tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11849088148993786322024-03-14T08:26:13.190-07:00Querido ChicagoLetters to Chicago from Buenos AiresTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-14538824153975412022009-08-04T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-04T10:15:22.399-07:00Sweet Home: ChicagoDear Buenos Aires, <br /><br />I cannot believe I am back in Chicago! This trip was better than I could have imagined. I learned so much: a great deal of Spanish and the workings of a new city. I walked, ran, bused and taxied all over Buenos Aires for over 2 months, and in the process I gained a new sense of self and a sense of the city. Going to a new corner of the world opened my eyes to a completely new landscape. What an experience. <br /><br />A few days before I left, the Buenos Aires News covered the new glass cubes on the SkyDeck of the Sears Tower. The story was in the paper and magazines - people couldn't believe how tall the building was and what it must feel like to be in one of those little glass rooms. In castellano, Christina looked up from her magazine and asked if I had ever been to the Sears Tower. I smiled - just as I will if someday, someone asks if I've ever been to Argentina. <br /><br />"Yes," I said. "I've been there". <br /><br /><br />Ciao, Buenos Aires. It was a pleasure. <br /><br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-43992363951436145912009-08-01T05:43:00.000-07:002009-08-02T05:55:26.485-07:00Home Is Where...Dear Chicago, <br /><br />I only have a few hours left in Buenos Aries, and there is a lot I need to say before I go. A lot of what I learned I owe to Christina. The woman was so generous and helpful and patient with me. We discussed <span style="font-style:italic;">everything</span> over meals – everything from recipes to her mother’s health to how much of a picky eater she is. She gave me a scarf as a going away present – this after 2 months of giving me the use of her hairdryer if I needed it, coins for the bus when I needed them and total access to her kitchen. She was actually so concerned that I wasn’t going into the cabinets for snacks that she sat me down and showed me how she takes spoonfuls of dulce-de-leche at a time and sits with the spoon in front of the TV. (Another thing I love is that she only buys ‘low-fat’ dulce-de-leche). She made extra food on days she knew I would be in the house during lunchtime.<br /><br />Christina is a very different than most of the women in my life, and I learned a great deal from her. My last request this morning was a handwritten recipe of the tartas she made - and the recipe maybe my favorite souvenier from the trip. My going away lunch was FOUR milanesa steaks (yep, breaded and fried meat – and I have to say I love them) with a little salad. It was served on her TV tray with a mini tablecloth, it was adorable. [This was funny – she had packed up the dining room table because the condo-association came over this afternoon for a meeting. They use her place because its gorgeous and she’s single. The group met to discuss how best to fire one of the doormen! I got the whole scoop – sad really because I got to know the guy – but I guess he refuses to retire. It was a scene that captured my time with Christina in her home very well – a high energy situation with a bit to gossip about.] <br /><br />Views from my bedroom in June:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr_veUTPEGuV8a9Jv-4Mjh0BW9IQk99cfp7kVSjL7xJQGjUXINIdfRTbw4_XJiAYlG0Y27DCF3oB_okIFICp6Gfd_UkLICtvRfPe0Z8sKJ14FCoESDpY2cOy1SPyMbHk-BwFXLXaIrAgN/s1600-h/IMG_7532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr_veUTPEGuV8a9Jv-4Mjh0BW9IQk99cfp7kVSjL7xJQGjUXINIdfRTbw4_XJiAYlG0Y27DCF3oB_okIFICp6Gfd_UkLICtvRfPe0Z8sKJ14FCoESDpY2cOy1SPyMbHk-BwFXLXaIrAgN/s400/IMG_7532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365347197412685666" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYzjJNIN6PKHRolbkcNBjoGDteJlG4vdglQatxEfexhcaweXT5fIdAZ0EYDULpcjGWPUaGlzumgwTngAh-tDriPw5S-JZr8Hp9CpRRcjIrpOvw74gBSkeAEYlRNHupoozYGpg9E9rN1OJ/s1600-h/IMG_7256.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYzjJNIN6PKHRolbkcNBjoGDteJlG4vdglQatxEfexhcaweXT5fIdAZ0EYDULpcjGWPUaGlzumgwTngAh-tDriPw5S-JZr8Hp9CpRRcjIrpOvw74gBSkeAEYlRNHupoozYGpg9E9rN1OJ/s400/IMG_7256.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365347194813030258" /></a><br /><br />Fish and vegetable rolls with calabaze (squash):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdvzkpsYfm0TgH9qpcXNHFzvqTpXDZcC3scUVFwckTeJb1lVFqbMAm5Dh2KQYeq1UXhRLsSjOWNr-DcNRDcJdYix9o2souBVx3esLKypHhMDsLgfIHpat3ZLujkQ_vzJAXUT7QnVe0NAY/s1600-h/IMG_8564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdvzkpsYfm0TgH9qpcXNHFzvqTpXDZcC3scUVFwckTeJb1lVFqbMAm5Dh2KQYeq1UXhRLsSjOWNr-DcNRDcJdYix9o2souBVx3esLKypHhMDsLgfIHpat3ZLujkQ_vzJAXUT7QnVe0NAY/s400/IMG_8564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365347187324164482" /></a><br /><br />View of my bedroom:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmPBVY7T6OWNWZoUkHzotxYhpDViShEmHowM8SIN0pemANjsdP47uf-QP1fP_pdWOKVEN0Hv9X9-Yht-RDShKeuGoBHuwAPodZoLSpv6AdI97O29ptlkwGKD72tQ77f_7mAvVrzf1C3U5/s1600-h/DSC_0146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmPBVY7T6OWNWZoUkHzotxYhpDViShEmHowM8SIN0pemANjsdP47uf-QP1fP_pdWOKVEN0Hv9X9-Yht-RDShKeuGoBHuwAPodZoLSpv6AdI97O29ptlkwGKD72tQ77f_7mAvVrzf1C3U5/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365347180713890466" /></a><br /><br />Christina, Maria Eugenia and I: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U9HKHxdxGscU6rcXLwzL2mzsV0mF4UpiyCZr3SnQ6IKGiOiUcTW39fznT8SsGpIqJZK945IciWZ5If-KMv8t5p2BH_vzUEYZWjPRuPw0VGlUVD65ydFYlt1oidKIgVIFDD3oKMxL6r86/s1600-h/DSC_0150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U9HKHxdxGscU6rcXLwzL2mzsV0mF4UpiyCZr3SnQ6IKGiOiUcTW39fznT8SsGpIqJZK945IciWZ5If-KMv8t5p2BH_vzUEYZWjPRuPw0VGlUVD65ydFYlt1oidKIgVIFDD3oKMxL6r86/s400/DSC_0150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365347176508681778" /></a><br /><br />I really had the best time living with Christina. Hopefully, Maria Eugenia can translate this post for her! The note I left was insufficient to express my gratitude - my Enlglish vocabulary isn't big enough to communicate my feelings; my vocabulary in Spanish - not even close. I did my best to thank her for her help, her cooking, her generosity and patience. I also left a box of chocolate. If there's one thing I know about this woman, I bet she has already eaten them by now! <br /><br />Gracias Cristina - muchisimas gracias a vos para todo - <br /><br />Home tomorrow Chicago, <br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-21284618393388414182009-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:002009-08-02T05:43:05.432-07:00Last day in the VillasDear Chicago, <br /><br />After a week of private tutoring to close out my language immersion, I had the day Friday to volunteer in the field one last time. Many thanks to Mom's famous workbooks that made the 5,500 mile trip:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH9a77w_wh8MrLSJGv6_g46SJ2Bg1AnXsfeY_J74Zn09X1oQQ5GGxs_p_cv72AgP2ghYeiNU4Td1sdGGnEH1U5z49S1WAeaoFi6P3CNMDy_eWqQ-ZYkJpYuMq5J61OIgq6AjA3-ERcTO4/s1600-h/IMG_8586.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH9a77w_wh8MrLSJGv6_g46SJ2Bg1AnXsfeY_J74Zn09X1oQQ5GGxs_p_cv72AgP2ghYeiNU4Td1sdGGnEH1U5z49S1WAeaoFi6P3CNMDy_eWqQ-ZYkJpYuMq5J61OIgq6AjA3-ERcTO4/s400/IMG_8586.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365343296181793554" /></a><br />They will be put to good use in this place. <br /><br />It was another fun, cold day outside. I ran a bowling game for about an hour and did worksheets and jump-ropes for the rest of the day. It was so much fun to play and run the kids around. I feel guilty being another transient person in these kids lives, but I do believe they understand that we come to have fun and help them with their homework. They were nothing but excited, smiling little kids. Watching them chase after the van at the end of the day was actually a bit tough to watch - but I know there are students that will keep arriving and helping out long into the future of these children. LIFE was a great experience, and I learned a great deal about these kids and Buenos Aires while working with them <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq5hpE1zHOgrGmEDnQTSUuiB2rcA2gF0FIyqwA__0QaY6H0zZUOVBos56IzWHfyCD9zFaXGWupHH9cznunRCRolAgkinjWoEdwLpoNma1xtF-NcI-cd5JvSoFp_NYCMjrjLIIMuEa9fHV/s1600-h/IMG_8600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq5hpE1zHOgrGmEDnQTSUuiB2rcA2gF0FIyqwA__0QaY6H0zZUOVBos56IzWHfyCD9zFaXGWupHH9cznunRCRolAgkinjWoEdwLpoNma1xtF-NcI-cd5JvSoFp_NYCMjrjLIIMuEa9fHV/s400/IMG_8600.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365343300472518850" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-T-8m36QiQxJvdiyxpC-f5_pycftaFZzEi7Ot_Aqmvn_kXAvRqKNZBsUdgdS0M7isNqfZPXA-cu6KQBzHw3kpnEkBalUwTrfYYeO-n5MPwX1YficwK_wYhBGQISw3DLGnoio9NK4y2RL/s1600-h/IMG_8596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-T-8m36QiQxJvdiyxpC-f5_pycftaFZzEi7Ot_Aqmvn_kXAvRqKNZBsUdgdS0M7isNqfZPXA-cu6KQBzHw3kpnEkBalUwTrfYYeO-n5MPwX1YficwK_wYhBGQISw3DLGnoio9NK4y2RL/s400/IMG_8596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365341498773714930" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihJrsY8QC5xE1leQSflAL9j3qaA9FgfyKifJuXFwi2lIwus0rX5vhjXIqZp728PhaZXbA23BRSlQegbJwt-tp6qBqP-VJYXmKjH5c-fLUBhVNkj2qWks7cvAq4gFLQrgNujznsVHe-vW/s1600-h/IMG_8603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihJrsY8QC5xE1leQSflAL9j3qaA9FgfyKifJuXFwi2lIwus0rX5vhjXIqZp728PhaZXbA23BRSlQegbJwt-tp6qBqP-VJYXmKjH5c-fLUBhVNkj2qWks7cvAq4gFLQrgNujznsVHe-vW/s400/IMG_8603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365341495238909202" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDYCQccq0OtaODJlp6EC6a6IAWUGbPiCIuBqYu0KfEHMbMCmwp-SUesZ5Wsk5uVv-HVetVUndHJrkG0-yCveDcm7fkiSzBseWv2j94ushP5-xfTP4arnuhkgXt2ckp97XZ3YKahS03WuZ/s1600-h/IMG_8595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDYCQccq0OtaODJlp6EC6a6IAWUGbPiCIuBqYu0KfEHMbMCmwp-SUesZ5Wsk5uVv-HVetVUndHJrkG0-yCveDcm7fkiSzBseWv2j94ushP5-xfTP4arnuhkgXt2ckp97XZ3YKahS03WuZ/s400/IMG_8595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365341481526227506" /></a><br /><br /><br />Footnote:<br />The specific Villa I worked in this summer got a shout out from the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/world/americas/30argentina.