Easter travel ideas

The Atacama desert in Chile (the driest desert in the world) is one of the most amazing places I've ever been in. It's not only the dramatic landscapes composed of sand dunes, caves, and salt flats, the beautiful towns and people, or the sky full of stars and sunsets which make it so special, but the energy there is truly hard to describe!! To stay: Tierra (photos) and Awasi. In Santiago, the W hotel.


















































The far-flung, romantic Lake District, has some of most stunning views of lakes, mountains and forests in the world!! it's also a paradise for people who love combining good rest and that special contact with nature: rafting, horseback riding, biking, sailing, etc. My favorite thing is to stay in place like Arroyo Verde, on the countryside and enjoy the beauty of nature and home comfort. Here's my second pick for Easter: Patagonia!! I love you!!!

Eyes wide open

iLOVE

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.

GOTA have water!

Gota comes from Argentina's Esteros del Ibera, the second biggest wetland of the world, after the Brazilian Pantanal. The name Iberá comes from a Guaraní word that means "brilliant water". The Guaraní Aquifer is estimated to contain about 37,000 km³ of water, arguably the largest single body of groundwater in the world, with a total recharge rate of about 166 km³/year from precipitation.

Faithful to its motto, “Be true. Feel Beautiful. Do Good”, Gota intends to raise consciousness and contribute to the vision of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. The brand allocates part of its revenues to finance programs that facilitate access and potabilization for those who need it most in Argentina and other parts of the world.

Gota's packaging respects premises of environmental care and recycling. All the packaging components are 100% recyclable and come from the pharmaceutical industry.

And just a comment re water: with the significant water reserves in Argentina, one has to wonder how there are 297.232 people in Argentina's cuenca Matanza-Riachuelo who do not have access to drinking water.  I know, it doesn't make any sense. 

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.

Happy New Year

Sorry I've been away for a little bit, I was on a short beach break in Jose Ignacio. I wish you a great 2010, with much love! thanks for all the love.

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.

Andy Warhol, Mr. America in Argentina

Andy Warhol, Mr. America opened on October 22nd at Malba in Buenos Aires. This is the first time so many of his works (170) show here.

Jose Ignacio

Spent last weekend in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay. I sometimes think how lucky we are to have such an amazing place so near. I love going at this time if the year, when you can relax and spend time with friends, but without all the crazyness of the high season. Not that Jose Ignacio gets too crazy in the summer, cause it doesn't... (except for the occasional White party, or Chandon, whatever) but for non-stop nightlife there's always La Barra... still, JI gets pretty full, and you have to make reservations for dinner (or even lunch!) and maybe stand in a line for some trivial things like getting a magazine at the kiosk or buying some chapstick at the drugstore... that kind of thing... October, November, and early December on the other hand, are sooooo... nice. The weather is amazing (well, we did get a cold and rainy day) but it was so great!! the perfect excuse to stay in, sleep, eat, sleep, eat a little more, watch a movie, etc. go visit someone, play pool, read a little, whatever you don't do when the sun is out! and if you like kite surfing, then this is a good time to do it!

KEEPING JOSE IGNACIO CLEAN:

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.

Little green reptiles

Buenos Aires...
























































































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