Buenos Aires Book Fair

Photo by: Jorge Molina (en la piel de la selva)

When Windows was first introduced in the early nineties it caused fascination. It made using computers easier introducing a simpler way of managing different programs. If we used Word, for example, double clicking allowed us to perform different commands, open more than one document at a time and work on other programs as well, be that Excell, Power Point, or any other of the programs that we are all familiar with today. Then, when it was time to shut our computer down, closing all the opened "Windows" requiered us to simply click on the "x". With the development of the internet we were able to apply a similar concept as Windows while surfing: click on the link, then in another and so on.

Although both Windows and the internet created grounds that allowed us to work comfortably from one single place and communicate faster and more effectively, they also made us go, in my opinion, bi-dimensional. The fact that we no longer have to go through the trouble of, for example, visiting a library or book shop to look for content has made us disregard the notion of all all the work that it takes to create, put together and display information in a given field - sometimes forgetting even what it's like to feel a real book, the paper, the art in the cover. Remember CD's? I know, that was a long time ago.

If you are curious and are in Buenos Aires, you have a chance to immerse yourslef in a world of books.

The Book Fair takes place every fall. Book publishers gather to present their book collections and launch new books and publications. This year, the Fair has even more relevance since Buenos Aires has been chosen by by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as the World's Book Capital of 2011.

The Book Fair is also a good start to undesrtand why Buenos Aires is famed for it's cultural production.

It offers conferences and discussion panels in various subjects: Economics, Politics, Law, Psychology, Ecology, Management, to name a few.

This year it is has invited Mario Varga Llosa, Rosa Montero, Jorge Edwards and Wilbur Smith amongst many and various prestigious writers and thinkers.

It hosts music, choir and ballet shows as well as workshops on Textile Art from the Andes (Arte textil andino), Literature, Story Telling, Opera and Poetry readings. A cultural feast you shouldn't miss.

Where: La Rural Exhibition Center, Ave. Santa Fe and Sarmiento, Palermo, Bs As.
When: Til May 9, 2011.

Post by: Valeria Mendez Cañas.

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

best of both worlds

Photos by Susette Kok


Las Piedras Villas & Hotel Fasano, is Punta del Este's newest development.

Within minutes from exquisite restaurants, hip nightclubs and the beautiful
beaches that make the areas of La Barra and José Ignacio so desirable, you will
find yourself in a sublimely luxurious heaven.

Understated and warm. A place that invites us to experience beach life
and parties with the possibility of coming back to quiet comfort and the
slow pace of countryside living.

Spread throughout 480 hectares, the property has twenty-two bungalows with gorgeous views of the landscapes, a magnificent spa, two miles of riverside, a swimming pool carved into rocks and possibly one of Punta's best restaurants. But that's not all. Soon there will also be thirty- eight villas meticulously designed to blend in with the environment, a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, tennis courts, and a polo course.

It's no secret that Punta del Este, Uruguay, is one of the world's most beautiful spots. This explains why it is the first destination outside of Brazil where the Fasanos chose to open a hotel. "I fell in love with the place, it's magical and romantic" said Rogelio Fasano.

Palacio Barolo - once the tallest building in South America,
on a clear fall day.

Easter in the City

At this time of the year, I usually like to recommend
Easter travel ideas - nice destinations for a long weekend.
But what about those who stay in BA?

In Lasse Hallström's movie "Chocolat", Juliette Binoche arrives in a
small French countryside town to establish a chocolate shop.
The town's life is centered on the mandates of a rigid and severe
catholic priest. It is Lent, the priest is fasting. There is a very
beautiful and in my opinion, well achieved scene in the movie where
the priest senses the smell of chocolate while he is having a very
simple breakfast and is forced to focus on his work in order to avoid
temptation.

Perhaps Easter is not just a chance to get away and enjoy a long
weekend vacation or a moment to give the people we love Easter eggs.
Why not think of it as a time of renewal?
A time to forgive, a time to cherish. It is about being re born,
about giving yourself the opportunity to refresh your faith in
your dreams.

Whatever the strength of your faith, if you are taking some time to
connect with yourself and your life, as the priest in "Chocolat", you
deserve to reward yourself on Easter Sunday.

If you're staying in the city, I suggest Hotel Alvear's Easter Brunch
- which includes a great variety of exquisite local products, the most delicious deserts, and a fascinating wine list. Simply the best in town.
Call the Alvear in advance for reservations.

Another option is to keep it symbolic, have a nice meal at your home,
hotel or flat and give out Easter eggs from El viejo Oso (trufaselviejooso.com.ar) or Vasalissa, (vasalissa.com)
two of my favorite artisan chocolatiers in the city.

