If You Insist...

My mom has been begging (if not scolding) me to post a photo of this ridiculously expensive chocolate Santa that my sister managed to break with the slightest touch. Fourteen dollars. That's how much this puppy cost. Yikes. Anyway, the owners at the patisserie took pity on my clumsy hermana and said they'd use Santa's corpse for samples.

Linky Dink

Go to these websites and have a lovely day


30 Most Important Dogs of the Year
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Life in an Indian Slum

"Don't You Have Anything to Say?"

Apparently not, since I have been lazy on the blogging front for the past two months.
Things have been busy - with my trip to DC for Thanksgiving, starting a new job at the Buenos Aires Herald, hibernating around Christmas to pretend that it wasn't really happening - so I've neglected you all. Not that anyone really cares except for Deb, maybe Doug and that's it.

Anyway. BA is hot, sunny and all the rest but at least this year our power didn't go out for 3+ days like it has in the past. Christmas Eve was fun - José's family is very small and everyone is over the age of 80, so it wasn't what I am used to or what I prefer, but we had a good time. Argentine Christmas food is notoriously disgusting (look up "pionono" and "vitel thoné" and try not to squirm) but this year I managed on champagne and prosciutto. And bread. Still had a massive hangover the next day though. Should have eaten more bread.

Christmas Day was a pleasant surprise. Our dear friends Bree and Spero - who are about to finish up their yearlong assignment here - invited us to join them at an American-esque food feast with other Embassy people. I wasn't sure what to expect and when we arrived, there were more than 30 people, massive amounts of meat on the grill, homemade tortillas, spicy salsas that made my heart sing, a roasted suckling pig, and tons of other goodies. It was heaven!!! I am thinking about that spread right now and wish I could go back in time and eat some more. Though it wasn't like a "real" Christmas - I'm sorry but Christmas in the summertime will never feel authentic to me - it was a really nice way to feel a bit more connected and to spend some time with fellow Amuricans in the southern hemisphere.

Josey and I treated ourselves to a mini staycation with an overnight stay at the Mio hotel in Recoleta. I just wanted to get away, without having to go anywhere, and since things here are just so damn expensive we went the non-traditional route for gifts and just splurged on this. The hotel was really great - it's owned by the Catena family so it's kind of wine-themed. All of the doors are made of French oak, and each room has a huge oak bathtub made of a single piece of wood. The beds were super comfy and you even have "on-tap" wines and champagne right there in the mini bar! The only thing I would have added would have been a pool ... When I went to the hotel's inauguration party there was a terrace space that was open to all guests. However when we went back up there on Sunday to check it out we magically couldn't get out there. I'm not sure if it was because my brain wasn't functioning or because they changed things up. Oh well.

So what else? Work is fun, I like being required to watch the news and stalk Twitter during work hours. I'm still adjusting to the whole 4pm-10pm thing -- Especially like last night when I had to stick around until almost 11 because the President announced she has (benign) thyroid cancer -- but it's not the end of the world. At least I have all day to do things like garden and mill about.

We will be having a big fiesta at ours for New Year's and I am looking forward to not having to go anywhere to be surrounded by strangers. I am an urban misanthrope.

Ok I think I've brought you up to speed. Consider us re acquainted (I don't even know if I spelled that right ... my English is shot). Talk soon, need a bit of mint tea right now. 

2011 in Animal Photos

Buzzfeed always posts random/fabulous/fun lists of things, many of them involving animals. So of course I was thrilled to see "The 50 Best Animal Photos of 2011" Here are some of my favorites.

Italian Octopus

Loving this photo from Nat Geo's photo of the day feature.

Christmas is all around

Except it's not. My brain refuses to make the connection between Summer & Santa Claus. I NEED COLD WEATHER PEOPLE!

We put up our Christmas tree over the weekend, and despite the fact that it's fake, it looks quite lovely. I've been collecting new ornaments (not to be confused with the piles that are at my parents' house with our names on them from every year ... love those) to make me feel a little closer to home. Instead of relying solely on cheapo silver ornaments from Easy, we have some really fun ones mixed in there - a Union Jack that Mere brought last year on her trip, a knit octopus from Anthro, a papier mache giraffe for Josey, and some other goodies. Deb also sent us stockings (!!!) which I demanded receive full attention ( see above )

It's not as good as the real thing but it will have to suffice for now. Another thing to consider - since the sun sets around 8ish every night, you don't really get to enjoy the magic of the lights on the tree for as much time. At least in the northern hemisphere you've got a solid chunk of time each day - the sun sets at what, like 4:30? - to sit and stare at your tree like you have nothing better to do. Because you probably don't anyway.