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Paco&st=cse">New York Times</a><br /><br />Paco is a mix of cocaine residue and dangerous household chemicals. I have heard about it since my first day in Argentina. The wealthy view it to be 'taking care of the problem of the poor people' in the villas, because it kills people so quickly after they begin using it. <br /><br />I continue learning about the world from this place. Hard to believe that was my last day out there... <br /><br />Home soon, Chicago - <br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-3872452563970086882009-07-30T09:07:00.000-07:002009-08-02T05:21:33.504-07:00Boots and BagsDear Chicago, <br />'Peso' is the Argentine unit of currency and also the word for "weight"... I am bringing back so much stuff to Chicago! A note on the shopping here:<br /><br />I researched all of the stores my book recommended for leather bags and had success at Qara. I went with the hopes of getting a medium sized bag, and what do you know - the only leather bag on sale (for a killer 199 pesos) was exactly what I wanted! Here's my new bag:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1q4ezixbk_9RV-yi3jn0Y7EC8q7oqZjaK-uuCtLOj_mzKcZxAhBSCkLTvwWyp_V1elUjIMY2n0eERpLa0jTohlYxPYAdHY8yAUuNeuSYph6berG4WieNRMp7XYKZYQlpPYLiT74wG1QN/s1600-h/IMG_8585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1q4ezixbk_9RV-yi3jn0Y7EC8q7oqZjaK-uuCtLOj_mzKcZxAhBSCkLTvwWyp_V1elUjIMY2n0eERpLa0jTohlYxPYAdHY8yAUuNeuSYph6berG4WieNRMp7XYKZYQlpPYLiT74wG1QN/s400/IMG_8585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365339722926506994" /></a><br /><br />Following my wise mother's words, I am doing a lot of Christmas shopping here. In the face of the upcoming semester it seemed wise to take advantage of all of this free time. It was a brilliant idea... but I will need to be very, very creative in my packing tonight. Thankfully, I ate all of the Twizzler's and Swedish fish that made the journey with me and I used up lots of bottles of lotions and potions. In their place I will be bringing back:<br /><br />2 pairs of georgeous leather boots<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSWAuyK6vJPCdWcMhusEqmrtBR9I-RK1fipGQ6imsnBKbSfgObAZ04wZao0oB4-a2p79DG3ChTHfVbvnXaXe4dO2D4UnXRLqRJeoZiUTRPkZMVMd-VyXNlkjgyX99pfWze5yldGfZ3Xru/s1600-h/IMG_8578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSWAuyK6vJPCdWcMhusEqmrtBR9I-RK1fipGQ6imsnBKbSfgObAZ04wZao0oB4-a2p79DG3ChTHfVbvnXaXe4dO2D4UnXRLqRJeoZiUTRPkZMVMd-VyXNlkjgyX99pfWze5yldGfZ3Xru/s400/IMG_8578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365339719620704818" /></a><br />1 leather bag<br />1 large Christmas present for Katie<br />3 medium Christmas presents for the Feldman ladies<br />2 medium presents for Dad<br />3 boxes of alfajor cookies<br />2 boxes of conito Havannette chocolates<br />3 bottles of wine<br />AND MORE ... This should be interesting. I still have only the 2 suitcases I came here with. At least they won't weigh me and charge for the extra kilos I'll be bringing home on my person!<br /><br />I will see you soon, Chicago. <br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-59813223779939172302009-07-28T16:00:00.000-07:002009-07-28T16:13:15.671-07:00Tengo = I HaveDear Chicago, <br />I really cannot believe I'm leaving in less than a week. While I have lots to do in the coming days, I also have a few reflections to share with the world... I have had so many unbelievable experiences in this city: <br /><br />I have learned this language from taxi drivers, little kids and bartenders. <br /><br />I have smelled a great deal of pollution, espresso and red wine.<br /><br />I have tasted blood sausage, handmade pasta and alfajores. <br /><br />I have studied artists, Spanish books and bus routes - lots of bus routes. <br /><br />I have lost and found my way around Buenos Aires. <br /><br />I have changed my vocabulary, my accent, my time zone. <br /><br />I have missed the bus, the presence of salad and my sisters. <br /><br />I have walked the sidewalks with my family, the wine roads with a friend and the alleys with children in villas. <br /><br />I have had the trip of a lifetime - the trip dreams are made of, the trip that fills books and magazines and movies. <br /><br />I have had the time of my life. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks Mom and Dad. Muchisimas Gracias.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-43496715290546471912009-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:002009-07-28T10:08:45.569-07:00Nos Vemos Pronto (We'll see each other soon!)Dear Chicago, <br /><br />The last day always arrives too quickly. We had another divine breakfast at the Melia Recoleta hotel. I think that breakfast may be the best I've ever experienced. From there we packed up, stored the bags and were off to squeeze in another adventure. We did a 'drive-by' museum viewing. Degas, Rodin, Monet, Pollack, Picasso - done! It was a very efficient tour. Walking back from Museo de Bellas Artes we cut through the Saturday morning artists fair in the Recoleta park. I could stroll and look at all that weird stuff forever. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl44atrGK5TbU6ctlDRn-KeQl3rfY0Ipyv1gYM6f3LoK_LGBcUy5NHx1Fc0LNbspL7OQJtKk0YMZiYmmz3I50Pcty8jFtdvGCJm06UraNRzTNIq9aQLoTOzelWVtdAOtp48yZakNCbFZRr/s1600-h/DSC_0240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl44atrGK5TbU6ctlDRn-KeQl3rfY0Ipyv1gYM6f3LoK_LGBcUy5NHx1Fc0LNbspL7OQJtKk0YMZiYmmz3I50Pcty8jFtdvGCJm06UraNRzTNIq9aQLoTOzelWVtdAOtp48yZakNCbFZRr/s400/DSC_0240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363557332058980098" /></a><br /><br />We strolled up Ayacucho to have lunch at a very classic Confiteria. Medialunas with jamon y queson (croissants with ham and cheese) and coffee to warm up, then off for more shopping! The Feldman's had great success at Prune & Clona. Purse: check. Hottie leather boots: check. Leather wallet: check. <br /><br />We headed back to Recoleta with a very clear purpose: eat a giant lunch so everyone gets sleepy for the plane. We did our best with pizza and empanadas... heaviest foods known to man. I, of course, had no flight to catch but did my best with the food anyway. The restaurant was on Libertador - its called Panini and smelled exactly like Anne Marie and Joe's Italian store. Delicioso. <br /><br />Another quick turnaround at the hotel and the gang was off. I saw the family drive off in a radio taxi and followed suit right behind them. Before I knew it, the text messages and e-mails were rolling in to let me know everyone made it home safely. I had a quiet weekend with Christina and lots of great memories to keep me company. <br /><br />Getting ready to see Chicago in less than a week... <br /><br />besos -<br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-3756847514733015792009-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:002009-07-28T09:57:22.195-07:00Shall we (go watch some tango) dance?Dear Chicago, <br />Finally - a day of sunshine! We walked from Recoleta to the Puente de La Mujer bridge in Puerto Madero. We strolled down Libertador and cut over on a pedestrian mall at Cordoba. Mom found me a fabulous leather jacket.. I just might have to go back for it. We stopped along the way to get our empanada fix: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqCBEjdrz4dbGhYBAZueohmOy-cdXSyk17X1TkJYdZnqdW8gJRGPHIOX6-F3tyL-0h53_Z40zY2f2w4apLY5wG0XN5zOzbpsSuomoIAAc6HIVRFM5U738MEVHDCJp_BOWt3tHkqppIddh/s1600-h/DSC_0164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqCBEjdrz4dbGhYBAZueohmOy-cdXSyk17X1TkJYdZnqdW8gJRGPHIOX6-F3tyL-0h53_Z40zY2f2w4apLY5wG0XN5zOzbpsSuomoIAAc6HIVRFM5U738MEVHDCJp_BOWt3tHkqppIddh/s400/DSC_0164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362883796260707986" /></a><br /><br />Just some women on the Bridge of Women: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLbzZoJn2AqW4RHPkPPNA9R1iiqjVD3gZ9i72hQxerhBwufTKVBWaJuerHURjDtBecmBJHxNu5kY5pVl2aHTwGYmD86vqLVTyv1jGUxOW1oc0rBvilD4ZjSVNdxuXQGC2Qo3kjVNVChCU/s1600-h/IMG_6208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLbzZoJn2AqW4RHPkPPNA9R1iiqjVD3gZ9i72hQxerhBwufTKVBWaJuerHURjDtBecmBJHxNu5kY5pVl2aHTwGYmD86vqLVTyv1jGUxOW1oc0rBvilD4ZjSVNdxuXQGC2Qo3kjVNVChCU/s400/IMG_6208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362883807101739746" /></a><br />This sign means "Red Sheep of the Family". Love it: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3J1VLPuA7eZEkJRMAamqi98zKbKMBMXhQDZWHgry7xadUk60mqoefK_5agPSgIZ4aHogP_m1uuzR8D4FYFeYeMDUKS5leNj2G34puDBr2-pUBtFYpr0E-ZjE55i5_Jen1rq3N6l7XuB0/s1600-h/DSC_0172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3J1VLPuA7eZEkJRMAamqi98zKbKMBMXhQDZWHgry7xadUk60mqoefK_5agPSgIZ4aHogP_m1uuzR8D4FYFeYeMDUKS5leNj2G34puDBr2-pUBtFYpr0E-ZjE55i5_Jen1rq3N6l7XuB0/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362883803464650402" /></a><br /><br /><br />On Friday night we were off to a show. I had been waiting all summer to go to a Tango show with my family and I have to say it was a success. We were picked up at our hotel and driven to the theater where Carlos Gardel (world famous Tango singer from the 1920's) got his start. Expectations for a dinner show are not always met, but the food was great, the theatre was gorgeous and we had the best seats in the house - a table for four, center stage. <br /><br /><br />It was a great show!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5tqwU9l7g2udKca0toniHDdezOY1NcAW4Mium8SqnnHAuKG7znk6AwuKRuoawnLra-lx2sRWI5WZI-4HvwFII58jlJsfl371smYFJ6qlWEtvbYHIoVqNIzR4aRI55MR8jBP-0VSVOx7M/s1600-h/IMG_6220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5tqwU9l7g2udKca0toniHDdezOY1NcAW4Mium8SqnnHAuKG7znk6AwuKRuoawnLra-lx2sRWI5WZI-4HvwFII58jlJsfl371smYFJ6qlWEtvbYHIoVqNIzR4aRI55MR8jBP-0VSVOx7M/s400/IMG_6220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362883813907229234" /></a><br /><br />It was SO much fun. The red wine flowed, desserts were delicious and the performances were unbelievable. There was a live orquestra on a riser above the dancers, which was very cool. The dancers performed everything from cheeky 1940's era dances to some racy dances in sparkly outfits with hot pink hair. The funniest part was a guy in the audience who would yell "YES!" as each number ended, right before the applause. Very funny. