Friday, September 3, 2010
California!!
First of all... can I just say, I LOVE CALIFORNIA.
Notes
- If you're going to do a road trip, get yourself a nice convertible, put some sunscreen on, good music, sunglasses, and enjoy the landscapes and beauty on your way to each place. Lift your hands up in the air (like a child on a roller coaster) when you're feeling really happy, which will be most of the time.
- Don't waste your time shopping if you're in the US at the end of August. At least not if you're from Argentina (or any South American country) All you'll see is winter clothes and there's so much to do and see.
- Be receptive and embrace the California kindness. I cannot tell you how many amazing people we met during our adventure. I'm so thankful to them.
- Do at least one tour. You'll appreciate getting some local insight. It's a great thing to learn when you travel. If you're curious and love connection with a place, do more than one tour. It's a rewarding experience.
- Early morning wine tastings, driving, flying, going out a lot, the sun... you could get a headache or two, body pain, etc. So go to a nice spa.
- Stay at good hotels or apartments- even if you spend little time in them, it makes all the difference in the world to arrive at a nice and comfy place. That doesn't mean expensive. To travel should be a pleasure, not a torture. A good view and nice pool are a +.
- Surfing: leave that for the Southern California part of your trip, or take the next flight to Hawaii. Conditions in Northern California are not the best.
- Missing your love? soon you'll be together again and it will be magical.
Labels:
adventure travel,
Art,
beach,
California,
music,
road trip,
surf,
well-being,
wine
Monday, July 19, 2010
HAPPY DAY, FRIENDS
This freezing weekend, I read this interview to Le Breton (French sociologist and anthropologist) - Le BRETON
Although I don't agree with several points, his swift thoughts on friendship are insightful. If you speak Spanish, I would highly recommend that you read it and I would love to know your opinion.
Among other things, Le Breton implies that once we look closely, we come to realize that we have very few good friends. How true. He also talks about a "bodily experience" and "real encounters" as a vital part of genuine and lasting contact.
This current social networking thing is wonderful but it can sometimes make us think that we have hundreds of friends. Truth is, we all know that good friends are few, and that "when you see the number 300 on your friends list, that's just people" as he puts it. In my opinion, these are all people likely to become friends, why not? with time, conversations, moments... one never knows.
I also caught on TV what may seem like a stupid movie (which I thought was quite good!) called "Marley and I", that talks mostly about a dog, but it does have some interesting points, which I think apply to friendship. At the end of the movie, they mention what makes a dog such a good friend:
He does not care if you are young or old
He does not care if you are rich or poor
He does not care if you are having a good day or bad
He always loves you, no matter what
All these points apply to a person-friend too, right? and the good moments you've shared and will continue to share... and that he or she listens when you need to be heard...
Lastly, some time ago, I saw someone interview a successful entrepreneur from Buenos Aires living in Tokyo:
Q. "What do you miss most from Argentina?"
A. "My friends. Argentina is the only place in the world where you can call a friend at 4:00am cause you broke up with your girlfriend and want to kill yourself, and he'll come and stop you."
I would have to agree. I've been lucky to live in several countries, and I have yet to find people with such a profound sense of friendship as we do here.
HAPPY DAY, FRIENDS!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Travel & Art
Hotels all over the world are incorporating Art into the hotel experience, and Argentina is no exception. Some time ago I posted about James Turrell and the Hess family collection at Estancia Colomé, in Argentina's North West. Today, I invite you to see another beautiful property: El Casco Art Hotel in Patagonia. A place where art and nature meet design and comfort creating a unique setting for an extraordinary experience.
From the moment you walk into El Casco, you are inspired and stunned by gorgeous views and magnificent paintings from outstanding, Argentinian artists like Soldi, Quniquela, Campos, etc.
One could say El Casco is a classic. Although little remains from the original building, the hotel has been around since the 70's. It was then that an aristocratic German couple built the lake-side property which soon became the IT spot for well-healed South Americans and international travelers with a special love and interest for the far lands of Patagonia.
The hotel was eventually closed for many years, until Ignacio Gutiérrez Zaldívar - art collector and world promoter of Argentinian art, bought the property and turned it into what is undoubtedly, one of South America's most beautiful art hotels. El Casco Art hotel was reborn in 2006.
