Work: I found out that I can't use the EELA grid for testing and development.  However, there is a grid that can be used for such purposes called Gilda that uses the same gLite middleware.  So I then had to get a digital certificate for that system, which I did.  Of course, when I tried to join the Gilda VO, I couldn't.  Someone is supposed to help me with that this week.  At this moment, all the trouble I went to to get the digital certificate through CeSPI for EELA is not of much value.  They are still working on the FAU/FIU side to get me access to LAGrid, but I don't know if that will happen before I get back home.  Anyway, here are a few pictures of the workweek, starting with the walk to the LIFIA lab and ending with a screenshot of this blog, in process:

Observatory:  We went to the Observatory that they have in La Plata.  It was built in the 19th century, but it's still in use.  Even though it was supposed to be open when we got there, we were told there was nobody available to let us in.  We got lucky however, when a student was on his way there and agreed to show us around.  He may not have been an expert guide, but he gave us a nice tour and spoke more than adequate English.  He even opened the ceiling for us and showed us how to rotate the telescope.  They also had a bunch of devices on display that were used in the old days of astronomy, such as the rather prehistoric calculating machine shown in the last photo below.

Colonia de Sacramento: Since we hadn't traveled anywhere other than Buenos Aires, we took a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay.  It's a one hour boat ride from Buenos Aires.  It's a more laid back place than the cities we've been to in Argentina, so it's a nice place to relax.  I tried the signature food in Uruguay, 'chivito', which means 'little goat', but it's actually a thin slice of tenderloin with other stuff added.  There is a small historic district that is geared for tourists since they accept currency from Argentina, the US, and (of course) Uruguay.  We went up to the top of the lighthouse, with acrophobic Ingrid holding on for dear life (picture not included under threat of bodily harm ).  One of the best parts for me is that I didn't get seasick on the boat, since I am very prone to that.  Luckily it was very calm and I had no problem.

Buenos Aires, again:  Visited the La Boca-Caminito area of Buenos Aires.  It is a destination where the tour buses go to, with lots of little shops and restaruants to extract your money.  It is also somewhat of an art district and there are various arts and crafts for sale.  The houses are painted in bold colors, so it makes for an interesting stroll.  We went back to Florida Street for lunch, but we didn't stay long afterwards because it started to rain quite heavily.