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ3bEfIYwqKRGvhUqBKO-gORgcWtvVhxyPXBvU_fYXEDTTqpRor_osS12F9nqLnYQPvPILOwUJQf-ZNQvOUs-BqA8COHw1uY0EAPgHntkNeV9Y3gZ3V8ftpI-qNQv2Wrs7r2kUoJDU1pK/s1600-h/DSC_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ3bEfIYwqKRGvhUqBKO-gORgcWtvVhxyPXBvU_fYXEDTTqpRor_osS12F9nqLnYQPvPILOwUJQf-ZNQvOUs-BqA8COHw1uY0EAPgHntkNeV9Y3gZ3V8ftpI-qNQv2Wrs7r2kUoJDU1pK/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362883810475318706" /></a><br /><br />It feels good to have some 'home' in my 'home-away-from-home'. <br /><br />Te amo Chicago, <br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-39956331869516651852009-07-26T14:08:00.000-07:002009-07-27T10:10:08.257-07:00Japanese Garden, A visit to the ApartmentDear Chicago, <br /><br />Today we spent the morning with each other at the Melia Hotel. Our hearts and minds were in Springfield, PA. It was a blessing to be with each other for a reflective morning. Lots of prayers went north from here. <br /><br />A tranquil trip to the Japanese gardens: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTnSADmojuU2cUDSkLHPBU2Y5rFVU7GPVK7LcNPM4dEU8pnC_zLOQpvsKhaOtGZdxPbgPuB8RFj_6F0bn8clFVcB1gJAqfVT_Ke0kLCkbz1vInYa-fGxVuvPU3fhKno7n2jPmHwfq9-_6/s1600-h/DSC_0118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTnSADmojuU2cUDSkLHPBU2Y5rFVU7GPVK7LcNPM4dEU8pnC_zLOQpvsKhaOtGZdxPbgPuB8RFj_6F0bn8clFVcB1gJAqfVT_Ke0kLCkbz1vInYa-fGxVuvPU3fhKno7n2jPmHwfq9-_6/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362880944749748178" /></a><br /><br />The cherry trees were blooming even in the dead of winter down here. My parents reflected that this was the third Japanese garden on three continents they had visited this year - Taiwan, US, and now Argentina. Who knew Japanese gardens were the big thing to do? It was a beautiful afternoon and we had a great lunch at the Japanese Tea House on the property. My favorite: the goya dumplings were described on the menu as "empanaditas" - mini empanadas. Funny. <br /><br />We cut through the Buenos Aires Design building and couldn't resist another photo shoot: (I'll spare the rest of the family) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ-n51XOmdK1r8RPFE_SWCmpfwPVB_lSxt3I1yzY3AfHSYIjyz6IW-fgE4ZqjrcobNk5wUr00zVvOgbm5XZuFgn9HD4TsX8D_cY_GTB1cCNB4Xe457xTIfossdRo9Wi6jOXpy-pQWDJRg/s1600-h/DSC_0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ-n51XOmdK1r8RPFE_SWCmpfwPVB_lSxt3I1yzY3AfHSYIjyz6IW-fgE4ZqjrcobNk5wUr00zVvOgbm5XZuFgn9HD4TsX8D_cY_GTB1cCNB4Xe457xTIfossdRo9Wi6jOXpy-pQWDJRg/s400/DSC_0117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362880955721952594" /></a><br /><br />We popped over to 'my apartment'to visit Christina and her daughter Maria Eugenia. It was SO fun to see the two parts of my life merge. K's spanish was great and she talked to Christina all about Spain and her nursing degree. I translated the best I could as Christina went on and on about my life in BA and what her family is like and the kinds of boys her daughters dated in high school - we covered EVERYTHING! Dad's spanish was pretty good too - we talked about the guy who invented bypass, also an Argentine. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O5Puy9YnXs6hVqytmsg5A93DVqPGzxfz70DrXwC9B-MtLSESpAptUBzkNvY7p40nHkKIj0C4gZAAedxfjADlmVRbYqVU4DdrB8OP8m-COCcl3e5ET8wr_2RjbHlywccKmhqeFwxKFe30/s1600-h/DSC_0151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O5Puy9YnXs6hVqytmsg5A93DVqPGzxfz70DrXwC9B-MtLSESpAptUBzkNvY7p40nHkKIj0C4gZAAedxfjADlmVRbYqVU4DdrB8OP8m-COCcl3e5ET8wr_2RjbHlywccKmhqeFwxKFe30/s400/DSC_0151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362880958665849810" /></a><br /><br />Dinner was AMAZING - we were tuckered out after a tough morning and headed next door to the hotel for a restaurant called 'Fervor'. It was a cute '40s style restaurant and once again we ate lots of meat and potatoes. I had fish for the first time in 2 months. Muy rico:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQbF3pOqjIpPVKIqoWgisXrIfVrvVd95jZz9xx0TW_budAy-jAhvA8f1IQNNjFNV6BaIeUPCrft5w6CW58tLPjOW9vtSkirXpbxw-PirUt0P3WhAqdvYBtsoTHu-pHBejf3UsnhWvLtPd/s1600-h/IMG_6190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQbF3pOqjIpPVKIqoWgisXrIfVrvVd95jZz9xx0TW_budAy-jAhvA8f1IQNNjFNV6BaIeUPCrft5w6CW58tLPjOW9vtSkirXpbxw-PirUt0P3WhAqdvYBtsoTHu-pHBejf3UsnhWvLtPd/s400/IMG_6190.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362880963541646146" /></a><br /><br />Katie and I headed out to meet some of my friends for a cocktail at 878. I loved the place but it was a bit quiet, as it was early in the week. Another lovely night out in Palermo! <br /><br />Chicago, I love Buenos Aires. <br /><br />xoxo TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-7143845541496527222009-07-26T13:48:00.000-07:002009-07-27T09:56:56.165-07:00El Dia del Bus...Dear Chicago,<br /><br />It was such a blustery day in Buenos Aires that my hat blew away at the first intersection we came to: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhHIBGeCehzCRpf8x5Lv046cacrvLlc120MmXlFZgOqqvIdKP3xx3QLanky0ckKIejt6zRykqEmAW7FGT61nIc7x-4TTvyRNZmfdywweVu5kz40cW8YQF4k8qrCkpssjstxKuR0HFDNS4/s1600-h/DSC_0036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhHIBGeCehzCRpf8x5Lv046cacrvLlc120MmXlFZgOqqvIdKP3xx3QLanky0ckKIejt6zRykqEmAW7FGT61nIc7x-4TTvyRNZmfdywweVu5kz40cW8YQF4k8qrCkpssjstxKuR0HFDNS4/s400/DSC_0036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362878397941879218" /></a><br /><br />Not a great start. The troops and I marched on through the wind and rain to our destination: the bus stop for the Buenos Aires tour bus. My idea was to pay the flat rate and spend the day going on the bus around the entire city to catch all the main attractions. It ended up being a freezing cold ride in the rain on the upper deck of an open bus! K, M &D did manage to see the Obelisk, Casa Rosada, National Cathedral, Florida Street, the entire Caminito in La Boca, the Bonbonera stadium, the Congress building, Puerto Madero... everything. <br />Freezing on the bus:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs6QIVH_QhicL4zwbfy0jHSadToDy2nRwLd1x-Qzt2T9CDHCVnE5kOVqce2gd9SC1phBuhtVjtqV8imh-BYUP2Q-X09Uh3bFLGv9vpIGX1NvVBYzWaLkzVmMZ0UY6W3GvVdyRi-k42Cmn/s1600-h/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbs6QIVH_QhicL4zwbfy0jHSadToDy2nRwLd1x-Qzt2T9CDHCVnE5kOVqce2gd9SC1phBuhtVjtqV8imh-BYUP2Q-X09Uh3bFLGv9vpIGX1NvVBYzWaLkzVmMZ0UY6W3GvVdyRi-k42Cmn/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362878406988362994" /></a><br /><br />We hopped off the bus when the roof started to blow off... poor Dad bumped his head and it was time for a taxi to a warm cafe and museum. We ate at the cafe outside of the Museo Arte Decorativo and toured the museum. <br /><br />Views from the adventure: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LAd293RF_KP7wnUMF5VZJMSEGNMDpvmGKHAL4Al2UPNMKP1_hyphenhypheneHVz6qnB6yTc88u4d2wl1CrfjkZXIFb1S8MSXeG_ArKG93cgNal8KQxgnHt4KoIxmW6orPor9n4iqxdNTsIwcmycCa/s1600-h/DSC_0076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LAd293RF_KP7wnUMF5VZJMSEGNMDpvmGKHAL4Al2UPNMKP1_hyphenhypheneHVz6qnB6yTc88u4d2wl1CrfjkZXIFb1S8MSXeG_ArKG93cgNal8KQxgnHt4KoIxmW6orPor9n4iqxdNTsIwcmycCa/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362878422364991426" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L-hRt3p4aHLX-xCPXl2H2YGOQfwPUVs_g4BsO2JMdN9YD16dVP2i0eKmHlEtCQpkdoHUFoiM0vhN92ttY9EFG8Bt6L46WdFIHQS1fBvfPznZf0Bat9vF3FUHm_SxgmpNhQmWkgaJNF9N/s1600-h/DSC_0081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L-hRt3p4aHLX-xCPXl2H2YGOQfwPUVs_g4BsO2JMdN9YD16dVP2i0eKmHlEtCQpkdoHUFoiM0vhN92ttY9EFG8Bt6L46WdFIHQS1fBvfPznZf0Bat9vF3FUHm_SxgmpNhQmWkgaJNF9N/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362878411937744626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkLQ6O9lMnhmtKExNz-PItlIpS83FLaE0t1vd30ltANnksCDs5diPOI9tBoxExtBM2I14xQj40b8y9BqMBY7g_swL4C_4eohuQAAauDJyUADHeb05c3feF7RB7-BM-fA0m71Snm-RwMIp/s1600-h/IMG_6135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkLQ6O9lMnhmtKExNz-PItlIpS83FLaE0t1vd30ltANnksCDs5diPOI9tBoxExtBM2I14xQj40b8y9BqMBY7g_swL4C_4eohuQAAauDJyUADHeb05c3feF7RB7-BM-fA0m71Snm-RwMIp/s400/IMG_6135.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362878404439496306" /></a><br /><br />Dinner was at an Italian restaurant in Puerto Madero - more great red wine and unbelievable desserts - a lava cake with dulce-de-leche in the center. Mmmmm. <br /><br />A cold, rainy day in Buenos Aires - yet it couldn't have been better. <br /><br />besos - TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-36675977125499973482009-07-22T14:59:00.000-07:002009-07-26T13:48:38.015-07:00Mi Familia!Dear Chicago,<br /><br />The first day with the family! I was greeted at the Melia Recoleta by Inez, a friend of Maria Eugenia who hooked us up very, very well at this place. K napped after her 24 hours of travel while Mom, Dad and I walked the neighborhood. I showed off a bit of the Recoleta cemetery and we had a bite to eat at La Biela (I really cannot have too much of a good thing!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflNYKDpae0XFuUok4hKOC_l5qYk6W1oXLQqW-m7IL-pubvEdx_tHqId31AkU68FrXewpP6sexB_mdhoDJs8tEhZnkErcU4sbtqoTQ3y4AUrfWxy-QcyShaJJpSMYbNmaY5dtA7BiVA8OR/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflNYKDpae0XFuUok4hKOC_l5qYk6W1oXLQqW-m7IL-pubvEdx_tHqId31AkU68FrXewpP6sexB_mdhoDJs8tEhZnkErcU4sbtqoTQ3y4AUrfWxy-QcyShaJJpSMYbNmaY5dtA7BiVA8OR/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362872898470078786" /></a><br />Early this week, I had asked Agustin (the sommolier from wine tasting class) for some suggestions of wine tasting adventures I could take with my family. We walked from our hotel to the Duhau Vinoteca at the Park Hyatt - a great decision! We tasted 3 malbecs and a Sauv Blanc. Paired with Argentine and Italian cheeses and we were in heaven. A gorgeous tasting room kicked the night off right. