And as you can see in the photos (click to view bigger), we've got some cheap imported labor, in the form of my mom and dad, who are making our transition to Argentina so much easier by bringing their painting, interior decorating and icecream eating skills to bear.

The last three days we've been painting a 440 sq. ft. apartment in downtown Buenos Aires that friends of our are letting us use...rent-free! While we prepare that apartment, another friend has has loaned us her place which is 45 minutes across town. Both places are within walking distance of public transportation, little grocery stores and restaurants.

For both Annette and me it is the first time we've ever lived in a truly urban setting. So here are a few things we've learned so far:

• Paint, cereal, and electronics are more expensive in Buenos Aires; taxis, pizza and plumbers are less
• You need keys (plural) to get in and out of your home, and the keys are the huge old castle/skeleton type
• Every taxi driver here seems to be an economist, historian or political analyst and 4 out of 5 have asked me if I think Hillary or Obama will win.
• You can't get lunch after 3:30 p.m. or dinner before 8 p.m.