Need to get started on Christmas shopping .... baaaaaaah !!!!!

Two things I'm loving today

back in BA

Ok so after my Thanksgiving food coma and subsequent last minute soaking up of all things America, I haven't been blogging lately (but have tried to remain dutiful to my dear Panza Porteña). Anyway, hello hello! It definitely feels good to be back where the weather is warm - although it does nothing to get me into the Christmas spirit - and back with Josey. My trip home was much needed, though, and I got a lot done in just 2 weeks' time. Would have loved to popped up to New York to see more friends but there's always next time!

What was waiting for me in Buenos Aires upon arrival? José had filled the apartment with gardenias (jasmines), my favorite spring flower, so that was lovely. Outside of our little nest though, it seems that things are slowly descending into chaos. The Government has decided to lift 100% of all subsidies on gas/water/electricity, but only in certain neighborhoods. You win a prize if you guessed that it's the nicer/"wealthier" areas that are the victims of CFK's new measure. The subsidies in fact were put in place after the economic fallout of 2001, so while they're not totally "necessary" anymore the idea of lifting them 100% completely and not gradually comes as a shock / annoyance to everyone. I think what bothers me the most is how obviously specific it is at targeting "the haves" - apartment buildings with amenities (like the big towers in Puerto Madero and the newer buildings in Barrio Parque, etc) are specifically called out.

Another gem- the AFIP revoked 318 people's "monotributo" status (those who are self-employed, like freelancers, but pay taxes based on their reported incomes) because they had made trips to places like the US and Europe several times in the past year but "their income didn't justify." Additionally, these people "are known to live in exclusive gated communities and own luxury brand cars." The fact that these things are happening makes me feel like I'm either living in some backwards place from the Cold War era or Argentina is some new post-apocalyptic Nanny State that feels it's OK to manipulate these sorts of things.

Anyway, we've also been to the Polo match semifinal last week, and José ran yet another 10k race successfully. My favorite part of the weekend was lounging poolside and catching some rays - I was getting a little pale for my own good in DC - while reading a good book.

It's a 4-day weekend here, thanks to the birthday of the Virgin Mary and there are lots of fun things on the horizon. A delayed Bengal to celebrate my return and 6 months of married life (!!!), a wine tasting with Anuva Wines (more info will be on the food blog), and some other cool things brewing. I can't believe Christmas is in 19 days. What?

This Year I'm Thankful For ...

The Fluffington Post. You're welcome.

Amazing Meals So Far

1. Taco truck bliss
2. Bombay Club amazeballs of life
3. Haandi lunch buffet aka gluttony x 1000
4. Central bistro fabulosity
5. Farmers' market empanadas
6. Hot sauce made by a Liberian man (not a meal I know)
7. Whole Foods explosion of cookies, sushi and more
8. Zaytinya heaven on Earth
9. Patisserie Poupon

Still missing: Pho, Rasika, Pietanza, Thai Noy, Mandu

Dream Piece

Hermes collier de chien. No words necessary.

Anthro Finds

If I lived here I would be in big, big trouble. Chau chau bank account ...

Amurica the Beautiful

I am home! I know, have been hiding under a rock since my arrival. It's what I do - hibernate and become a hermit, which I enjoy a great deal.

In other news: It's cold. The sun finally came out though, which is awesome. What else? Bella is amazing, and after her day at the groomer's she is looking utterly fabulous. Deb and I have already eaten at the taco truck (!!!!) and have had Indian food twice (third time tonight at Bombay Club, holler). Am loving the DVR and all the other goodies about life in the USA.

More to come - Just letting everyone know that I am indeed alive and while my culito is a bit frozen, I am happy!