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c9N120Qqowg0dDSetq8gQVR6JvmssM_UwidQS3s5X3bpsKxmU4dqDnFyD5PlxC0jGEfreIlxEmxIMKctKHSGkqtRHRrosk0CHI-bwIWFWieeELS0Vefoe5UB3H17J5BDXXIC4e1ZiWhZ/s1600-h/IMG_6089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c9N120Qqowg0dDSetq8gQVR6JvmssM_UwidQS3s5X3bpsKxmU4dqDnFyD5PlxC0jGEfreIlxEmxIMKctKHSGkqtRHRrosk0CHI-bwIWFWieeELS0Vefoe5UB3H17J5BDXXIC4e1ZiWhZ/s400/IMG_6089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362872903685066434" /></a><br />Dinner in Las Canitas at El Primo, a steakhouse that has been on my list for months, now. It was divine - grilled ribs, a giant ribeye, chorizo and a pork shish-kebab - the four of us barely recognized ourselves as we devoured it all. Proveleta cheese and papas provencales disappeared with the rest. Another great find: the Alma Mora Malbec I'd read about that MC and I found was on the wine list at El Primo. More great Malbec in Buenos Aires! We finished the meal with a panqueque de dulce de leche. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUIWlE2Py9JoQ02z2s2cujIrdJOlmji6GmhA-22fds5YAMVlV35TlUsUDXgH3dpCeqQHUTkpJePQ8CSuXhY2Gk_yv02Zmc8dZj_l8hhjca_9LGDnpfJzWZg1IG7oKcpjIbjbiEzX00uju/s1600-h/DSC_0034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUIWlE2Py9JoQ02z2s2cujIrdJOlmji6GmhA-22fds5YAMVlV35TlUsUDXgH3dpCeqQHUTkpJePQ8CSuXhY2Gk_yv02Zmc8dZj_l8hhjca_9LGDnpfJzWZg1IG7oKcpjIbjbiEzX00uju/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362872907491767698" /></a<br /><br />It feels good to have them here. The rest of our family back home is on our minds. <br /><br />Ciao - TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-54891061318325306032009-07-20T10:04:00.001-07:002009-07-28T15:59:39.257-07:00Buenos Aires DesignDear Chicago, <br />Buenos Aires Design is a giant building in Recoleta that sells all sorts of design-oriented materials: cool furniture, sinks, stuff for your kitchen etc. I was struck but a creative display on the main floor: using kitchen utensils and appliances, there was a zoo in a glass case! My favorite is the hippopotamus made from a waffle maker: <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf_p8HB6duVIOMTzn2mp5CiL4MqN0kZRevDE2cwKgfmwP_Op08UOo__2ruCu1FBcWTDLXvM2llJ32O9RaulLqJmvCfI7CjOIQ_Pyo3Y4oq1yrv8F3wP7S0kkmV74aNFtiQA80pdJaRokf/s1600-h/IMG_7885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwf_p8HB6duVIOMTzn2mp5CiL4MqN0kZRevDE2cwKgfmwP_Op08UOo__2ruCu1FBcWTDLXvM2llJ32O9RaulLqJmvCfI7CjOIQ_Pyo3Y4oq1yrv8F3wP7S0kkmV74aNFtiQA80pdJaRokf/s400/IMG_7885.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363648904619238258" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOFSoVOFftsD7DnlU0qpAP6mCnWWQ3ysGZs57qiweF73rDvnRtx1dYiG2sEPJCfI5NNhWMQbDrKsLbN1sIhskfUknPCYaAM6vkRgiAoun6xcc_veHlsOORUERzcNTO1-T6UvROor9H8Q6/s1600-h/IMG_7874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOFSoVOFftsD7DnlU0qpAP6mCnWWQ3ysGZs57qiweF73rDvnRtx1dYiG2sEPJCfI5NNhWMQbDrKsLbN1sIhskfUknPCYaAM6vkRgiAoun6xcc_veHlsOORUERzcNTO1-T6UvROor9H8Q6/s400/IMG_7874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363648899178673266" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrafvUAmAROuYWOODB5uztd8VXCBo3zu8LJ1PYkU5LrtnC85OMXgqK8mXzMzTPrPi17DMfi9YPbOjaDwLaYA0NC4-FDEXrI_nqg8xw531OTWe5ivwuwoWwUdqNevZONADmGoPABop7Y6S1/s1600-h/IMG_7850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrafvUAmAROuYWOODB5uztd8VXCBo3zu8LJ1PYkU5LrtnC85OMXgqK8mXzMzTPrPi17DMfi9YPbOjaDwLaYA0NC4-FDEXrI_nqg8xw531OTWe5ivwuwoWwUdqNevZONADmGoPABop7Y6S1/s400/IMG_7850.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363648889949603906" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I52NWXsNhZMIZEeuC7KmO0ikTh9i5WhIWp_a79sBCr2tZAEROa9HiQnlRIRv5gymY2Qamjm1kT3vyou39LEvDkIlvijjreOOF-i9Cm36Q9VaZ8ClPudpVDlkxQWejb82lsJYkr3kpH0T/s1600-h/IMG_7872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I52NWXsNhZMIZEeuC7KmO0ikTh9i5WhIWp_a79sBCr2tZAEROa9HiQnlRIRv5gymY2Qamjm1kT3vyou39LEvDkIlvijjreOOF-i9Cm36Q9VaZ8ClPudpVDlkxQWejb82lsJYkr3kpH0T/s400/IMG_7872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363647974129282226" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXPxLcEn8wFQczmXHKrKbnKob3JSQ6fxGLnEXXOr8EaXosz8TpAsgyLIOv8qTbgN8APuUT_rKn5GhLPb3NsiyadUXPP6oLorJba1adpP5RfTGPTUAZ8chhlWhrwyIaZ67L4PjW104Y1eH/s1600-h/IMG_7870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXPxLcEn8wFQczmXHKrKbnKob3JSQ6fxGLnEXXOr8EaXosz8TpAsgyLIOv8qTbgN8APuUT_rKn5GhLPb3NsiyadUXPP6oLorJba1adpP5RfTGPTUAZ8chhlWhrwyIaZ67L4PjW104Y1eH/s400/IMG_7870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363647969946812834" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oLVZc6_lWXHELkZ5x7KQhtIz34mu2K2EN7eEFeGvOyQLJuwvQyvTMRrEa-kVy0YfK8Vl9h0eq61P6IuSHAjzhrtO_Xy93NtKz98SHye7hrUInGhzwX86fcjCy02yfQNCnDdEvTdWCyig/s1600-h/IMG_7861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oLVZc6_lWXHELkZ5x7KQhtIz34mu2K2EN7eEFeGvOyQLJuwvQyvTMRrEa-kVy0YfK8Vl9h0eq61P6IuSHAjzhrtO_Xy93NtKz98SHye7hrUInGhzwX86fcjCy02yfQNCnDdEvTdWCyig/s400/IMG_7861.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363647968732967874" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ7huthcXdz3plMZ2YBU5in08RGNvIJ0a0lekGCdrqrxuU2-cVjqTOtJD5Gs9NPDjW7_AxdLXFj5XvsBm3Tp3OUj4RTX37CBMEriVQwGjNTUmxgk9z9z-4T7m7PujHAhbITihr3EfCVxo/s1600-h/IMG_7857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ7huthcXdz3plMZ2YBU5in08RGNvIJ0a0lekGCdrqrxuU2-cVjqTOtJD5Gs9NPDjW7_AxdLXFj5XvsBm3Tp3OUj4RTX37CBMEriVQwGjNTUmxgk9z9z-4T7m7PujHAhbITihr3EfCVxo/s400/IMG_7857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363647964056881042" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sCRufKIthc78UFwINyeTc1CE9QbmPJOsoNvdxaY4kJ5T-OyUozaCE5z-tzfuxAK58FP3Rv41vjMb1j2saau0aTy9MBMQUZ1ITdQ-lR5p9BxZjxtAf6Pm9Qs4Lt8rsrHDnOnSXGbXQtTC/s1600-h/IMG_7882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sCRufKIthc78UFwINyeTc1CE9QbmPJOsoNvdxaY4kJ5T-OyUozaCE5z-tzfuxAK58FP3Rv41vjMb1j2saau0aTy9MBMQUZ1ITdQ-lR5p9BxZjxtAf6Pm9Qs4Lt8rsrHDnOnSXGbXQtTC/s400/IMG_7882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363647951055938322" /></a>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-64433227125092293642009-07-20T09:13:00.000-07:002009-07-20T10:01:35.882-07:00La Boca, San Telmo, Ezeiza, Fin.Dear Chicago, <br />I could not believe that Sunday was Michael's last day. We hit the ground 'corriendo' [running] to maximize the time before his flight. On the way to the bus, we stopped by a store - apparently, I've been living near it for months without noticing:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4ItFHasuElh7rP3szNDXJsuQqMALvRTliPd7t5ISzZ4Bbp4XPgVHfMDcwlxoQfOzq5A6S9tNvgUZmzhk4F4UU8DLdGYqX5R-SUHlKKfXLNTUsIGlFpT94sJVA72NLJFAKrZHIPkcOZ-o/s1600-h/IMG_8380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4ItFHasuElh7rP3szNDXJsuQqMALvRTliPd7t5ISzZ4Bbp4XPgVHfMDcwlxoQfOzq5A6S9tNvgUZmzhk4F4UU8DLdGYqX5R-SUHlKKfXLNTUsIGlFpT94sJVA72NLJFAKrZHIPkcOZ-o/s400/IMG_8380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360577674167129442" /></a><br /><br />The bus took us waaay over to La Boca, where we toured La Bombonera - the stadium of Bocas Junior. Very cool to see the inner workings of such a crazy place! I was disappointed Michael couldn't see a game, but this was the next best thing. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGc_PIvjAmFk_xE5WdnZGhJ3Ob2Nw3KN4Eg2FsczoI-YdvbmjpNBSdpWnohISTC3zx-zf4l9RFH4SlaqBrigpJ5HQvJuBZyTtWJQXH5zS0E0kKH8bNfFz6nm_hl3EwbVTmNlVTcbUQXvk/s1600-h/IMG_8392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGc_PIvjAmFk_xE5WdnZGhJ3Ob2Nw3KN4Eg2FsczoI-YdvbmjpNBSdpWnohISTC3zx-zf4l9RFH4SlaqBrigpJ5HQvJuBZyTtWJQXH5zS0E0kKH8bNfFz6nm_hl3EwbVTmNlVTcbUQXvk/s400/IMG_8392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360577669453726210" /></a><br /><br />We snuck over to El Caminito as it started to rain, but sucessfully saw the famous colorful walkway on the South Side of Buenos Aires:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRvtKmpje-6a_Ye9xHjwdNa5Wp5CXWULJipGlJy3YAoOd-HcuK3DgQWg7LjkXbs207xAX5WSX0ZBYlXjQ0KGPcaPVLXPS7jDGgeKRe0_BUUdoBhqbfeq7CxLYtOjvnsp5XKotzM5M_Dd/s1600-h/IMG_8415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFRvtKmpje-6a_Ye9xHjwdNa5Wp5CXWULJipGlJy3YAoOd-HcuK3DgQWg7LjkXbs207xAX5WSX0ZBYlXjQ0KGPcaPVLXPS7jDGgeKRe0_BUUdoBhqbfeq7CxLYtOjvnsp5XKotzM5M_Dd/s400/IMG_8415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360577679367486418" /></a><br /><br />After a long lunch in San Telmo, we browsed the famous antique market in Plaza Dorrego:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkYlm5vXglowngGjtRtd6N-w963LmRziSXdiEJSaIYrWUguqUee4sgCHi8OZghOkftGVUbeM988HBcESxFU1U1d0zlm0JFdRjlDNDw0u2tQrnQseW5r6zL-48zgvgZDWDAeBw84NQ2pbl/s1600-h/IMG_8431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkYlm5vXglowngGjtRtd6N-w963LmRziSXdiEJSaIYrWUguqUee4sgCHi8OZghOkftGVUbeM988HBcESxFU1U1d0zlm0JFdRjlDNDw0u2tQrnQseW5r6zL-48zgvgZDWDAeBw84NQ2pbl/s400/IMG_8431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360587462457702914" /></a><br /><br />We grabbed a bus back to Belgrano. A brief visit to Havanna for a cafe at one of my favorite places, we had to get bags and the taxi... <br /><br />Before I knew it, Michael was at Ezeiza and I was heading home in the taxi. The driver was very sweet and tried to cheer me up, saying that airport goodbyes are always 'brusque'. It was the trip of a lifetime and it felt SO good to finally share these adventures with someone I care about. Thank you, thank you, and gracias to those who made this trip possible, both for me and for MC. I cannot wait to come home and show all of our pictures and tell stories. This blog was only the beginning! <br /><br />Today I'm doing some last minute errands and exploration before more of Chicago comes to Buenos Aires - the family gets here tomorrow morning! <br /><br />Soaking up every minute, <br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-82773966876956844082009-07-19T09:12:00.000-07:002009-07-20T09:48:55.806-07:00The eye of "El Tigre"Dear Chicago,<br /><br />Saturday was a cold, rainy day in Buenos Aires. MC and I braved the mist to take 2 trains north to El Tigre. It was far form the most glamorous way to see the city, but it was cheap and a good day to be inside looking out a window. <br /><br />El Tigre is a town on a delta of the Rio de La Plata. Filled with vacation homes and rowing clubs, the little rivers have created islands accesible only boat. Mike and I took an afternoon boat ride through a few of the channels to see the cottages that dot the island. As it is winter here, most were closed or empty but it was a great little ride nonetheless. