A SAFE DESTINATION

On February 27, the Times published an interesting article in its Culture section under the headline ‘City Hall Keen to attract ‘digital nomads‘ to Buenos Aires.’ It tells us that the City Government has launched a programme to attract international visitors to come to Argentina and work as digital freelancers while experiencing our lifestyle. The article describes Buenos Aires with nothing but praise, highlighting the thriving coffee shop culture, vibrant nightlife, artistic scenes and culinary offerings.” However, to my mind, the information is incomplete. If I could contact the potential “digital nomads” who have Buenos Aires in mind for a work experience, I would tell them that the US State Department has assessed the city as a critical destination. Crime can occur at any time, especially with the “motochorros,” the thieves on motorcycles who rip off backpacks and other belongings from passers-by.

There are also “entraderas,” a crime that is unheard-of in other countries and which happens when a violent gang seeking cash invades a home with its family members in it threatening them at gunpoint to make them reveal where their money stash is, knowing that most Argentines hide their savings and foreign currencies at home. I would also make a point of telling them too that Buenos Aires is often paralysed by “piqueteros,“the violent road blockers who do not hesitate to vandalise public buildings and clash with the police, rendering La

Reina del Plata — the magnetic city nickname — a sorry sight.

Adrian Insaubralde,

Santa Fe