-80s, and summer hasn't officially
begun.  The majority of milongas have air-conditioning systems or at least
ceiling fans for the comfort of dancers.  But even so, tango is a contact
sport, and people will complain about the heat no matter what the
temperature is in the room.  The hot weather doesn't deter people from going
to the milongas.

There is an energy crisis in Argentina.  Today's newspaper reports that
commuter trains are reducing speed to save energy. There will be fewer
trains in the subway to save on electricity.  The electric company Edesur
which supplies Buenos Aires cuts power in areas of the city for periods of
hours.  The article suggests ways to save energy at home, like turning off
lights.

Foreigner visitors to Buenos Aires this summer may have accommodations with
air-conditioning, but that doesn't mean the system will be running all day
long.  They may find the A/C unit turned off when they return to their hotel
room or the apartment owner might ask not to leave the unit on all day.

Walk down any main street in Buenos Aires and you'll encounter stores with
their doors open.  You'll feel refreshing blasts of cold air coming from
inside the store.  This has to be one of the biggest sources of energy
waste, but it continues during the energy crisis.  I'm told that businesses
attract more customers if the doors are left open.

If you're leaving winter in the north to enjoy summer in Buenos Aires, make
an attitude adjustment and be ready to enjoy the summer weather.