I'm thinking

Three cool looks by Benito Fernandez.
Inspiration: La Habana, Cuba, setting he chose for the W2011 campaign.
(by the way, isn't it great that soon Cubans will get to travel?)

See more of this collection here.

Music and Nature

Photographed: Maria Andreeva (Russia)


Children and Adolescents Choirs and Orchestras Festival 2011
(Second Edition).

If you love music and nature, an unforgettable experience awaits in the Province of Misiones, Argentina. The reasons are many: this is an ideal time to visit the Iguazú falls: the weather will be glorious, the place, unbelievable; the purpose: magical.

From May 23 to 28, the Ministry of Culture, Education, Science and Technology of the Province of Misiones, will be offering a one of a kind cultural event: the Second Edition of Children and Adolescents Choirs and Orquestras Festival. Organized by Andrea Merenzon.

A total of 700 children and adolescents will be meeting to talk in one single language: the language of music, their passion, their love. They will be coming from 18 countries as different as Germany, Peru, China, Australia, South Africa, Brazil and Russia amongst others. Daily rehearsals will take place under the direction of world- famous directors. The children will perform classical and traditional music from their countries of origin.

Individual and group performances will take place in various prestigious hotels in the area (in both sides of the falls, Argentinian and Brazilian).

In the individual performances, you will have the pleasure of enjoying not only the music but the virtuosity of the young musicians. In the group performances you will be able to evaluate the amount of work, effort and coordination put together by all of the participants. No tickets are required, you are free to attend any performance you please.

Music will bring everyone together at the closing of the Festival which will take place at the gardens of the Sheraton Hotel where the beauty of symphonic music will meet the beauty of the stage: Iguazu Falls.

Post by: Vale

Finding Balance

Photographed: Raquel Sosa (dance teacher)

Have you ever tried doing the splits, a complex move on a balance beam, skating or any other sport that requires you to find your balance?

Doing the splits requires a series of achievements: the desire to do it, the willingness to take the challenge, an understanding of the mechanics of it, and a series of prior achievements: training, posture, stretching, etc. Once you are down there, with your legs straight, your weight balanced and your arms harmoniously placed, you must smile. Sometimes, you manage it all, except for the smile. The pain of the effort is such that you find smiling too hard, so you may not smile. There are times where you just simply manage it all, get used to the pain and smile. If you let go, it stops hurting and you smile because of what you just managed to do.

I once read an interview of Paloma Herrera, NYC Ballet's first ballerina. She was asked what it took to be in such a role. She replied it involved not only loving what you do and being good technically but also being able to display your smile gracefully; to know all your parts and also to let your soul show through.

I like to use the splits as a metaphor for finding balance in life. I know a lot of people that say they haven't found balance in their life cause although they have achieved many things they wanted, they are not so happy. Many say they have gone through all of what they assumed was expected of them only to realize they are missing a large piece of the puzzle. They have invested too much time doing something they didn't really like, trying to achieve their ideals (often others' ideals) trying to play the "perfect" part in a script, trying to please, sometimes forgetting or leaving aside what they really want. But, are ideals so good when they're not your own? was that part meant to be for them? and, what is "perfect", anyways?

Three of my favorite concepts in Psychology are balance, ideals and perfection because I find they are some of the most intriguing of the human mind: the more you pursue them, the more demanding you become with yourself, sometimes leaving little room for amusement or pleasure.

When searching for balance, remember that balance is relative. Figure out what you really want and follow your dreams. It's not to late, you can start now. Whatever it is that you like, you will do that with passion and it will make you and those around you happy. By stepping out of your comfort zone you will grow as a person and you will inspire others. You will make mistakes. If you let them into your life, they will enrich and soften your own self. If you don't, you will begin to stiffen. Learn from your mistakes. Laugh at them. Learn from success too, there is much to learn from things done right.

In the process of mastering what you set yourself after in life, remember that there are various aspects to it: the intellectual, the physical skills, the drive, the mechanics of it and, above all, the desire. Be flexible in uderstanding that balance is relative, and start doing what you really want today. It's only up to you to find yourself doing the splits with a smile on your face!