Each suite homes art works from a different artist bearing his or her name. Surrounding gardens are decorated with sculptures, and public spaces are filled with splendid paintings and books. Even the restaurant, with it's majestic views serves dishes worth a frame!
For more information, get in touch with one of our luxury travel experts.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Colon Theater to reopen
Last night, construction workers, arquitects, artisans and other people who
worked in the restoring of the theater, participated in a special function. It
was the first concert there since restoration began. According to the experts,
the superb quality of acoustics of the theater remains as always.
Restoration of the stunning theater began just before 2002. A little over
$25 million USD and almost 8 years later the Colon theater - considered
one of the best five opera houses in the world, is about to officially reopen.
Argentina's Colon Theater, which rivals Old World opera houses in splendor
and sound quality, has hosted international legends such as Maria Callas,
Richard Strauss and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
The 2,487-seat Colon is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and it
is central to Argentina's European cultural identity.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Mountain Hideaway
The Mapuche word "Araucana" in local native language stands for
"woman of the earth". La Araucana lies in the solitude of
Patagonia's rolling hills, next to the sweeping melody of a
stream and amid the silence of the trees, only 7 km away from the
Andean town of San Martín de los Andes.
For more information on luxury vacation rentals in Argentina and Uruguay, visit: Curiocity Villas
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
The weekend
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Futuristas in La Boca
Fundación Proa presents the Futurist Universe. 1909 - 1936, a historic exhibition with more than 240 works from the Modern Art Museum of Trento and Rovereto (MART) curated by MART'S Director, Gabriella Belli.
The exhibition reveals the creative passion of the futurism movement that originated in Italy in the early twentieth century. A movement that was founded by the poet Fillippo Tommaso Marinetti in 1909. A new vision of the world which serves novelty, ignores the past and admires technology, speed and industrial cities.
- What? Music, Photography, Paintings, Fashion, Objects, etc. from this revolutionary movement.
- Where? Fundacion PROA - Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1929. La Boca, Caminito
- When? April - July 2010
See more: Fundacion Proa
Photos borrowed from Proa.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Getaway
Buenos Aires is a beautiful city. With it's mad traffic, crowded streets, loudness, French-style cafés, parks filled with Jacarandá trees, exciting nightlife, art scene, architecture, grand avenues, city polo fields... there is everything to love about it.
What I also love is how easy it is to get away and enjoy some slow time. I usually go to Punta del Este or Patagonia, where I am a completely happy person. But, there are also beautiful hideaways within a close distance from the city that are ideal to go unwind, play polo and enjoy nature. Estancia El Rocio, owned by a friend is an example.
What I also love is how easy it is to get away and enjoy some slow time. I usually go to Punta del Este or Patagonia, where I am a completely happy person. But, there are also beautiful hideaways within a close distance from the city that are ideal to go unwind, play polo and enjoy nature. Estancia El Rocio, owned by a friend is an example.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Together, but not!
During my short Easter break I was talking to a friend about moving in with the person you love, something that she has decided not to do, regardless of the fact that she's been with her boyfriend for almost 4 years. I've had this same conversation with several other people lately, including another friend who told me "oh, we moved together, but I still have my own place, that's what keeps me happy in this relationship".
So, I was thinking: for some people relationships have changed... I mean, first, it was falling in love, getting engaged, then married and living together. I want to highlight the fact that the "traditional" way did/ does provide the engagement part which is previous to marriage and so still if things don't work out, the couple can re think. Well thought from a logical perspective. Then, it was moving together before getting married, or maybe just moving together, having a family and not getting married. Being in love and sharing a common project does seem like enough to make the commitment to live with and share our lives with "the chosen one", don't you think? but there is also another option which is to fall in love, spend time with your sweetheart, enjoy each others' company and share experiences, but not a home!
Perhaps there are those who choose this way of "outdoor relationship" because they are divorced and have already lived with someone and that did not work well for them, so they fear making the same mistakes? or they simply choose to live alone cause they appreciate their independence and individual space; there are also those who have children and prefer to dedicate their time to them; and those who are just young and not ready to commit. Either way, these are all valid choices among couples although sometimes it seems hard to decide.