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZY7BWRqH2Ru4zDsVwJTMW8OhMcMLLNPhkXwGZr-u3iR7xBd7juu0PU4e5_NdQx4zkRLy9yXes8Y7dSHgtHwFlevSwMnHhoWsyIudJ588WHIngscbm28zkyGvzg1a8Y_1kji7o9GbpCzD/s1600-h/IMG_8355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZY7BWRqH2Ru4zDsVwJTMW8OhMcMLLNPhkXwGZr-u3iR7xBd7juu0PU4e5_NdQx4zkRLy9yXes8Y7dSHgtHwFlevSwMnHhoWsyIudJ588WHIngscbm28zkyGvzg1a8Y_1kji7o9GbpCzD/s400/IMG_8355.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360580221108132930" /></a><br /><br />On the boat:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLcwf22nt1LVGaaFQ4jaIfy8H2qeOuNj61lleo4OJJoA1RKi7nc7VviXNvpirIeFCQcNCdul20k75G282GPWP2iGdMBnvzRMUJviRIitp1FShX2njJaoRdpdai2MRsVpbqM6-7-CzuFWH/s1600-h/IMG_8348.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLcwf22nt1LVGaaFQ4jaIfy8H2qeOuNj61lleo4OJJoA1RKi7nc7VviXNvpirIeFCQcNCdul20k75G282GPWP2iGdMBnvzRMUJviRIitp1FShX2njJaoRdpdai2MRsVpbqM6-7-CzuFWH/s400/IMG_8348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360580218343268514" /></a><br /><br />Long lunch to warm up:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDzDkYxSGXs7IwhTk21xwSdxsM68GyS0Eri6cZrENKW9Nj_4qiVkFQbK4I5d47pz4zt-h4fH0OmFQZ9-MBENbtG6FdntOa5d6IqZ-tpQybXpapKBnMD3FBXylLM1SHNeSEDE05hPfbxiG/s1600-h/IMG_8357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDzDkYxSGXs7IwhTk21xwSdxsM68GyS0Eri6cZrENKW9Nj_4qiVkFQbK4I5d47pz4zt-h4fH0OmFQZ9-MBENbtG6FdntOa5d6IqZ-tpQybXpapKBnMD3FBXylLM1SHNeSEDE05hPfbxiG/s400/IMG_8357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360580209474940018" /></a><br /><br />Tigre feels a lot like the Jersey Shore - in relation to a big city nearby, its a great getaway in the summer. We didn't get the full effect, I'm sure, but it is always nice to get outside of the city and take a peek around.<br /><br />The highlight of Saturday night: Thelonius Bar. Mike picked this jazz club out from his guidebook -- what a great choice! This place was way out of the way and we pulled up chairs for a few hours of live music. The atmosphere was awesome - we could have been in any city in the world. A pizzeta and some Malbec kept up in check - we had a great night out in Buenos Aires. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ3yWMOkaxj-zoFyjkXBAOnLHMff7pcnkrp6sfvMOaRqpHgSKL4ND-vvO3jqZHtJ6M8YwO9Y_G9HJvG0Lp8Mq0UUS61mvBMMCnmC4QWg1kGc_tnE571BlrkZuFTw5K_7nsQLicHH40kAS/s1600-h/IMG_8371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ3yWMOkaxj-zoFyjkXBAOnLHMff7pcnkrp6sfvMOaRqpHgSKL4ND-vvO3jqZHtJ6M8YwO9Y_G9HJvG0Lp8Mq0UUS61mvBMMCnmC4QWg1kGc_tnE571BlrkZuFTw5K_7nsQLicHH40kAS/s400/IMG_8371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360583984660363698" /></a><br /><br />besos - TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-17185235261703999982009-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:002009-07-19T06:09:49.352-07:00CaminoDear Chicago, <br /><br />Today, Mike and I WALKED. We covered about 5 miles of the city. It was a gorgeous, sunny day that began at the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBF1Aqg8n4FopddSD4akOq9taw3zbt7PJRvdEsPCdbfngTVjW2USr2haiP0zeQSYf8BhTRqNtLXGVVLw3SevSregPXqOM2qYqFZ-OEKaHOrTRsWZJXG8jurB6_su-L3jwLBCkX3xeaWOn/s1600-h/IMG_8299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBF1Aqg8n4FopddSD4akOq9taw3zbt7PJRvdEsPCdbfngTVjW2USr2haiP0zeQSYf8BhTRqNtLXGVVLw3SevSregPXqOM2qYqFZ-OEKaHOrTRsWZJXG8jurB6_su-L3jwLBCkX3xeaWOn/s400/IMG_8299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359943933196324002" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next we walked the length of Puerto Madero to see the Puente de la Mujer:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBkKAv7kyufJvMwyxmvbT2b1WRh-pES5E3krGSusZXfCDhghDuteCK-L2iGNhmy7Qro6VzfNf2KbgyPD2pPVEDk8VhuaXWIu8yfR4zPFDsvp3PE3Kd5r5R_IPR_M1Ap-ek7ugj7z2YG4M/s1600-h/IMG_8308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBkKAv7kyufJvMwyxmvbT2b1WRh-pES5E3krGSusZXfCDhghDuteCK-L2iGNhmy7Qro6VzfNf2KbgyPD2pPVEDk8VhuaXWIu8yfR4zPFDsvp3PE3Kd5r5R_IPR_M1Ap-ek7ugj7z2YG4M/s400/IMG_8308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359943940646094834" /></a><br /><br /><br />The widest street in the world:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uPD0n5E3ZPa3a5_Aj5gcc7f4aZtp4h5CyysidVyIwJ-TQrpQsI0eY8Kx1m9_QobmknylX2ErGW5m1MxbrNPN57FOCin0mMinlxy2XkLdUtDUbbh_W9PbuuSoLArTI8hdW311vM4nBSH9/s1600-h/IMG_8327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uPD0n5E3ZPa3a5_Aj5gcc7f4aZtp4h5CyysidVyIwJ-TQrpQsI0eY8Kx1m9_QobmknylX2ErGW5m1MxbrNPN57FOCin0mMinlxy2XkLdUtDUbbh_W9PbuuSoLArTI8hdW311vM4nBSH9/s400/IMG_8327.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359943942740599522" /></a><br /><br />We walked through two barrios up to the National Congress building. Our plans for a free tour were thwarted by the swine flu - tours remain cancelled due to 'Gripe A'. A long lunch at cafe Victoria across the street was relaxing, followed by a long train ride home. This proved to be the first stumbling block in our trip together: in the business of the rush hour subway cars, Mike managed to get on, while the doors closed in my face... as the train pulled away, I yelled the name of our station and hoped for the best. Thank goodness he found the map on the train and remembered an intersection in my neighborhood - we met up successfully in the station about 15 minutes later! Crisis averted. Mike regained his confidence to go shopping by himself around the corner - he picked up flowers and ice cream for my senora. We headed to the house for dinner with Cristina, her daughter Maria Eugenia and son-in-law Ferr. Mike did great - his spanish got him through the whole dinner just fine! We ate well and discussed sports, the price of electronics in the US, shopping, tatoos, politics and the city of Buenos Aires. He was a big hit and, as always, charmed the crowd. I was very proud of his Spanish! After dinner we met up with friends from my program for live music in Palermo. From there it was off to a club for an authentic porteno night out - LOST was a big hit and Mike got the true Friday night flavor of the city. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8_fpx_WMES29yPPPdX6UAhD3RZQZQQlaS2XhkQ3BZFeT68klTD8WRCaBAo5D0m3ejNK7vD0c4qy7Xp0Da5yOpbX6lVbU4sGR7OaVuQ8S25Q9loxDnLrXf54wnqhDheuNdR4BRu2gGRho/s1600-h/IMG_8333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8_fpx_WMES29yPPPdX6UAhD3RZQZQQlaS2XhkQ3BZFeT68klTD8WRCaBAo5D0m3ejNK7vD0c4qy7Xp0Da5yOpbX6lVbU4sGR7OaVuQ8S25Q9loxDnLrXf54wnqhDheuNdR4BRu2gGRho/s400/IMG_8333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360146059519714610" /></a><br /><br />Ciao Chicago!<br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-61794642925936539062009-07-17T14:39:00.001-07:002009-07-17T16:33:16.092-07:00URUGUAY!!Dear Chicago, <br /><br />MC and I hit the road well before sunrise to get to the ferry terminal. Tickets were easy to buy and we were on our way by 9:00AM. Sunrise over the Rio de la Plata (it is winter here, so the sun comes up very late) was beautiful. The funniest part of the entire day: trying to figure out the Uruguayan peso! A cup of coffee was $120 pesos, but our gourmet lunch (filet mignon, potatoes and a glass of wine) was about $900 pesos... we finally did the conversion and realized MC took $1500 pesos from the ATM and it was only $60 US Dollars - unbelievable! <br /><br /><br />Sleepy on the ferry:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-By5MJ0EZeEiz7nvpmsodAHhAERcFuvpbiJ9uYjPO07-XjyZmeqP4PhK2jhwcbWFdhcO0ULmqlrzJBPFMGkjMwcH79xhzyf3iUokOB6UnOJP5QCJY78nmV_QfoB4xsDA1By7RhyphenhyphenaObjw9/s1600-h/IMG_8148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-By5MJ0EZeEiz7nvpmsodAHhAERcFuvpbiJ9uYjPO07-XjyZmeqP4PhK2jhwcbWFdhcO0ULmqlrzJBPFMGkjMwcH79xhzyf3iUokOB6UnOJP5QCJY78nmV_QfoB4xsDA1By7RhyphenhyphenaObjw9/s400/IMG_8148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359548792263799970" /></a><br />We spent the day exploring Colonia, taking in the vistas from the lighthouse and having an amazing lunch. We took a trip up the light house to see the view, checked out the downtown and old church, which was beautiful. Lots of portuguese influence, no surprise there. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTLGt59O_eKM5Iy2oBwfZnkEF8STbQVVFTDO68JzKFxW0aCJ2rTg0mHRc6hEz_MIheHuQG7wHClL-2sChpy2DXJpNEi4GtfIgCvIlGE7XhPSQpUpfTZkX-MxyjskVrHj2rBoKaO3YhBe0/s1600-h/IMG_8238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTLGt59O_eKM5Iy2oBwfZnkEF8STbQVVFTDO68JzKFxW0aCJ2rTg0mHRc6hEz_MIheHuQG7wHClL-2sChpy2DXJpNEi4GtfIgCvIlGE7XhPSQpUpfTZkX-MxyjskVrHj2rBoKaO3YhBe0/s400/IMG_8238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359548825761812834" /></a><br /><br /><br />Old fortress wall:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtYeQ2n3x-Juq0iAxkwf213Q9d1u-no2Sydgu9eVFZElBb8cLrkIHwbS3rL-XyJgwpPLVlz5PGhHzoim03wxVGsruSCEEQlQVL_uPY1iX3uwpAe7qS-FP5pE2nTTq8NWbkK7arS9xk3x7/s1600-h/IMG_8206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtYeQ2n3x-Juq0iAxkwf213Q9d1u-no2Sydgu9eVFZElBb8cLrkIHwbS3rL-XyJgwpPLVlz5PGhHzoim03wxVGsruSCEEQlQVL_uPY1iX3uwpAe7qS-FP5pE2nTTq8NWbkK7arS9xk3x7/s400/IMG_8206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359548810802696658" /></a><br /><br /><br />A beautiful house on the 'street of sighs'<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFx1_uRAFffs_br4zRCNl5kvNCzsg7eh4eiEApjzN3yKzTMalHTwCzalloCizUhUnDP8SB1awOk6E8n2bG0JVJ4GA4wyizKfxXC33fiRwZxXsad2CeEjxqHoUzmjCWtc3BXTIKTL-datN/s1600-h/IMG_8220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFx1_uRAFffs_br4zRCNl5kvNCzsg7eh4eiEApjzN3yKzTMalHTwCzalloCizUhUnDP8SB1awOk6E8n2bG0JVJ4GA4wyizKfxXC33fiRwZxXsad2CeEjxqHoUzmjCWtc3BXTIKTL-datN/s400/IMG_8220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359548797237066962" /></a><br /><br /><br />Uruguay was amazing day trip but the cold got to us and we hopped a ferry home. A few hours later we were off to another amazing dinner in Plaza Serrano! It is so wonderful to have someone here to share the adventure. <br /><br />Ciao Chicago!