Post by : Valeria Mendez Cañas

Spring Break

This classic estancia near the city of Cordoba, Argentina is the ideal place to rest, enjoy goregous sunsets, charming mountain views, good meals, and horseback riding.

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.

Eyes wide open

The art of Tigre

Tigre is not only about blissful boat rides, kayaking, river-side markets and island retreats, there's also MAT - The Tigre Art Museum (ex-Tigre Club, built in 1912 and reopened as a museum in 2006). Displayed are figurative paintings from Argentinian artists that date from the late 19th century through the 20th century... check out Pellegrini, Spilimbergo, Butler, Castagnino and Roux.

Stay tuned for new and exciting temporary exhibitions.

El Secreto de Sus Ojos - Film

El Secreto de sus Ojos (The secret of your Eyes) from Argentina, goes to the Oscars!! nominated as best foreign film!

I am so excited that this film did so well. Honestly, when I saw it I was quite surprised. The film is brilliant! it evokes all sorts of emotions from start to end, you feel sadness, love, fear, excitement, and curiosity. It's brave and mysterious, It's romantic... touching subjects like friendship, alcoholism and obsessions, with care and sensibility. Plays with your expectations. Truly a work of art.

Once again, Campanella's has done an amazing job! this is his second nomination for the Oscars. In 2001 he competed for the prize with “El hijo de la novia”

Regarding Argentine cinema this is the seventh film that has been nominated. The first was La Tregua in 1974, and the only winner was La historia oficial in 1985.

Bravo!!

Pretty Space

A friend recently posted a photo of her parents commenting that they've been married for something like 35 years. I asked her to ask her parents: "what's the secret"? she got back to me a few days later and said: "they told me separate bathrooms" .  

Photographed: El Colibrí, La Teta y La Luna, Mio, Casa Calma

In Mendoza, Art & Environmental commitment

Familia Zuccardi's Cava de Arte is currently presenting “Tierra” (Earth), the latest work by Mendocinean artist, Fernando Jereb. The show is an invitation to become aware of - and perhaps reflect upon - crucial issues such as the impact of global warming and the earth's natural resources crisis.

Fernando Jereb has presented his work in several cities of Argentina, Chile, México and Spain and has obtained many prizes in our country as well as in Europe.

In his work, nature is presented in it's various manifestations, showing a particular concern on climate change, and the importance of finding a balance between our needs, what the earth gives us, gratitude and care.

-> When? Now!! it's only until Februray 2010, every day, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
-> Where ? La Cava de Arte de Casa del Visitante - Ruta Provincial 33, km 7,5, Maipú, Mendoza.

About la Cava del Arte: Since 2004, la Cava de Arte de Casa del Visitante dedicates a large space for the exposition of Mendocienan art, providing local, upcoming artists the opportunity to present their work to people from all over the world.

More than 50.000 people visit Casa del visitante per year to enjoy it's wide range of offers in wine, art and gastronomy. Thumbs up!!

Exhibitions

For this new edition of Art in the Auditorium (subsequent to its presentation on March of 2009), Fundación PROA has embarked again in a collaborative project organized by the Whitechapel Gallery, featuring artists such as Charly Nijensohn.

Nijensohn's last video creates an experience that points to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and the environment by global commercial interests.

Charly Nijensohn lives and works in Berlin.

- > When? 21 January - 18 April 2010
- > Where? Fundacion Proa, Buenos Aires / Whitechapel Gallery, London.


Image from Artrabbit

Summer in the city

Jardín Botánico, Buenos Aires.


Buenos Aires is one of the few cities in the world, aside from Paris and Madrid, where half the people take a month or two off from work. This turns the city which is usually chaotic and loud, into a lazy and glorious sauna.

It is steaming hot and calm.

During January and February the city is completely yours. No crowds, no lines. You can cruise through BA without the annoying traffic, show up at your favorite restaurants with no reservations, go to Malba museum and have a delightful lunch, go to the gardens of Duhau for a chilled rosé, go shopping, grab a bike and glide through the green parks of Palermo, hang out by the pool, read, people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. The city is clean, quiet,uneventful, and beautiful.