On The Market

Jenna Lyons - J. Crew creative director and newfound(?) lesbian - and her husband have put their amazeballs Park Slope brownstone on the market as part of their divorce proceedings. Apparently Lyons is / was / whatever having an affair with another woman and was found out over the summer. Bye bye brownstone. I die for this house - who doesn't? So if you want to drool a bit over your keyboard click here for some more pictures (or just re-read any of your past issues of Domino, Lonny et al). Anyway, there really isn't much purpose to this post except to stare at the interior of the home of a freshly separated couple (sad) so we can relive our glory days, aka her awesome wall of shoes.

Mmmmm

I'm counting down the days/hours/minutes/seconds until I hop on the plane to DC and my stomach is also joining me in this endeavor. Part why I love going home is because I can eat my face off and indulge in things that just don't exist in Buenos Aires. Part of me actually doesn't love it because I always end up plumper than when I arrived - not a good thing to do when you're about to get married (Seriously, pre-wedding diet? Sorry Charlie, I've got an Indian buffet to tackle. Woops.)

Here is a list of the places / things I want to eat when I am home (take note):
1. Rasika
2. Heritage
3. Raaga
4. Zaytinya
5. Pietanza
6. Every Pho place in Little Saigon
7. Chipotle
8. The taco truck in Clarendon that's in that supermarket parking lot
9. Whole Foods hot bar
10. The Diner in Adams Morgan (preferably for brunch)
11. Cork
12. Jaleo
13. Central
14. Moby Dick
15. Liberty Tavern
16. Patisserie Poupon
17. Cafe Divan
18. Thai Noy
19. Peking Gourmet
20. Mandu

ok this list could - and will - go on but it's getting depressing. If anyone wants to book a food date let me know. If not, I'll just go there alone and eat until I pass out. Sounds like a nice plan.

Love this Photo

A little Sunday snapshot for you all ... I love this photo. I nabbed it from Jezebel and now don't have the link. Sorry about that. I'm still trying to finish up Shantaram (epic story based in India) so this picture is helping me along. I love the lighting and the colors of the woman's dress.

Be back in DC in 11 days ... Cannot wait!

My Friends Know Me Very Well

In the last three days I have received these photos via email from two friends of mine. Let's just say that they know me pretty well (although I don't do a very good job at hiding my obvious interest in DOGS!)

The yoga-posing Frenchie reminds me of Fran's Yoda and the doxie looks like he's about to throw himself out of a plane! Love.

BUNNIES !!!

These photos don't need much introduction. Here are some of my favorite snaps from the 2011 European Rabbit Hopping Championship (Yes, that is a real event).

Online Shopping

I forgot how much I LOVE TO BUY THINGS ONLINE. You can't really do it here in BA so it's like this suppressed addiction that is a slippery slope.

Inspired by this slideshow on Refinery 29, I snagged the dress featured in the photo (but in black). The nude was all sold out! And there was just ONE left in the black ... and it was on sale. I feel like the Internet gods were shining down on me just now. woops. It's just so damn easy to buy things online. I can't wait to try it on when I'm home in just two weeks! Now let's just hope it fits.

Foreign Exchange Transactions Regulated by the Government

Start stuffing dollars under your mattresses, everyone. Today marks new measures being taken against the massive exodus of dollars leaving Argentina - the AFIP will now be checking each and every transaction to buy foreign currency. Before you could make such transactions at an ATM or over the phone, but now you must do so in person at a bank or an exchange agency only. People will be expected to explain the purpose of the exchange - where their dollars will be going, essentially - and are subject to the AFIP's approval. News outlets say that if you claim the money is destined toward a trip abroad or to pay off a debt, approval shouldn't be difficult to obtain. Regardless, it's another drastic measure taken by the Government to control what is believed to be US$20B that has left the country this year alone.

For more information read this article from The Argentina Independent

Weekend Update

Yikes! It's been a week since my last post - Sorry Charlie. I was a little blah, feeling less than inspired last week so I neglected the bloglet a little too much.

Happy Halloween! Oh how I wish I were in America, with 3 costumes (you obviously need different outfits for each night of the weekend due to all the festivities). BA has gotten on the Halloween train but it's not a full 100% yet. There were quite a few parties on Saturday but not everyone in attendance was in costume. Sorry people but it's actually uncool to go to a Halloween party and not dress up. At least in my world that's how things are done. I drank some orange punch that had fake bugs in it and got bizarre stares from most about my costume. I went as gum under a shoe - wore all hot pink and had my running sneaker on my head. One girl came up to me and was like "I love it! Gum under a shoe!" - I wanted to hug her. The rest of the bar gave me weird stares from afar because I kind of looked semi-normal except for the big Nike sneak tied to my face.