Enjoy your Easter!


co-post: Vale & Mich

Teatro Colón

If you have been to Buenos Aires, you must have noticed the incapacity
some Argentinians have when it comes to following rules. If you speak a little Spanish and have ever tried to understand the lyrics of at least, one tango song, you might have understood that the main character in the song has either gotten away with something or has beaten his opponent.He has done this by disrespecting rules, sometimes rules of honor, by cheating.

Tango songs and bad driving are typical of our culture. Take one second,
stand in any avenue corner, preferably by a policeman and observe how drivers
run yellow and red lights, drive on biking paths, or speed up when a pedestrian
is trying to cross the street.
Take note of the policeman, probably too busy texting messages on his cell phone or smoking a cigarette to catch drivers breaking the law.

While driving around town looking at the beautiful European architecture
the city is famed for, you will be intrigued by the magnificence of a
building that stands on Av. Cerrito and Viamonte: Teatro Colon, a jewel, not
only for its architecture but also for the art that is produced inside. The
theater reopened on 2010 after years of restoration work.

Unfortunately, it's not working at its fullest capacity because, just as
anything Argentinian, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, that operates it, and a great number of members of its orchestra (grouped as a union) cannot
reach an agreement regarding working conditions. As a result, the opera that
was to open the theater's season: György Ligetis "Le Grand Macabre" was
put on stage under the direction of Baldur Bröinniman in a non orchestral version consisting of two pianos and percussion.

If you have stayed long enough in Buenos Aires, you must have realized another
thing about us: the ability to get by with what's available. You must
have heard a very popular phrase: "Es lo que hay" meaning: "This is what there is." So for example, although Plácido Domingo was recently scheduled to perform at the Colón, due to a series of events, he was unable to do so, and performed at the Obelisk instead. It was still a wonderful experience enjoyed by everyone and people were extremely happy, and he was too. It was a most memorable event.

There are some issues with the theater, yes, but next time you visit Buenos Aires (or if you're here now), do try to go to the Teatro Colón. It's an experience you don't want to miss. There are many ways to get a good feel for it. I suggest that you try them all:
1) book a guided tour: this will give you a good feel of all the details that must come together to put on a performance. You will walk by rehearsal rooms, you will see the way costumes are made for every show, etc.
2) buy tickets to a performance, the best ones are on a program called
"Abono del Bicentenario" (it only occurs once a month).
3) buy seats on higher floors.

If you book ahead of time, you will get good seats that will combine the possibility of seeing and hearing the performance, otherwise you will be missing the view.

The acoustics, the architecture, and the art you will encounter will make you walk out of there having had a very nice time. If something goes wrong, as it did with Ligeti's opera, you still will have had an experience in itself. After all, this is Argentina (and there is what there is).

For performances and guided tours visit www.teatrocolon.org.ar


Guest post by Valeria Mendez Cañas.

wine in the Andes

Mendoza, Argentina - One of the eight World Wine Capitals of the world

Mendoza is an oasis at the feet the Andes Mountain Range, the highest of America.
The imposing hills, sun, plentiful rivers, and fertile lands give birth to Argentina's
famed wine with Malbec as the signature grape.

When it comes to relaxation and activities, Mendoza has a world to offer: outdoor
adventures such as horseback riding, mountain climbing, skiing, 4x4
crossing, rafting, vinotherapy spa treatments, etc. There is also a
rich cultural scene with theaters, museums and art galleries.
Other options include international cuisine and regional specialties, and of course wine - the trademark of this city.
Engage in planting, harvesting and making wine. Personalized
circuits have been conceived to share locals' passion for the vineyards, wineries,
restaurants, wine lodges and most importantly the visitors!

So let's see some of the vineyards that I like (of course there are many more) and why I like them:

O. Fournier















Photo courtesy: O. Fournier

O'Fournier is a winery located in the beautiful Uco Valley. The Spanish
family Ortega Gil-Fournier, established their dramatic and innovative
winery at the turn of the millennium. This architectural wonder has been
designed to work with gravity to minimize the use of pumps, and its
underground cellar holds up to 2,800 oak barrels at a constant
temperature and humidity. Their state-of-the-art laboratory has
micro-vinification capabilities.
The vineyard produces remarkable Tempranillos, and a blend of
Cabernet-Malbec-Tempranillo. The chef of the restaurant at the
winery, awaits with her signature fusion-cuisine, while the
wine-maker explains to us how to do the wine- paring with their
awarded wines, including their top wine A Crux, B Crux and Urbano.