Organic market at Duhau

The objective of this market was to show all products and services related to organic activities in Argentina. I wanted to post these photos before, but well, here they are. I tried all kinds of delicious food, and my favorite - organic dulce de leche! I also loved the tasty Malbecs from Finca Alma in Mendoza and bought this really nice llama-hair scarf.

Into the Jungle

Remember that the average life is about 600.000 hours. Are you able to escape from your duties to enjoy some of these hours, like you deserve? Here's a beautiful place to consider. Loi Suites Iguazú. The new, luxury hotel located inside 600 virgin hectares of the Iryapú jungle in Misiones provides the perfect base for exploring both the Argentinean and the Brasilian side of the Iguazú falls.

Large suites connected by bridges and floor-to-ceiling, glass windows provide an intimate connection with the natural surroundings. A Namasthé spa built around ancient rocks, is the ideal place for some serious pampering after a day of explorations and activities in the area. The hotel has a pier in the Iguazú river, perfect for those who (like me!), enjoy kayaking.

The design is austere and beautiful, using materials from the area, warm, earthy colors, and exquisite furniture brought from Indonesia.

There is a pool side restaurant surrounded by whispering trees, great for dining al fresco and afternoon cocktails.

Last and most importantly, the service is great, one of those places where people greet you by your name, and go to great lengths to make sure you feel at home.
A magical place for adventure and relaxation.

Details:
Loi Suites is located 15 minutes away from the falls, 20 minutes away from the airport and just 5 minutes away from Puerto iguazú. Thanks Loi Suites! for everything.

Aldo Sessa celebrates 50 years of photography.

Aldo Sessa celebrates his passion for image with a photographic exhibition at the Centro Cultural Recoleta, composed of over 100 photographs of Argentinean landscapes, his world trips, tango and portraits, among others. Saw it today. Loved it!
























Sessa photographed by Bruce Webber in 1995
- La Nacion.

La Coca

For those of you who don't know her, Isabel Sarli, nicknamed La Coca, is a retired Argentine actress, model and a sex-symbol of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Sarli was discovered by filmmaker Armando Bo after she became Miss Argentina in 1955 (who she married) and became the star of his films, starting with El Trueno entre las hojas in 1956. She became an international Latin American star, filming in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, and films like Fuego (1969 film) and Fiebre (1970) reached the American and European markets.

The new campaign of the drink Fernet 1882 at the Flower Park (Plaza de la Flor) displays 1,882 images of the sex symbol.

Viggo Mortensen's Argentine Poetry Anthology

You know him, right? he recently presented an Argentine poetry anthology put out by Perceval Press, the small publishing firm he founded.

Mortensen, who spent his childhood in Argentina, is a big fan of local, soccer club San Lorenzo, and wore a team jersey to the presentation of “Nueva Poesia Argentina” (New Argentine Poetry) a compilation of work from a variety of Argentinean writers.

The anthology, presented at the Spanish Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, includes poems by Washington Cucurto, Mario Arteca, Francisco Garamona, Maria Medrano, Gabriela Sacone, Ana Wajszczuck among other young Argentine poets.

“I hope this book is a success so we can publish another title that includes other poets from the ‘‘90s Generation,’” Mortensen said.

ART IN THE ANDES - James Turrell

James Turrell Gallery opened this week, in the Hess family vineyard in Colomé, Argentina.

Very much in tune with Hess's passionate approach to art, the light installations are beyond stunning, enhanced by the gallery's truly, magnificent views of the Andes mountains.

Postcards from Antarctica

Adelie penguins are the most common of all Antarctic penguin species.

They are so cute with their tuxedo shirt front!! you can see them walking or sliding all over the beaches and headlands of the Antarctic coast. Watching them slide to the waters edge and dive into the freezing waters, is such a thrilling experience.

PATAGONIA GLACIERS

Just got back from El Calafate

It was magical. I loved being there again.
My favorite things were BIG ICE, picnic next to the icebergs and dinner at Los Sauces.