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-60046933582982235772009-07-16T16:48:00.000-07:002009-07-17T14:38:47.519-07:00Tess and MC in BsAsDear Chicago - <br /><br />Yet ANOTHER great day in the city! MC and I started the day off right: we went back to our zoo-camper roots and hit the zoo! The guidebook set low expectations, and boy were they wrong:<br /><br />Amazon Chinichuras:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tC3vAcWxAU7hDFMVLEUrZtV1lagt6-tZdaEFhYTI5yvELbvwDaZzg4bEmLaz4B7pnB8WL4u7GCRAsXd78bgYK53sY2tqQZfec1-7TafG-WEuh4CNdwY4-J-MU2-R5HVxrXUIEWkecXJ-/s1600-h/IMG_7951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tC3vAcWxAU7hDFMVLEUrZtV1lagt6-tZdaEFhYTI5yvELbvwDaZzg4bEmLaz4B7pnB8WL4u7GCRAsXd78bgYK53sY2tqQZfec1-7TafG-WEuh4CNdwY4-J-MU2-R5HVxrXUIEWkecXJ-/s400/IMG_7951.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359545203458657618" /></a><br /><br />Black Swans:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rxFsk-JTVSr29vRB8thVATrmsZuIlt0jbtBTKcNVA8MILn7dQ32YGqZuHOttkyaPSKYJg5D4K7JYI07vsD7Zv7ydSb1tNUXEpVbhS-7gXZ90u79n6zMBik4XNYIWj3w4qGNDgzr7pY_k/s1600-h/IMG_7972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rxFsk-JTVSr29vRB8thVATrmsZuIlt0jbtBTKcNVA8MILn7dQ32YGqZuHOttkyaPSKYJg5D4K7JYI07vsD7Zv7ydSb1tNUXEpVbhS-7gXZ90u79n6zMBik4XNYIWj3w4qGNDgzr7pY_k/s400/IMG_7972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359545189268790850" /></a><br /><br />A few US dollars got us a bag of animal feed, which we were allowed to give to any animal in the zoo! It was wild!<br /><br />Sea Lions (these guys got sardines):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicyFe5vawWnjQIcYapuQygdlkfEb9Dx6c2pS8H71yXW4zKq8r1KV9_71ouedpA1EHmhde_CsPnX_ZOwvPulPuiO9UlmSbd92aDlU_UHTKYFdq5QfQjsTbm6g5dPNc_8cwqBMOQt41Q_P2/s1600-h/IMG_8090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicyFe5vawWnjQIcYapuQygdlkfEb9Dx6c2pS8H71yXW4zKq8r1KV9_71ouedpA1EHmhde_CsPnX_ZOwvPulPuiO9UlmSbd92aDlU_UHTKYFdq5QfQjsTbm6g5dPNc_8cwqBMOQt41Q_P2/s400/IMG_8090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359546234458478754" /></a><br /><br />Giraffes:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu8FC_5sSO7YlQjUap_PYrWVKFuGN2HOIW2cgjOspzHmwALfdVqAFqAyRQn_7e3djgjU1co-cs7MT003AFzgTrteH5pFtMkc8Z63F0Ux9MNY-4Mma-8LwiLWvNJFpssIcka_PX45XPNoj/s1600-h/IMG_8059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu8FC_5sSO7YlQjUap_PYrWVKFuGN2HOIW2cgjOspzHmwALfdVqAFqAyRQn_7e3djgjU1co-cs7MT003AFzgTrteH5pFtMkc8Z63F0Ux9MNY-4Mma-8LwiLWvNJFpssIcka_PX45XPNoj/s400/IMG_8059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359546230255199234" /></a><br /><br />From the zoo, we were off to Buenos Aires Design, lunch at La Biela, the Recoleta Cemetery, Recoleta Chapel, the Cultural Center, the National Museum of Bellas Artes and dinner with live music at Lena de Colorado in my neighborhood. Michael met my senora Christina, who was enamored with his handsome good looks, unusual height (for BA) and his "cara de nene" - baby face!<br /><br />It was a cold and rainy day in the city but we packed in as much as we were able to!! <br /><br />Look for a guest blog by MC himself.... Ciao Chicago - Tess!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-4505656171600701762009-07-14T16:48:00.001-07:002009-07-15T15:58:44.078-07:00Martes = Michael!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4YTUwZ4hgkpYAtKTUnTZyBMblziltMHtu7w9toI_CZwR2f0nvSE7P39XOjymM7QaXvDn8n14hNjq2C6bfr0soDV-4Y23dQGgC07iBEEEAS2KOiBCLoC3cOAMPV3MdFodeSwqRRIg4ebO/s1600-h/IMG_7925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4YTUwZ4hgkpYAtKTUnTZyBMblziltMHtu7w9toI_CZwR2f0nvSE7P39XOjymM7QaXvDn8n14hNjq2C6bfr0soDV-4Y23dQGgC07iBEEEAS2KOiBCLoC3cOAMPV3MdFodeSwqRRIg4ebO/s400/IMG_7925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358824567237905010" /></a><br /><br />Dear Chicago, <br />I cannot believe MC arrived this morning!! He had about 23 hours of travel, bless him. I had an awful time this morning getting the car I ordered to show at the right time and after a nervous phone call from MC on a payphone, we finally met up! Many thanks to the 'vecino'[neighbor] who lent a very special "Crew Member" ID to MC's suitcase - what an awesome way to travel! (I cannot wait to meet you!) From the airport, we checked into our apartment and made a quick turnaround to get the most out of our first day. <br /><br />Lunch at 'El Argentine' bakery in my neighborhood was adorable - empanadas, bocadito sandwiches and cafe. We hopped the subway to the center of the city to knock out the main tourist attractions: Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Avenida Florida, the National Cathedral - I noticed something here this time. In one of the alcoves of the Cathedral, there was a big frame of passages from the book of Genesis rescued from various locations after WWII. The frame was a tribute from Jews who were welcomed into Argentina after persecution. Amazing to read in Spanish. <br /><br />After a solemn visit, we walked the length of Avenida Florida, the pedestrian mall and "Times Square" of Buenos Aires. MC has his first alfajor - cookies filled with dulce de leche. A visit to Galeria Pacifico and the Cento Cultural de Borges and we were finally wiped out. We window shopped and talked our way to a bus stop to head home. The ride was long but we finally made it back in time to enjoy some Malbec before dinner. While relaxing and unpacking, MC fell asleep - I couldn't blame him! He had traveled for about 24 hours. I ducked out to get some Quilmes and a giant calzone from the shop around the corner - sometimes the most random cheap meals end up being the best. <br /><br />There is no translation, so once again I have to say it in English - I live a very, very charmed life. <br /><br />xoxo <br />Tess (and Michael!)Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-52063543170846841002009-07-13T08:55:00.002-07:002009-07-13T08:56:14.226-07:00My first visitor!!MICHAEL GETS HERE TOMORROW MORNING!!!!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-76549841251162179612009-07-13T08:55:00.001-07:002009-07-14T16:47:37.631-07:00Fin de SemanaDear Chicago, <br /><br />This weekend was a blur. Once again full of culture, great food and drinks and lots of late nights! On Friday I had my last class with Analia. Friday night dinner at home with Maria Eugenia and Fernando was great. Salad, giant grilled pork chops and a leek-and-proscuiutto tarta. From dinner I was off to meet MVM and his friend Julian, the guys from the states. We met for drinks at Le Bar in El Centro. Very cool place, I enjoyed my cocktail and it was great to see MVM again! <br /><br />Saturday - I ventured out to the Museo Fortabat at the urging of Cristina, my 'house mom'. Her girlfriends had been raving about the space and I found myself on a beautiful Saturday afternoon without a destination, for once. Off to Fortabat I went! The museum is comprised entirely of the private art collection of a very, very wealthy woman. (I live on the street of her maiden name and there is a skyscraper here emblazoned with her married name).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHfYOMa8aDtBnko4HSlqykxlNL1DeVnmOqqICN_CBdKODUUtS-maEF8lElS3009LbH8lNnuja-t1uJi1E6QtDl5IXg40kAexfFqBl64jp6Qzl5wrPcfmB8UjUW7VWTISMsB7B9iGvZCJv/s1600-h/IMG_7828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHfYOMa8aDtBnko4HSlqykxlNL1DeVnmOqqICN_CBdKODUUtS-maEF8lElS3009LbH8lNnuja-t1uJi1E6QtDl5IXg40kAexfFqBl64jp6Qzl5wrPcfmB8UjUW7VWTISMsB7B9iGvZCJv/s400/IMG_7828.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358464341923719346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFqdRcBe9oHoXhnVPN_Hq1_HGttowzps7LrAs4gNdRqG1u4jNnJG60uGd4nfT5sLPJlmUa-L9zHq_Bjl0OgoAzu4t4-7EiwSzDcSHKN8C25fqfh4tldmN6Vf0lxXUAbV6OlKkYzOyLCtb/s1600-h/IMG_7822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFqdRcBe9oHoXhnVPN_Hq1_HGttowzps7LrAs4gNdRqG1u4jNnJG60uGd4nfT5sLPJlmUa-L9zHq_Bjl0OgoAzu4t4-7EiwSzDcSHKN8C25fqfh4tldmN6Vf0lxXUAbV6OlKkYzOyLCtb/s400/IMG_7822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358464331038811458" /></a> I have to say, I was blown away by both the collection and the space! Her image was painted by Andy Warhol:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlZQqXPTNLs3qEnWuMJcjmakl55enPOCfhRoMOWSzLswXxCNoYfL3BSP_Y1YmHkPRygm5Vi-Fm8zg8Imnc8vQTbbuaPC3DuxQzeiteN6YPxipOo7_GRpornPNMyESij37Voig9IeBsWro/s1600-h/1686844-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlZQqXPTNLs3qEnWuMJcjmakl55enPOCfhRoMOWSzLswXxCNoYfL3BSP_Y1YmHkPRygm5Vi-Fm8zg8Imnc8vQTbbuaPC3DuxQzeiteN6YPxipOo7_GRpornPNMyESij37Voig9IeBsWro/s400/1686844-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358466320132585650" /></a><br /><br />I had seen the image many times before without knowing she was a powerful Argentine socialite. Her collection contains scupltures and sketches by Rodin and the Turner painting "Juliet and her Nurse" was guarded by as many cameras as the Mona Lisa. I can only imagine. Beruti did portraits of her grandkids and there was more Egyptian art than I would ever have guessed. The building is a beautiful space right on the water in Puerto Madero. The arched glass ceiling has panels that shift as the sunlight moves during the day. An overall pleasure (as was the cafe and 'scon' with chantilly cream I had while waiting for the tour to start. Si, si, I live a charmed life). <br /><br />On Saturday night I met up with J, C and E for a girls night. We started with a few bottles of red wine in J's awesome apartment - always a great time. From there we went to a bar recommended by a friend of J, "Kim y Novak". A fabulous night of Fernet&Colas, dancing in a random basement space, good conversation and new aquaintances. J taught me more about Guam than I could have imagined, a conversation for which I remain grateful. Home at 6:30 - well done, team!!<br /><br />Sunday - After a late night out, it was barbaro to sleep in. I awoke to an invitation by my senora and her daughter: they were off to El Tigre for the day, and I was invited! What a joy. Cristina, MariaEugenia and her husband Ferr and I piled into their Renault and were off. An hour drive north is the suburb of El Tigre. