Postcards from La Angostura

Fly

Sunday

Hi! did you have a nice weekend?

 Let me try and explain this one. Hopefully, you'll understand it and you'll love it as much as I do. "Pinchar el globo" (something like "puncture the balloon" in English) is an Argentinian expression commonly used to say something like: "that shattered my hope/expectations". For example, let's say that you want to take a one- month trip to a really nice, exotic destination and your bank account and/or your work and /or your husband, wife, etc. say "no", you could say something like: I wanted to take a trip but "se me pinchó el globo" when I saw my bank account / realized all the work I have /my wife, husband,etc. said it's not a good time.

Another example: let´s imagine that you really like a guy/girl and your friend says "oh, he/she is moving out of town next week." That too is "puncturing your balloon".

So, to make it short, anything that "shatters your expectations, wishes, hope..." is "pinchar el globo". In the drawing above, as you can see, the group of people on the right, have no balloon. They have obviously been through love experiences that "punctured their balloon". That's not to say (as you can see in the drawing) that they are not in favor of love (like the first group, with the big, red heart balloon). They are; (HOW could anyone one not be). It's just that their balloon "has been punctured".

Drawing translation:

Group with balloon: we are in favor of love. What about you guys?
Group without balloon: we are too, but they've "puntcured our balloon"

Brilliant.  Tute.

 Drawing by Tute for La Nacion- revista

The Hub

The Hub, located in one of the most upscale blocks in Buenos Aires, is a new hotel I want to recommend, cause I love it! and I think you will too.

Need a break? go rest and feel like a tourist, relax and breathe. 


 Images, courtesy of the HUB.

film & architecture

The other day I saw "El Hombre de al lado" (English: The Man Next Door) a very good Argentinian film if you ask me. The entire movie takes place in this location (seen on the photos) "Casa Curutchet" is the only house Le Corbusier* built in South America. It's located in La Plata, capital city of the province of Buenos Aires. Do you like it?




 *Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965), was an architect, designer, urbanist, and writer, famous for being one of the pioneers of what is now called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930. His career spanned five decades, with his buildings constructed throughout Europe, India and America. He was a pioneer in studies of modern high design and was dedicated to providing better living conditions for the residents of crowded cities.

Beautiful

"Every day I discover more and more beautiful things"

Happy world animal day

In this photo, the Argentinian Jaguar in extinction. Sadly, there are fewer than 200 wild jaguars left in all of Argentina. They have been hunted almost to extinction for their fur and pushed out of their territory for developments.

Soon, the only remaining populations will live in zoos. Although jaguars have a reputation as man-eaters, there are numerous stories about men being followed for miles through the forest by solitary jaguars. These stories give credence to the theory that these animals prefer to escort men off their territory rather than attack them.

These (and all animals) are amazing. I love animals and wish people would take more care of them.

Have a nice day.

Last Night

Buenos Aires, September 13, 2012


Why are the people rebellious?
Because the rulers interfere too much.
-Lao Tsu




Instagram Photo via: Oscar Villas 

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) Photography Festival

"What will make your work pass to posterity is not so much the problem that you have chosen or the spirit with which you treat it, but the characters that you have created and the atmosphere you've immersed them in." 
- Arthur Shnitzler


The 2012 Festival of Light is currently taking place in Museums, Cultural Centers, Galleries and Art Venues in many cities of Argentina, including the provinces of Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Salta, Córdoba, Mendoza, Misiones, Río Negro and Tierra del Fuego, among others.

Today, I went to Centro Cultural Recoelta and I loved the work by Sara Facio. What you can read above (photo #2)  is the concept behind her work. Her landscapes are people.


For those of you who don't know about it, the Festival of Light is an international collaboration of 27 photography festivals around the world and the most important photography biennial exhibition in Latin America.

This cooperation has a common website: www.festivaloflight.net, and a continuous exchange of exhibitions, activities and participants. The Festival of Light - FOL is integrated by the cities of: Aleppo, Atlanta, Ballarat, Bamako, Braga, Brasilia, Bratislava, Buenos Aires, Derby, Cracovia, Houston, Kaunas, Lodz, Luxembourg,  Mexico, Montreal, Moscow, Odense, Paris, Portland, Porto Alegre, Tampere, Tenerife, Thessaloniki, Toronto.

If you're around, don't miss it, you'll like it!
xo

High Voltage

Lupe's SS "High Voltage" collection is fresh, energetic and beautiful, but most importantly, its truly personal. Love my talented friend. 

First photo, courtesy Mass PR.