Vistalba

Photo courtesy: Vistalba

Carlos Pulenta’s winery is another must visit. Carlos is a direct descendant
of the Pulenta lineage of winemakers. His Vistalba winery is a model
establishment and an architectural jewel: a product- focused
facility aimed at maximizing the quality of his wines in a stark, modern, understated building surrounded by 120 acres of vineyards.
All grapes are picked and sorted by hand, and each barrel and
bottle is carefully tracked throughout the production processes.















At Vistalba we can always enjoy a splendid lunch surrounded by the
Vineyards at La Bourgogne, the winery's sleek restaurant run by chef
Jean Paul Boundoux, considered by the Great Wine Capitals organization
as one of “The World's Best Restaurant Inside a Vineyard”.

Salentein















Salentein winery is located in the mountains between a sea of vineyards.
The magnificent bodega, designed for both form and function in the shape
of a cross, allows for customized gentle handling of the grapes,
reducing the distance wine needs to be moved between winemaking steps.
Each of the wings is a small winery with two levels- a ground level
that houses stainless steel tanks and French wooden vats for fermentation
and storage, and an underground level for aging wine in oak casks.

The two levels allow wine to flow from the tanks to the barrels by a
traditional gravity transfer system. The four wings converge in a
circular central chamber, which resembles an amphitheater that was
inspired by ancient classical temples. A visit to the Killka Art Gallery,
with More than 100 works of famed Argentinian artists such as Nicolás García
Uriburu, Carlos Alonso or Marta Minujin is a must. Your experience here is not
over without an exquisite lunch at Killka's restaurant.

Catena Zapata



















Catena Zapata winery has pioneered modern vinification techniques
and high altitude viticulture in Mendoza, helping to bring Argentine
wines, particularly those made with the Malbec grape, worldwide
recognition. The bodega has passed through four generations who
have inherited the wine-making passion. Located in the town of
Agrelo, with Mayan-inspired architecture and technology.

Trapiche
















Photo courtesy: Trapiche

Trapiche, located in the Maipú area is surrounded by stunning
natural landscapes, and a Florentine- style building. This is
one of Argentina’s biggest wine brands, their medium–bodied reds
are highly desired by local and international wine-lovers.
The people at the bodega are welcoming and generous with their
knowledge.


Have you been to any of these bodegas? others? which ones did you like the most?

x Mich

The Wild Northwest

llama NW, Argentina

tennis beauty

see more here

Uruguay

Complot

la feliz

Swimming and Cycling in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

last night

photos by: Catita

street art

Starting today, you can see this work of art in Recoleta, a creation of two Swiss artists: Sabina Lang and Daniel Baumann.
Have a nice weekend!

happy bird

Three, delicious ingredients for a cup of happiness:

Extroversion: the state of being concerned with things outside the self, not just with one's own thoughts and feelings.

Optimism: a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

Self-esteem: a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect.



In this photo: Caetano, my friend's bird.

Made a little thing with some flowers that I received today.
Happy Valentine's! Enjoy! xo

True colors

Photo: Jazmin Chebar

JIG, Uruguay

VIK - Curiocity's newest addition to their private villas collection, is a one-of-a kind beach paradise with the best location in José Ignacio. Everything about the property is thought-enhancing. From the outside, one cannot help to look at it and then look at it a little more. It just does that to you.

But it's not only the "bizzare" architecture - with the Japaneese -looking grass roofs that has locals raising an eyebrow, it's the interior design, the art, the breathtaking views, the details. The courage to do something that has nothing to do with the rest of José Ignacio. Planet VIK.

There are six villas with two and three en suite bedrooms each.
Three of the villas house two master suites with their own private gardens or terraces, a third bedroom en suite with a living room, two have two master suites with private gardens and living room and one villa has two master suites each with its own private garden. Every villa features a fireplace, art-filled interiors and has a unique design scheme, including Ebony Macassar ceilings, hand painted floors and a remarkable mud adobe fireplace.

Most spaces, a 40-foot long wine cellar or Cava, game room, gym, spa and BBQ dining room feature large glass windows overlooking the beach, the garden, BBQ terrace and fire pit. With its traditional barbeque, the Parrillero terrace also looks out to the beach. The epitome of Uruguayan casual dining on the generous 14-foot cinnamon-wood table, the barbeque area can accommodate from two to sixty guests.

A Brasero, a traditional fire pit, offers comfortable seating of four sides for casual time relaxing in the evenings under the indescribable stars of the Sauthern Hemisphere.

This place is different from every other property in José Ignacio, it's like a spaceship that landed here, unique, daring, and that's a good reason for me to love it, and welcome it and recommend it. You can book VIK through Curiocity Villas for your next luxury villa vacation in Punta del Este. Sit back and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. If I'm wrong, I'll buy you dinner. Seriously. 

PDP, Uruguay