Emily and I got into a fight with two of the dumbest men on the face of the Earth, however. Em dressed up as an Occupy Wall Street protester - both pertinent and easy to do at the last minute. In Spanish they're known as the "Indignados" (from the movement that actually started in Spain but is also used to describe OWS on the news), but Emily's sign was in English. These guys looked at her and asked what she was. After her description - and my "help" of saying that she was an "Indignada" - we were greeted with blank faces and remarks like "You're making that up. That doesn't exist. No one is currently occupying Wall Street" or "You're lying." For some reason I started to give this guy a lesson in current affairs and was feeling pretty good until they said to us "You both are really pretty but damn you're ignorant." OK BUDDY. We bitched them out so fast I almost had a heart attack. It kind of felt good, but not really because I know that there are probably many other stupid jerks like them out there. Sigh.

Sunday we enjoyed the amazing weather and went for a long run up to Palermo. We even managed to sneak into a Doggy Halloween party at the Planetarium! There were so many dachshunds I almost had a seizure. So. Cute. My favorite dog though was the fat English Bulldog named Rufio who snored louder than my Dad and was the most low key, lazy animal of life. God he was ugly but I just wanted to take him home !!

I can't believe it's just a little more than 2 weeks until I'm home for Thanksgiving. Time flies! It's going to be great - Just wish Josey could come with me. I plan on doing lots of Forever21-ing and eating of chipotle hummus. And cuddling with Bella. And going to Patisserie Poupon with Deb.

Food Blog Update

Be sure to check out my new posts from La Panza Porteña to start the week off hungry!

Weekend Update

Monday again already? In one week it will be November !!!! Waaaaaaa. The end of the year sneaks up on me and blindsides me. Not. Cool.

It was a nice weekend .... Very bittersweet. Juancito has moved to a new foster home and he left on Saturday morning. I was so relieved when the girl was late in picking him up because it let me curl up with him for a couple more hours. José and I were so sad when he left - I kept it together because crying hysterically in the street wasn't the look I was going for - I just sat on our bed and cried because his little bed wasn't there anymore. It's such an empty feeling - and he was only here for 2 weeks. I can't imagine what Andrea (the woman who had him previously) felt after he had to leave her house. Luckily his new mom has a puppy about the same age and they seem to be getting along really well. I know he will be happy, and the best part is that Juancito knows that not all people are mean, not all people will leave him to die in a sealed off trash bag thrown away in the villa, and that most of us just want to spoil him rotten.

I tried to get my mind off of it by chowing down at an asado on Saturday but the weather was cold and gray. We had a good time but I was just in a mopy little mood. We had some friends over for cocktails on Saturday night which was fun - gave me a reason to put on some real clothes and get out of bed (I'm painting a really nice picture now aren't I?)

We had some pretty interesting discussions on Saturday night, actually. Maybe because my mood was soured by the not-happy parts of the past few days, not sure. Lots of chatting about living here, the frustrations and the reality of accepting that BA is not New York and you can't get the things that we were so used to having back home. Three years out, I've accepted it - the fact that the gyms aren't as fancy, that the grocery store isn't always going to have hot peppers or even good tomatoes, and that those creature comforts become luxuries we cling to on visits up north. It's tricky when you first arrive here - it's clearly not some backwater town in the middle of nowhere - because you think you'll be able to find things like you do back home. Slowly you realize that it's just not like that at all. Quality, availability, reliability ... of anything (services, goods, whatever) is just not up to snuff.

It's very easy to fall into a rut of complaining and bitching and turning up your nose. I've done it. Hell, I still do it from time to time. But it's just not productive. José noticed it, as did our other friends. It's not the nicest image to project- that of a Yanqui complainer. I honestly wasn't doing it on purpose but when I stepped back and thought about it, I couldn't really deny it. So I decided to get over myself and make an effort.