I feel good when I sleep

The Benefits of Power Napping: Recharge and Rejuvenate

I understand that you are vey busy and that finding time for rest and rejuvenation has indeed become increasingly challenging for most of us. However, a simple yet effective solution exists—power napping. A power nap refers to a short period of sleep, usually ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, taken during the day to enhance alertness and boost productivity. So, read on and explore the numerous benefits of incorporating power naps into our daily routines.

Increased Alertness and Focus:

One of the primary advantages of power napping is its ability to enhance alertness and sharpen cognitive function. A brief nap can help combat fatigue and drowsiness, allowing you to regain mental clarity and improve concentration. By giving your brain a break, you can recharge your cognitive abilities and be more alert, leading to improved performance and productivity.

Enhanced Memory and Learning:

Research has shown that power napping can have a positive impact on memory consolidation and learning. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information, improving recall and retention. By taking a nap, you provide your brain with the opportunity to reinforce and organize newly acquired knowledge, which can enhance your ability to retain information and learn more effectively.

Improved Mood and Emotional Well-being:

Feeling tired and overwhelmed can significantly impact your mood and emotional state. Power napping offers a quick and effective way to reset your emotional equilibrium. By allowing your body and mind to rest, you reduce stress levels and promote the release of positive hormones like serotonin. Consequently, you'll experience improved mood, increased emotional resilience, and a greater capacity to handle challenges.

Increased Creativity and Problem-solving Skills:

Power naps have been found to boost creativity and enhance problem-solving skills. During sleep, the brain forms unique connections and reorganizes information, facilitating creative insights and innovative thinking. Taking a short nap can provide the mental clarity needed to approach complex tasks with a fresh perspective, leading to enhanced creativity and improved problem-solving abilities.

Physical Revitalization and Energy Boost:

Aside from the mental benefits, power napping also provides a physical revitalization. Napping can help alleviate physical fatigue, reduce muscle tension, and restore energy levels. It promotes relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to tackle the remaining part of the day with increased vigor and vitality. 

By recharging your body, you can combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation and maintain overall well-being.

The benefits of power napping are undeniable. Incorporating short periods of rest into our daily routines can lead to increased alertness, improved memory and learning, enhanced mood, heightened creativity, and physical revitalization. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone striving for a balanced and productive life, taking regular power naps can be an invaluable tool. By recognizing the importance of rest and embracing the power of a nap, you can unlock your full potential and lead a more fulfilled and successful life.

Art Exhibition"Meraviglie dalle Marche" in Buenos Aires

After being on display at the Vatican City, 50 paintings from 15 museums in Le Marche region of central Italy on the Adriatic, will be exhibited at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Buenos Aires, from July 6  to September 30, 2012.

Buenos Aires city was chosen, since the capital has a large Italian community that immigrated from the Marche region generations ago.

At its very foundation, the purpose of the art exhibit is to show the strong links between art and faith. Centuries may pass, but this exhibit shows that despite time, that unique combination still remains.

“Meraviglie dalle Marche” includes about 50 pieces, made by artists who have a direct connection to Italy's Marche region. It was in that area that many Italian artists produced their work. It's also where some of the most important artists in Italian history were born, like Raffaello, Barocci and Podesti.

The exhibition includes works such as a lesser-known version of Raphael’s “Saint Catherine of Alexandria,” (the most famous one is in the National Gallery in Washington), Titian’s “Resurrection”, and Guido Reni’s “Annunciation” and “Saint Sebastian”, and works by other painters equally remarkable as Guercino, Luca Giordano, Maratta, among others.

Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: Av. del Libertador 1902


Photo courtesy: ilcorrieredelsud.it

Good bye June

Buenos Aires, June 2012.

On GNP and GNH

A question I read on the Sunday paper inspired this post. The question was: "will we ever replace GDP for the Happy Planet Index as a mirror in which we can see the well-being of our nations?"

GNP Measures count goods and services that are exchanged for money. 


So I read some more and I found this quote:

"Yet the gross national product does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning... it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile."

- Robert F. Kennedy on what GNP means.
March 18, 1968

Then I found this...

- GNH (Gross National Happiness)

GNH Measures the extent to which countries deliver long, happy, sustainable lives for the people that live in them.

"Everyone accepts that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alone cannot tell us anything of substance about how we are doing as a species. It tells us nothing of the state of our planet, or the wellbeing of its people. It is simply an indiscriminate measurement of economic activity. The Happy Planet Index is a step towards developing alternatives."

- Zac Goldsmith MP

What do you think? my question is: why can't both, GNP and GNH be considered when trying to understand the well-being of a nation? Does it have to be one or the other?