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU_UWWHBGlT5bi1g-NkFG9fobogD7pByhVx340HZBO77tZX3aL7NVNRY272do_LYyfyaAvhWdHRrvgbY8Y2WEbwp-7E7cQvZayPnptpRO8ZZcTpniqc0UECV08_C8FPJ3MmIXEAoM2Vnt/s1600-h/IMG_7833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU_UWWHBGlT5bi1g-NkFG9fobogD7pByhVx340HZBO77tZX3aL7NVNRY272do_LYyfyaAvhWdHRrvgbY8Y2WEbwp-7E7cQvZayPnptpRO8ZZcTpniqc0UECV08_C8FPJ3MmIXEAoM2Vnt/s400/IMG_7833.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358464346518797314" /></a><br /><br />Originally a summer-vacation town for the wealthy of BsAs, El Tigre is the Lake Geneva/Cape Cod of Argentina. Most of the homes are accessible only by ferry, and the downtown is gorgeous. The four of us went to the local art museum and the giant fruit market. It took all my strength not to leave there with a puppy... <br /><br />After the long day outside and a long drive home, I met MVM from Iowa for dinner. We tried a place that came with a recommendation from a friend, but upon arrival it was less than satisfactory. MVM thought of a place near his hostel in San Telmo and we were off. What a pleasant surprise! We spent a long evening at Del Plata eating some amazing food - chorizo, morcillo (yes, I tasted blood sausage) and a giant rib eye. That, along with a giant Provoleta, rosemary fried potatoes, a bottle of good Malbec and 2 desserts: less than $40US each! Unelievable. <br /><br />Buenos Aires and the people I have come to love here: thank you for another unbelievable weekend!<br /><br />Ciao - Besos - TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-11390337002437018352009-07-12T08:35:00.000-07:002009-07-13T09:03:29.991-07:00Miercoles y Jueves<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ANaRV0nIATqGedHB6XNmatHOrXEYuet2U3QGDyQzck9z_fgXePss0xw8MNAkJuJ1aKMsEmm6npOPciZZpRm603ZyaV6kKvx6zm7LIOekZ6RuB-ceNr8dk4AryqhYYtcURQqYkmuWjjTN/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ANaRV0nIATqGedHB6XNmatHOrXEYuet2U3QGDyQzck9z_fgXePss0xw8MNAkJuJ1aKMsEmm6npOPciZZpRm603ZyaV6kKvx6zm7LIOekZ6RuB-ceNr8dk4AryqhYYtcURQqYkmuWjjTN/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357975806806278802" /></a><br />Dear Chicago, <br /><br />I've been awful this week about documenting my adventures. Forgive me. Its getting more difficult to schlep around my laptop and find the time to have a coffee after hunting down a cafe that has wireless internet. <br /><br />Miercoles - Wednesday <br />Another great week - on Wednesday I was invited to Liliana's for dinner. A big step in my spanish language ability: I ordered a car all by myself! The drive to her house is pretty far, so I arranged a 'remis' taxi. The phone remains the hardest part of communication for me, and the fact that I ordered it and made it to the right place at the right time was pretty great. Liliana and Norberto were kind as always, and there were 9 of us from dinner. My conversation skills were markedly improved from our last dinner. When the topic switched to footbal, I was still lost. A beautiful dinner of rugula salad, smoked salmon appetizers and fresh homemade gnocchi. Dessert was a brick of chocolate Liliana had brought back from a meeting in Barcelona and quince with cheese - unbelievable! Norberto and Liliana went to bed and I figured I would hang out with Carla a bit before ordering a taxi home - was I wrong! <br /><br />Carla, her cousin and I hung out in the kitchen listening to music and drinking champagne (they live well and I really, really enjoy it). After the champagne were more drinks and then we were off. Her cousin had friends with an apartment party and from there we went to a secret club. A friend had rented out the space for her birthday party and it was amazing! I made it home at 6:30AM! It was a night of great conversations, drinks and places - not a word of English the whole time. <br /><br />Jueves - Thursday - Independence day <br />I met up with a friend of a friend and his friend... confusing. Mike is an Iowa guy and Julian is a former colleague of his. They're touring around South America and I was proud to serve as their ambassador to Buenos Aires. We grabbed lunch at the oldest cafe in BsAs, the Tortoni - a good mix of authentic food for tourists. I sent them on their way to the Feria de Los Matadores, as I have been there, done that. I continued laying low due to the awful stomach ache I've had for about 2 weeks now. The diet here is getting to me! I'm sure it has more to do with portion sizes than the food itself. Many things were closed for Independence Day, and that combined with the swine flu gave me a nice mellow day. I'm officially getting a hang of the bus schedule, which is nice! No Argentine traditions here for Independence day - it felt like a regular weekend day. I continue to learn something new everyday and I am ever surprised by this city! <br /><br />Ciao Chicago!<br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-46790861098397927992009-07-10T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-13T08:35:10.184-07:00Pico Iyer -- #3 and #4#3 Devour the Hotel Literature<br />The best example of this in Argentina was the horseback riding trip in Mendoza. I had tried unsuccessfully, on my own, to book a trip to ride. Only when we flipped through guidebooks and catalogs did we find what we were looking for. Not only that - it ended up being safe and amazing!<br /><br />#4 Run an Errand for a Friend<br /><br />Finally, Cristina asked me to run out for something. I got a 3 liter bottle of water and some rolls from a bakery. Of course, I bought the wrong type of rolls... they looked the same to me but apparently I bought breakfast buns. Oops.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-23750486790904431292009-07-06T21:50:00.000-07:002009-07-06T21:50:00.465-07:00Saturday Morning Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomPj9Hc-x5pmoUHu1u29MrG1E4q-pZFwidgqiRM_RTLXFbBEeKPD2f0scoNTZk_dBpTg-rsRWmtN1t8iSOOp7eGSGpTgDj8UKAyFZhUaBVDX_ki7Udf_KDXCayO2dqKuXe1v1c0si-ZXW/s1600-h/IMG_7707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomPj9Hc-x5pmoUHu1u29MrG1E4q-pZFwidgqiRM_RTLXFbBEeKPD2f0scoNTZk_dBpTg-rsRWmtN1t8iSOOp7eGSGpTgDj8UKAyFZhUaBVDX_ki7Udf_KDXCayO2dqKuXe1v1c0si-ZXW/s400/IMG_7707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355484727346993378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wnfVUVENlH_lYAQx97ZfjTtKeTWne0WzdTcQHKtsJYvvFUF0zNLuZbDh1L5C6d-aMB_YTsqk5ntRmVlkAsxM6yC7uC-_bhQmWY5fm4JdomCzBfkZyhk_Q5qzQv1ZxO6-b40ZG3Mc8QVo/s1600-h/IMG_7699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wnfVUVENlH_lYAQx97ZfjTtKeTWne0WzdTcQHKtsJYvvFUF0zNLuZbDh1L5C6d-aMB_YTsqk5ntRmVlkAsxM6yC7uC-_bhQmWY5fm4JdomCzBfkZyhk_Q5qzQv1ZxO6-b40ZG3Mc8QVo/s400/IMG_7699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355484721152034482" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIh7LRXt9r6ZYOhfIA8-Gqqb0B__7lNhGLgMvGtLuJnqhy8dVYNb9ypEHZOh9Ew8D7YFA98iyW6BZAsfcQIfTRpJZ33ZLgU37CN8CI93N0m7h80eXTeM2s0ookvUGDknLo6rZcLFAle6/s1600-h/IMG_7686.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIh7LRXt9r6ZYOhfIA8-Gqqb0B__7lNhGLgMvGtLuJnqhy8dVYNb9ypEHZOh9Ew8D7YFA98iyW6BZAsfcQIfTRpJZ33ZLgU37CN8CI93N0m7h80eXTeM2s0ookvUGDknLo6rZcLFAle6/s400/IMG_7686.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355484715280245730" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6DqC5iEXEPC7EABKHo8mSNO2AM65UwzO6kgwNYU36gIqmZ73quXI8P_DK4aHiFgwx4kk7sHtsTHwSil-7fTDz__uFo_zkoLnSL-YX0zDo_aLjeu3uPDKndugSylQluw-Xb2mwRRQ90Kx/s1600-h/IMG_7698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6DqC5iEXEPC7EABKHo8mSNO2AM65UwzO6kgwNYU36gIqmZ73quXI8P_DK4aHiFgwx4kk7sHtsTHwSil-7fTDz__uFo_zkoLnSL-YX0zDo_aLjeu3uPDKndugSylQluw-Xb2mwRRQ90Kx/s400/IMG_7698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355484705449213970" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntwT4w2bisJiTeAFKd3yA2jXX4RgiLFnjAfN9xU7xL2hteVhc4F6fAxusRyesV8y5xmo35csyeSEc2ay0pZ42BflbmU_E3odV1uMj4ln9DMtAsZwAsgwoaGf8mtyR8ia0fEl9EKXl3NiK/s1600-h/IMG_7687.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntwT4w2bisJiTeAFKd3yA2jXX4RgiLFnjAfN9xU7xL2hteVhc4F6fAxusRyesV8y5xmo35csyeSEc2ay0pZ42BflbmU_E3odV1uMj4ln9DMtAsZwAsgwoaGf8mtyR8ia0fEl9EKXl3NiK/s400/IMG_7687.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355481768082372418" /></a>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-49741798914251982009-07-06T15:21:00.000-07:002009-07-06T15:57:03.952-07:00Blustery Day in the Barrio...Dear Chicago, <br /><br />Content and exhausted after another fabulous weekend. On Friday night I felt under the weather and I stayed in to enjoy the company of my house mom and her daughter and son in law once again. Saturday morning I was up bright and early to check out a potential apartment for me and M to stay in. He'll be here next week, I can hardly believe it. After many price comparisons and inspections (I drive a hard bargain) I found a place around the corner. Literally - my senora recommended a place around the corner from her apartment! Its a beautiful hotel, brand new and caters to 'long term stays' a week or longer. I got the price down by saying I lived in the neighborhood, and now we're all set! <br /><br />Saturday afternoon: Salvador Dali exhibit at a mall. It was a highly recommended collection but I have to say I was very disappointed. Whoever arranged the lighting hung spots so that I had to shield my eyes to see the artwork... I've never had that happen at a museum. I also feel like a museum snob - what a tough life I lead! I had tried to arrange for a big group to celebrate the Fourth of July at an American bar downtown... I ended up at a Brazilian bar. Very random but a fun night with friends. <br /><br />Sunday was the best day of the weekend. Another early morning to hop on a bus with classmates to see a gaucho ranch. We drove 75 miles north of the Province to see a gaucho horse-maneuvering show (best way to describe it), have a big Sunday asado lunch of grilled meat (I didn't eat the blood sausage... I couldn't) and see a working farm. Carrie and I had a great time - I'm always surprised by how nice it is to get out of the city even though I love the city, too. <br />video of the gauchos:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBp8mfA1CMaH8hmkUDn8rTFvIxOtrk6LD87osL0xDY6GmB7S7pTr6TBBK_ZYwxlBi4wqDuP7m6bMwLYCMOzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENMtMy5Et5qrKC8aiWtSZqgU7KPF5NOwHjeYB56BKy-JVUg0AQ1Dx-L_xzop-xPNwqvyRtFWOWq6qkUmbfvQ6bI6uqVFHaEy1G-VZXMvkgQgWVJx_lfzW4kpEn5SSf2N0TR5oN0LOaGcb/s1600-h/IMG_7775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENMtMy5Et5qrKC8aiWtSZqgU7KPF5NOwHjeYB56BKy-JVUg0AQ1Dx-L_xzop-xPNwqvyRtFWOWq6qkUmbfvQ6bI6uqVFHaEy1G-VZXMvkgQgWVJx_lfzW4kpEn5SSf2N0TR5oN0LOaGcb/s400/IMG_7775.