I'm rambling now but whatever. It's a struggle, and it's a back and forth that you deal with most days while living here. Inflation sucks. Not being able to walk anywhere you want alone at night really sucks. Not being able to get Forever21 or random goodies from Trader Joe's is also a big pooper. But it's the reality here and I have always said that if I can't live without those things then I should pack up and leave. We're allowed to complain of course, it's kind of a right you get when you live as an expat anywhere, I believe. It is healthy to vent and unload your woes on friends or people who can identify with your situation. But when it gets to the point that it's all about negative energy, the only person who ends up suffering the most is yours truly.

Just some food for thought to start the week off. Putting things in perspective helps but we all get overwhelmed sometimes. It's not a nice feeling ....

Dogs Galore

My favorite part of Buenos Aires .... The dogs ! And the dog walkers, usually commanding groups of over 20 at a time. The Argentina Independent posted this video story following one man on his 16km route with 23 pups. Enjoy!

Sequin Party

Today I was helping a friend look for a dress for her New York City Hall wedding and decided to indulge myself in a little fashion show at Ralph Lauren. The RL mansion is located right on Av. Alvear across from my favorite spot for tea, the Palacio Duhau. Under the premise of searching for a killer cocktail dress for her, I started flipping through the racks in the sale section (seriously, up to 75% off on Fall/Winter collection... Sign me up)

Since I am a magpie/5 year old, I was instantly drawn to the most sparkly item of the bunch. Behold:

Marked down from over US$1.000 they were about US$ 430. It was like a 75% discount - Hard to argue with when you look at it that way. But .... I've never spent that much money on anything in my life, let alone a pair of gold sequin leggings! Did I mention they were silk lined ? Le sigh ...

While I was telling myself that they aren't that practical I had to remember that I will wear sequins on anything, to any event. I love sparkles. I need them. It's like this weird obsession I have - I'm just naturally drawn to them no matter what .... I mean, who doesn't wear gold sequin pants to the grocery store or to a job interview?

For now I'll keep dreaming ...

Portugal Photos

I love reliving our days in Portugal. If only we had taken more photos ...

Drumroll Please ...

Why don't you do yourself (and yours truly) a favor by checking out my BA food blog, La Panza Porteña? It's kind of an infant right now, but I promise that more content will be published on a regular basis.

After three years of eating my face off and writing little reviews in my head, I decided that I needed to put my time to good use and start another project that will clog up the Internets. We all need another time waster at work, after all.

Check it out ..... La Panza Porteña ..... I love you forever.

Snaps of Juancito

  Here he is! Juancito, the most spoiled dog on the planet (and he deserves it). What other dog do you know gets carried around the house on a bed of blankets, pillows and toys? Seriously, that's how he gest around. We do this several times daily because if you leave him in the other room he gets bored and begs for your company. But beware, if you put on the wrong movie (like one with Sean Connery), he'll complain that he doesn't like the actor's voice. Not. A. Joke. We had to put on another movie just to keep this pup happy. I know he looks sad in all of the photos - He had a hard life at the beginning, and I think because he doesn't do any exercise (on account of the not walking), he doesn't pant/"smile" ... But he's getting lots of love here at Basavilbaso.

He got a ribbon after his day in the pool at PT

Dog vs. Cat Diary

Once again Will sent me the most hilarious thing of all time. How does he do that? I have no idea. But this one is a real keeper. A day in a dog's life vs. a day in a cat's life.

Motherhood

Understatement of the year: taking care of a puppy is exhausting. It's even harder when you have to carry him around the house because he can't bear to be left alone in another room. I feel like I have a squirmy and uncoordinated barnacle in my care.

I haven't gotten a full night's sleep since Thursday and I'm starting to go batty. I have become an expert in changing pee pads. Unless I vacuum every 3 minutes there will inevitably be hair EVERYWHERE. I scared the crap out of Juanci when I tried to dry/warm him with the hair dryer after giving him a little bath. We had a romantic dinner together last night though - rice with green onion, sprouts, carrots, ginger, cilantro, soy sauce and jalapeño for me, regular old white rice and dog food for him. He loves "Gossip Girl" almost as much as I do, something I consider a personal victory.

We miss Josey and are excited for his return tonight. If you happen to run into me on the street today, excuse my face. Sleep deprivation is unbecoming.