HAPPY MONDAY!

But I'm here

"You disappear so completely into your head sometimes, he said, I wish I could follow you."

Eros & Psyche

Somewhere in Greece, a King and Queen had three daughters. The first two were beautiful but, their third daughter, PSYKHE (or Psyche) was so beautiful that she was compared to Venus. Venus' pride was deeply hurt by this, so she asked her son, Eros, to "make her fall in love with the most horrendous monster".

As time went by, Psyche's sisters married and had children. No one seemed to be interested in Psyche. Her parents consulted the Oracle. She was ordered to go to the highest part of the mountain to face her destiny.

After a dream, she reached a palace by night where she was approached by a man with whom she spent a night of passion. She stayed there living her days in solitude and her nights in darkness and passion, until one day, she got pregnant. Her sisters had visited her without being able to see her husband's face. They feared it was the monster of Venus' wish. They persuaded Psyche to look at her husband's face while he slept. At night, after having made love, curiosity and fear took over her. Psyche discovered that her husband was Eros himself. He was young and handsome.

Eros woke up to see she had betrayed his trust but confessed he could not follow his mother's orders because he could not resist her beauty. Then, he abandoned her. Psyque was devastated. She wondered the world until Venus found her and put her away. Eros, finally rescued her and they have been living together since. They had a daughter called Hedone which means pleasure in Greek.



Post and translation: Valeria Mendez Cañas
Image: Octavia Minor
Sources: theoi.com ; entrecasa magazine. Bs. As 2012; wiki

Oedipe

Oedipe will prima on the evening of May 29th at the Teatro Colon for a run of four performances.

Oedipe – (Oedipus)

Opera in four acts (1936)
Music by George Enescu
Libretto by Edmond Fleg, based upon Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus, by Sophocles

Co-produced by the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, La Monnaie in Brussels, The Grand Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona and the Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris.

Ballet at Teatro Coliseo

Three ballet performances featuring more than 25 exceptional dancers from the world's best companies will be presented throughout the year at the Teatro Coliseo de Buenos Aires:

May 19, 2012
3E Étage Opera National de Paris
Eleven first figures from the Opera National de Paris' Ballet gather to present for the first time in Argentina "Nouvelles Virtuosités", a show that combines humor and virtuosity. A unique opportunity to see on the same stage the talented Argentinian dancer Ludmila Pagliero and "Danseur Étoile" Josua Hoffalt, performing choreographs by Raul Zeummes, William Forsythe and Samuel Murez.

Fall for you

"fresh air, a garden, kisses, books to read, sheltering arms, a cozy bed..."

Fall colors, Buenos Aires, 2012.

alchemy

At some level, it's all about love and passion, nothing more or less.

again

The two of them spent all their time together, either talking or making love.


Robert James Waller,
The Bridges of Madison County

La Fortuna

Someone I met many years ago recently purchased a beautiful property about 200kms away from the city of Buenos Aires. I was invited to visit the property yesterday and I wanted to share some photos with you. "La Fortuna" (the fortune) is not just another Argentinian campo. It is a truly beautiful place with high energy that has managed to maintain the classic charm of the Argentinian campo mixed with exceptional comfort and modern luxuries.

Organic market in San Telmo

This weekend the main producers of organic and healthy food in Argentina will gather in a street market in Buenos Aires. If you're around, don't miss it! Restaurants in the area will also join the market with tables outside and special menus.

We look forward to enjoying some delicious, natural products in San Telmo and hope to see you there!

April 28th and April 29th , 2012 (in case of rain May 5th and 6th) from 10am to 6pm. Avenida Caseros, between Bolivar and Defensa. San Telmo.


Photo via organic magazine

Look Good

Here are some skin care ideas that will make you look great using all natural and organic products. Enjoy, and let us know if you loved it!

AVOCADO MASK
Beauty ingredients

2 avocados, thoroughly mashed into a paste
3 tablespoons sea salt
1/4 cup honey
Grated rind of two fresh lemons, along with the juice
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. (The consistency should be that of a thin cream.) Apply to your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub off well with warm water. Keep unused portion in refrigerator for two to three days.

Skin care benefit

Avocados have a treasure trove of anti-aging attributes, including vitamins A, D and E, as well as proteins, lecithin, potassium and beta-carotene, a cancer-fighting ingredient. Avocados also are high in emollient qualities imparted by sterolins, which work to heal sun-damaged skin, scarring and reduce age spots.

Happy 120th birthday, lawn tennis club Buenos Aires!

"120 years dedicated to tennis and cultivating friendship"

LOVE  my CLUB