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355481777562803058" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bBIjG9wfdd3uVVthnKI41n2RxuKpIJ3inRbulaa7Cm1AnAa76UsljckBlRW7g_5tvwb0qILlRapa9X2V9GtwZFodLU1QdoGcRksD1zjunLezsa69MwTxe0IUrMfhsM0mvCLHaqnPAdqL/s1600-h/IMG_7776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bBIjG9wfdd3uVVthnKI41n2RxuKpIJ3inRbulaa7Cm1AnAa76UsljckBlRW7g_5tvwb0qILlRapa9X2V9GtwZFodLU1QdoGcRksD1zjunLezsa69MwTxe0IUrMfhsM0mvCLHaqnPAdqL/s400/IMG_7776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355481759701937106" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Today was a rainy, cold Monday. It was the first thunderstorm I've seen during my time in Argentina. (It made me miss Corky a lot). Unfortunately, the rain meant that volunteering was cancelled. The government permitted our organization to continue working with the kids, provided we use outdoor spaces like parks and plazas... a rainstorm meant that was cancelled. The swine flu is communicated to be a real and present danger here - more people in masks than I would have expected. So far, I feel great! <br /><br />Looking forward to a potential weekend in the northern provinces as we have a day off for Argentine Independence Day, July 9th. <br /><br />I cannot believe MC is visiting a week from tomorrow, and my family a week after! I live a charmed life. <br /><br />besos - TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-67932578604676365622009-07-03T14:17:00.000-07:002009-07-03T14:53:35.422-07:00Loving LIFEDear Chicago,<br /><br />Volunteering today with L.I.F.E was AWESOME. Every day in the van on our way back home, the volunteers cannot stop raving about the experience. We get a high from frantically doing our best with the group of the day. Today presented a few curve balls - the power was shut off to the woman's home that serves as the Comedor, so we herded the kids and plastic tables into the courtyard. Fortunately the winter solstice has come and gone here, so we had JUST enough light to last until 6:15. The theme of the day was 'pirates' so worksheets teaching English and Spanish were followed by mazes and puzzles, drawing and making their treasure maps look old with the help of some tea bags to stain the paper and a lighter to burn the edges. Dad would have been proud as I reminded the 6 year olds over and over (in spanish) that only grownups can use fire and that burning paper was not a normal activity. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbrg9hrrIkxGyQHS2zSq2T-bUH2mlixTzRKDeuFvdVDtY4hMFbKXNcGqIMWrGWavNk0L2FzmR0zY6qg-oxmygO9D13fEmALk6E8-jUCgUNzfCsAjGFNttze7XnrHKC6xH9nOVB0XHxb-N/s1600-h/IMG_7625.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbrg9hrrIkxGyQHS2zSq2T-bUH2mlixTzRKDeuFvdVDtY4hMFbKXNcGqIMWrGWavNk0L2FzmR0zY6qg-oxmygO9D13fEmALk6E8-jUCgUNzfCsAjGFNttze7XnrHKC6xH9nOVB0XHxb-N/s400/IMG_7625.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354349370921258018" /></a><br /><br /><br />The kids were great today and I'm officially a familiar face. I melted when the girls all asked me to spell my name and made paintings for me. That being said, we had 20 kids running around in a courtyard fighting over paintbrushes and scissors. One little girl got punched in the face by her cousin (not exaggerating) - I've learned to discipline in Spanish! (Grandpa, you would have lots to see at these outings). Punching means no more painting! The time FLEW by as the kids made pirate eye patches, asked to learn more English words and tried to figure out what they could get away with. The four other volunteers and I formed a special bond as we were covered in paint, tea, spit and tears. It was an exhausting, great day out. I'm glad I took pictures as it may have been my last outing - the government has halted all gatherings in the Comedor kitchen lines due to the swine flu. I realize what I risk I present to the kids (and what a risk the neighborhood presents to me!) but I really hope we get back out again. I'm just starting to get the hang of it! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUaCIRaiPDguGGBZ5ctgSuN4aPpdBjgUzPpBf3rMtJaySobDyH0tVCWyzRnE9eml5pcrWrCGRsJtuGfxloOZ7xlCD7oxkZ33UZ-8ToYXV3ARSVmfYNsBubogANV3B6evujxXNMQdFcGR-/s1600-h/IMG_7628.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUaCIRaiPDguGGBZ5ctgSuN4aPpdBjgUzPpBf3rMtJaySobDyH0tVCWyzRnE9eml5pcrWrCGRsJtuGfxloOZ7xlCD7oxkZ33UZ-8ToYXV3ARSVmfYNsBubogANV3B6evujxXNMQdFcGR-/s400/IMG_7628.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354349379502296130" /></a><br />Diego and Adan the pirates:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHgnhLPkLw8Wvs9vZe7MAtHZc-qcFZzi9tEeIj6PRYzRMZK_HAyuB9qE7ByCtOn0GHuW5two7xKxGe2_LYe-OuadCJR6IYCPZAQQp9aqTxdsxp77qFha5UMm_z4w48uN_HS8Esu9jcURn/s1600-h/IMG_7633.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHgnhLPkLw8Wvs9vZe7MAtHZc-qcFZzi9tEeIj6PRYzRMZK_HAyuB9qE7ByCtOn0GHuW5two7xKxGe2_LYe-OuadCJR6IYCPZAQQp9aqTxdsxp77qFha5UMm_z4w48uN_HS8Esu9jcURn/s400/IMG_7633.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354352878572394370" /></a><br /><br />The volunteers are great people from all over the world - my group out was 2 from London, 1 from Ireland and one from the states. I learn as much from them as I do the kids. I'm one of the only volunteers here taking class - the majority seem to have two jobs: volunteer by late afternoon, party by night. A volunteer from London moonlights as a club promoter and was rounding everyone up to go on a party bus to a club... it was a bit expensive, I was exhausted and had class... but I was so there. It was a great decision - my friend Carrie joined me for a very random and hilarious night. A street car trolley turned schoolbus picked the 30 of us up at a bar and we look a long bumpy ride around the city. The drinks were flowing, the lights flashing and the music blaring. It was great! We were dropped off at a club on the waterfront of Puerto Madero and danced the night away. Yes, this is a view of the bus: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl9PhCxbWmZwFMONorRdaQeLhEKop9Xk2rIDuXcSfkieQfFpP1H-beSRHE9Hfjazn3nmBwQemzsQCE1ArEX0O1S239c0PhJB9_RjySNH4o6eRdGTTZjVvZW6f1jxFtPRCbPPvLE2tWRmW/s1600-h/IMG_7645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl9PhCxbWmZwFMONorRdaQeLhEKop9Xk2rIDuXcSfkieQfFpP1H-beSRHE9Hfjazn3nmBwQemzsQCE1ArEX0O1S239c0PhJB9_RjySNH4o6eRdGTTZjVvZW6f1jxFtPRCbPPvLE2tWRmW/s400/IMG_7645.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354352883793310866" /></a><br /><br />Me and Carrie as Asia<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VZGPfkrlN6wCJfyejsptDqfl3sMIJ0GTPJN-_Kyb-_MxWat7zQnfCyVJykR5Oa8-EOJ870TJ5ul2tsEQUQdqlj-mSLXTdVvOonqdhg9MigxhLJmfPlu5mxlU0vgrxP-ySNLJYBr0leaN/s1600-h/IMG_7665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VZGPfkrlN6wCJfyejsptDqfl3sMIJ0GTPJN-_Kyb-_MxWat7zQnfCyVJykR5Oa8-EOJ870TJ5ul2tsEQUQdqlj-mSLXTdVvOonqdhg9MigxhLJmfPlu5mxlU0vgrxP-ySNLJYBr0leaN/s400/IMG_7665.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354355223909954130" /></a><br /><br />It was SO much fun!! After the entire night out (SOMEHOW) I made it to class bright eyed and bushy tailed. Yawn! Can't wait for the weekend!<br /><br /><br />TessTesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1184908814899378632.post-57720299875451657582009-07-02T10:38:00.000-07:002009-07-02T10:41:40.492-07:00Swine Flu...Dear Chicago, <br />Hmmm. Swine flu.<br /> <br /><br />From the BBC:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Swine flu emergency in Argentina</span><br />People wear masks at a hospital in Buenos Aires on 30 June 2009<br />Argentina is currently going through its peak annual flu season<br /><br />The city and province of Buenos Aires have announced a health emergency to fight a swine flu outbreak that has killed at least 26 people in Argentina.<br /><br />Officials are being given more power and resources to tackle the epidemic, and school holidays for millions of children are being extended. Argentina has confirmed more than 1,500 cases of swine flu, which is spreading during the southern hemisphere winter. Meanwhile, an international conference on swine flu is opening in Mexico. Teams from some 40 countries are attending the three-day event in Cancun. The head of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan, is also participating.<br /><br />'Too late'<br /><br />The health emergency measures in the capital and surrounding Buenos Aires province were unveiled on Tuesday. Local officials said they wanted to improve co-ordination between different state services and to put more medical staff on stand-by. They also said that school classes in the capital and three other regions would be cancelled from Monday, bringing forward winter holidays that had been due to start on 20 July.<br />"Families shouldn't treat this as extra holidays for the kids. They should see it as a time for the children to stay at home as much as possible and avoid places where people are crowded together," said Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri.<br /><br />He also appealed for calm, saying that officials were doing everything possible to control the epidemic.<br /><br />Officials said that restaurants, cinemas and other public buildings would remain open.<br />Much of Argentina's population lives in the capital and the province. Many of the cases in the region have been reported in working class and poorer areas, says the BBC's Candace Piette in Buenos Aires. There has been much criticism that the government may have responded too late to stop the epidemic, our correspondent says. Argentina has had the third largest number of swine flu deaths in the world after Mexico and the United States.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907323136392363652noreply@blogger.com0