Forget Halloween for Humans

I have been feeling less than inspired since a) moving to a country where Halloween is not sacred as in the US, and b) graduating from college and leaving my insanely fun/creative roommates. One year we went as Lawn Ornaments (I was the reindeer made of Christmas lights, another girl was a flamingo, and we also had a lawn gnome, a bird bath...) and the next we went as Celebrities Who've Been to Rehab. I love group costumes! They're so much more fun than "slutty policewoman." What? That isn't even a real thing.

Anyway, part of my obsession with dogs also has to deal with dogs in costume. Refinery 29 just posted this slideshow of DOGS IN HALLOWEEN COSTUMES !!!! Enjoy my favorites:

New Member of the Family

Juancito came to stay with us on Friday afternoon. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I started to get involved with the NGO "Proyecto 4 Patas" a few months ago and have been itching to volunteer my time and TLC ever since. Unfortunately their shelter is way out of town, so I can't go help out there. Another option is to be an "hogar de tránsito" (foster home) for a dog that is still in recovery and not ready to be placed in adoption yet. You can donate the time that you have - a few weeks to a few months or more - and the volunteers from P4P are willing to help supplement anything that you'll need during that time.

Andrea was the woman who had been taking care of Juancito for the past several months. She wanted to adopt him permanently - she does Reiki healing with animals and sounds like a really special person - but recently had to downsize her home. She has other dogs that don't accept little Juanci and having them all in the same space isn't a possibility. So he was brought to our door this past rainy Friday and has spent the weekend settling in!!

He's just about 10 months old and had distemper - a virus that can lead to death if untreated - which has left him without the use of his hind legs. Since he's young, and still has feeling in his legs, the doctors believe that with therapy he will be able to learn to walk again! That would be amazing. Given his disability he's quite creative in moving around and maneuvering himself to get what he needs. It's really amazing to witness! I love dogs.

It was definitely a shock at first, I can't lie. I've never had my own dog to take care of, let alone one that is disabled. The first two nights no one got much sleep around here ... and when I don't get sleep, watch out! Thankfully we're all settled in now and getting the hang of the routine. He's such a sweet little dog, with such suffering in his eyes. All he wants is love and to give you some smooches in return!

José has been an amazing "dog dad" and it's been such a help having him be so supportive. I think both Juanci and I are going to be pretty sad when he goes out of town Tuesday & Wednesday of this week!!

I will post some pictures soon. Please check out P4P's website - especially if you live in BA - to see the amazing things that they do and how you can help.

Argentina: Where News is Clothing-Optional

News media outlets around the world (Gawker and The Daily Mail both covered the story, as did the newspaper where I work - The Argentina Independent) have been going nuts over the "scandal" that started the week of on Argentina's version of Dancing with the Stars.

Really?

Cintia Fernández, a "model" (I really don't even know what her claim to fame is. Do a Google Image search for her, but beware, just a tad NSFW), is known for wearing barely-there costumes and frolicking about topless after her dance numbers end. Monday night she kicked off the "Strip Dance" round - yes, Bailando por un Sueño considers striptease a respectable rhythm - with a Greco-Roman inspired skankfest. In the last few seconds of the routine (after she was bathed in a jug of wine by her partner) she somehow managed to take off the last tiny piece of clothing she had on and was left standing totally naked in front of a live tv audience. Check out the video if you're so inclined.

Later she blamed this wardrobe "malfunction" on the wine that got in her eyes but lots of people think she did it on purpose - after all, she's not known for her modesty. Regardless, it's been interesting to see the backlash both here and at home. Bailando por un Sueño is a show that is on basic cable 4 nights a week, dominating the ratings and raking in millions of viewers. Hours a day are dedicated to the program and many families eat dinner with the show on in the background.

Anyone who has been to Buenos Aires knows that female nudity isn't as taboo as it is at home. Men's magazines litter the kiosks that are on every street corner, with huge silicone breasts at a very convenient eye level, women of all ages at the beach prance around with little bikini bottoms that show off their almost-always perfect butts (really, what is in the water here?), and in general they're much less Puritanical than we are. I can deal with that, if you've got it, flaunt it ... Todo bien. But there's a line that needs to be drawn. To make a comparison: When Miley Cyrus was photographed by Annie Leibovitz a few years back, people were appalled, begging her to "see herself as a role model for young girls." And it's true - so many pre-adolescents and young girls look up to her and are highly impressionable. But showing a little back is nothing compared to what my eyes soak up on a daily basis here.