Photo by: decorablog
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Fuerza Bruta
Fuerzabruta, an original production from the Argentinian creators of the hit De La Guarda, is back in Buenos Aires!
Breaking free from the convention of spoken language in theater, Fuerzabruta is an event where physical performances - some of which take place in waterly worlds just above us, speak a universal language. The language of emotions!!
A trip of exciting images and sounds.
Where? Centro Cultural Recoleta SALA VILLA VILLA - Junín 1930
When? April. Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9:00pm.
Photo from La Nacion
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Black & Gold
Friday, March 19, 2010
Say "HI" to Chile!
TORRES DEL PAINE
EASTER ISLAND
We’ve all been worried and sad about the earthquake that recently devastated many parts of Chile. When something like this happens, the first thing we do is think about the people we may know in the place where this is happening. In my case, many! including good friends and family.
Argentina (and the world) have showed amazing signs of solidarity, and although there is still much left to be done in disaster areas, there are good news as well! Chile’s main destinations such as Patagonia, Easter Island and the Atacama desert, among others were not affected by the earthquake. It is safe to say that it is safe to travel to Chile!
A few days ago, I received an e-mail from one of one of our Luxury Travel Experts there. It was a beautiful note and I want to share part of it with you.
It said:
“Por otra parte, para suerte de nuestro sector turistico, no resultaron afectadas las zonas de turismo y el sismo fue lejos de los iconos de Chile.- Ahora estamos en plan de promover y demostrar que estamos preparados para atender a quienes nos visiten, pues la mejor forma de ayudar es promover Chile.- “
In English:
“On another note, luckily for our tourism sector, Chile’s main vacation destinations were not affected, as the earthquake occurred far from these areas. We should now plan to continue with the promotion of our country and to demonstrate that we are ready to assist travelers who visit us. We think that the best way to help Chile is to promote Chile."
I recently mentioned Atacama on a post called Easter travel ideas now, I wanted to share with you also the magic of these two other spectacular destinations in Chile - Torres del Paine and Easter Island. ENJOY!
Photos by: Explora
EASTER ISLAND
We’ve all been worried and sad about the earthquake that recently devastated many parts of Chile. When something like this happens, the first thing we do is think about the people we may know in the place where this is happening. In my case, many! including good friends and family.
Argentina (and the world) have showed amazing signs of solidarity, and although there is still much left to be done in disaster areas, there are good news as well! Chile’s main destinations such as Patagonia, Easter Island and the Atacama desert, among others were not affected by the earthquake. It is safe to say that it is safe to travel to Chile!
A few days ago, I received an e-mail from one of one of our Luxury Travel Experts there. It was a beautiful note and I want to share part of it with you.
It said:
“Por otra parte, para suerte de nuestro sector turistico, no resultaron afectadas las zonas de turismo y el sismo fue lejos de los iconos de Chile.- Ahora estamos en plan de promover y demostrar que estamos preparados para atender a quienes nos visiten, pues la mejor forma de ayudar es promover Chile.- “
In English:
“On another note, luckily for our tourism sector, Chile’s main vacation destinations were not affected, as the earthquake occurred far from these areas. We should now plan to continue with the promotion of our country and to demonstrate that we are ready to assist travelers who visit us. We think that the best way to help Chile is to promote Chile."
I recently mentioned Atacama on a post called Easter travel ideas now, I wanted to share with you also the magic of these two other spectacular destinations in Chile - Torres del Paine and Easter Island. ENJOY!
Photos by: Explora
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friends
Argentina helps Chile with a charity concert
This afternoon, some of the greatest Argentinian artists - including Gustavo Cerati, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Andres Calamaro, Luis Alberto Spinetta, etc. will offer a charity concert (ARGENTINA HUGS CHILE), to assist the victims of the earthquake in our neighbor country.
The concert is free, so everyone is asked to contribute with clothes, mineral water, UHT milk, and medicines, etc. Products will later be delivered to the victims, by Red Solidaria.
Where: at the intersection of Figueroa Alcorta y La Pampa
When: from 4:00pm to 8:00pm
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