Take a look at this screen shot taken from InfoBae - an online news source - and you'll see what I mean. This is "normal" - Women posing in thongs and showing their cleavage in photos that aren't always relevant to the story. It's ridiculous. (And yes I am aware that one of those photos is of the girl that supposedly had sex with Ashton Kutcher).

After a while you get used to it ... Otherwise you'd go totally mad. Although I doubt I'll be prancing around in a g-string with my butt implants anytime soon. If that happens, get me outta here. 

More Snaps

I have a problem/obsession. Well documented by now.

I got this skull for less than US$10! Win.

Turning 25 ...

Mustachio Bashio

Arrowheads

Loving this Arrow Cuff that I saw on Refinery 29 today. Christmas gift, anyone?

Banana Singing at the Wedding

Check out this video (not taken by me, although I do have a few to upload) of César Banana Pueyrredón singing "Just the Way You Are"

Current Reads

Greg is my International Book Drop supplier - He always manages to send me a big box of books just when I need them the most. Here is what I'm reading right now ...

"MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a Best Friend" - Rachel Bertsche. I'm actually going to do a little write-up of this book this week. As someone who has uprooted her life and moved 5,500 miles away to a new country, the quest for friendship is ever-present.

Taken from her website: "When Rachel Bertsche first moves to Chicago, she’s thrilled to finally share a zip code, let alone an apartment, with her boyfriend. But shortly after getting married, Bertsche realizes her new life is missing one thing: friends. Sure, she has plenty of BFFs—in New York and San Francisco and Boston and Washington DC. Yet in her adopted hometown, there’s no one to call at the last minute for girl-talk over brunch or a reality TV marathon over a bottle of wine. Taking matters into her own hands, Bertsche develops a plan: she’ll go on fifty-two friend-dates, one per week for a year, in hopes of meeting her new Best Friend Forever."

And Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth." I adore this author. "Interpreter of Maladies" was one of my most treasured books when I first read it, and I was so happy to see this new(ish) collection in the Book Drop box. I haven't been able to put it down since I started it on Friday and am already sad to think that soon I'll be reaching the last page.

It feels so good to read again! I know that sounds strange, but books here are expensive and hard to come by. Actually the Washington Post just published an interesting article about CFK's attempt to revive the domestic publishing industry (ironic since they actually rely on Brasil to print local currency). While I managed to bring down several of my favorite books over the years, it's always refreshing to have a new stack waiting for me to discover. Nothing like a good book on a sunny Spring day.

Belated Birthday Snaps

From Casa Mun. Mimi the GoldenDoodle makes her debut. Pure joy.

Por Siempre tu Buen Amor

Musical accompaniment for your Sunday evening. "Por Siempre tu Buen Amor" by César "Banana" Pueyrredón - One of the songs he sang last night at the wedding reception. Enjoy as your little hearts melt with love.

Lazy Sunday

... every muscle in my body hurts.

It was a great weekend. We kicked it off with Katie's bachelorette party on Thursday, then celebrated Cassie's birthday on Friday with a Mexican feast (and one too many margaritas), and Saturday was Katie & Marcos's wedding. Argentine weddings are known to go on all night - a big shock to those of us who are used to the party winding down by 12 - and always manage to get a little rowdy. Won't be able to get the image of the groom being lifted up on a circular plank of wood over the dance floor for a while!

The wedding was beautiful - I'd never seen my friend so happy, and it was a really fun party. The groom's father is a very well known singer who enjoyed his heyday in the 80s. José used to see him live when he summered in Punta del Este !! After dinner César "Banana" Pueyrredón sang a few diddies which got everyone singing along at the top of their lungs and throwing flowers all over the place. Total legend. 

My feet didn't last until dawn, however, and I hobbled home with the help of Josey around 4. Have a huge bruise on the top of my foot today. My voice has been misplaced... hopefully it will turn up somewhere.

Deb was able to go to Sass's engagement party in DC last night and they sent me a picture mid-fiesta! I definitely had a glass of champagne in their honor, despite being halfway across the world. So happy for yet another amazing couple!

Xalapa for Cassie's cumpleaños