21 April 2012
I am aliveeeee
Wow, more than a month has passed. Sorry about that. Here are some random photos to make up for my little disappearing act. All but the adorable dachsunds (French!) are snapshots from life recently. Enjoy!
19 March 2012
Chusma
In one of my past lives, I was definitely a gossipy old granny. I love knowing who's who when we're out at a restaurant and checking out people everywhere I go. I know. Kind of lame, but it's fun to me. Luckily in BA there are lots of quasi "famous" (let's just say local "celebs" aka B-list people) that you're bound to see, whether you're at the gym, a Palermo restaurant, or somewhere in between.
At Bella Italia last week, we had a pretty good celeb-tastic sighting. Seated all together were City Mayor Mauricio Macri, his stunning wife/fashion designer Juliana Awada, and TV journalist Viviana Canosa. Best part - Viviana used to date/live with Juliana's ex! Juicy details like that make it even more fun to eavesdrop (a little hard to do if you're 5 tables away).
At Bella Italia last week, we had a pretty good celeb-tastic sighting. Seated all together were City Mayor Mauricio Macri, his stunning wife/fashion designer Juliana Awada, and TV journalist Viviana Canosa. Best part - Viviana used to date/live with Juliana's ex! Juicy details like that make it even more fun to eavesdrop (a little hard to do if you're 5 tables away).
Two days before, at Bengal (always full of politicos during lunch since it's next door to the Foreign Ministry. Vice-President Amado Boudou totally checked me out when we saw him there last August) with Katie, we saw Carlos Bianchi (one of the most famous soccer players/coaches in Argentina & who oddly resembles Larry David) and Ricardo Alfonsín (former presidential candidate & son of Argentina's first democratically elected president after the military dictatorship ended in 1983). I love a good sighting. Sad.
12 March 2012
And the Skies Opened Up
Finally, after days of forecasting rain, the skies turned black, the wind started to howl, and the rain began to fall (sideways). These storms are common this time of year in Buenos Aires, and as miserable as they can be when you're caught outside without an umbrella, they're so soothing and meditative to me.
I woke up to an empty house. Jose is in Uruguay and Katie left for New York last night. It was a whirlwind, her trip was so short, and it just wasn't enough time. Being away from your best friend for so long should be illegal. Just laying on the couch in pajamas, eating grapes and reading magazines is infinitely better when you're joined by the person who has known you the longest. It was great.
The winds of change are really blowing through Argentina. It's hard, knowing that there's nothing you can really do about it, but wanting so badly for things to improve. Now when Argentines travel abroad, they won't be able to withdraw dollars from local ATMs unless they have an account here in dollars (which will be subject to approval - you have to demonstrate that your income is enough to justify the purchase of X amount of dollars per month). Please someone tell me how this is good for business, so to speak? How is this OK? As much as I love the Argentines - for their passion, for their insanity, for their downright ridiculous way of life (I mean that in a loving way) - I cannot understand their apathy when it comes to politics and government. No one cares. They just say "ah, it's been this way forever, no use trying to change it." What?! It's odd - because the protest is such a social and cultural tool here - that those who should be miffed by these measures just sit back and shrug their shoulders. The ones causing the roadblocks are the shantytown residents who demand justice for someone who was murdered there days previous. Or who want a raise in their (sadly) already low salary. Or who just want to piss everyone else off and ruin their morning commute. No one protests these new economic measures -- the ATM limits, the THIRD PRICE INREASE OF 2012 confirmed by Moreno, the increasingly stricter import controls ..
I was speaking to a friend who lives in New York today. He's one of the most brilliant people I know, very well-read, cultured, and all around smart. He had no idea what was going on here. Granted I don't expect everyone to be up to date on Argentine ins-and-outs, but I was surprised to be reminded that the press and media in the US are still focused so much on Europe (and then maybe Asia/China). The Economist and the WSJ cover local issues very well, I think, but if you don't read those regularly then you will get a skewed vision. You'll see BA as land of tango and steak, cheap goods and great vacations. There's a big disconnect there.
Anyway, it was disheartening. Not sure why I feel that way, but I do.
Like I said to Katie, I feel like I'm on an island. A very far away island. Screaming so loud but no one can hear me. I think I've lost my voice.
I woke up to an empty house. Jose is in Uruguay and Katie left for New York last night. It was a whirlwind, her trip was so short, and it just wasn't enough time. Being away from your best friend for so long should be illegal. Just laying on the couch in pajamas, eating grapes and reading magazines is infinitely better when you're joined by the person who has known you the longest. It was great.
The winds of change are really blowing through Argentina. It's hard, knowing that there's nothing you can really do about it, but wanting so badly for things to improve. Now when Argentines travel abroad, they won't be able to withdraw dollars from local ATMs unless they have an account here in dollars (which will be subject to approval - you have to demonstrate that your income is enough to justify the purchase of X amount of dollars per month). Please someone tell me how this is good for business, so to speak? How is this OK? As much as I love the Argentines - for their passion, for their insanity, for their downright ridiculous way of life (I mean that in a loving way) - I cannot understand their apathy when it comes to politics and government. No one cares. They just say "ah, it's been this way forever, no use trying to change it." What?! It's odd - because the protest is such a social and cultural tool here - that those who should be miffed by these measures just sit back and shrug their shoulders. The ones causing the roadblocks are the shantytown residents who demand justice for someone who was murdered there days previous. Or who want a raise in their (sadly) already low salary. Or who just want to piss everyone else off and ruin their morning commute. No one protests these new economic measures -- the ATM limits, the THIRD PRICE INREASE OF 2012 confirmed by Moreno, the increasingly stricter import controls ..
I was speaking to a friend who lives in New York today. He's one of the most brilliant people I know, very well-read, cultured, and all around smart. He had no idea what was going on here. Granted I don't expect everyone to be up to date on Argentine ins-and-outs, but I was surprised to be reminded that the press and media in the US are still focused so much on Europe (and then maybe Asia/China). The Economist and the WSJ cover local issues very well, I think, but if you don't read those regularly then you will get a skewed vision. You'll see BA as land of tango and steak, cheap goods and great vacations. There's a big disconnect there.
Anyway, it was disheartening. Not sure why I feel that way, but I do.
Like I said to Katie, I feel like I'm on an island. A very far away island. Screaming so loud but no one can hear me. I think I've lost my voice.
03 March 2012
Beware the Ides of March
This post is delayed. And I will write more tomorrow on my day off most likely. But here is a nice photo that will hopefully make you smile.
22 February 2012
Looking for Help
Hello people. Happy Lent (Are you supposed to "celebrate" Lent? Probably not, but let's just go with it)
I have been trying to figure out how to present this to my friends/family/strangers in BA and beyond for the past few days, but have been struggling. Basically, there is a guy in BA who is fighting metastasized colorectal cancer and is unable to pay his medical bills. His landlord (another expat, and clearly a consummate jerk) locked him out of the apartment, leaving him literally with just the clothes on his back and no access to his life-saving cancer drugs, small savings, or personal documents.
Rick founded Juanele AR, a really cool bilingual newsletter on the art scene in BA. I have never met him personally but have always admired his project. Once I heard about his plight - thanks to the connections of social media - his story stuck with me for days, leaving this dull ache and pain in my heart.
Contrary to what you might assume, Rick is not a "lucky" expat who can be treated in a nice private hospital here in BA. After using most of his savings to pay for an initial stay in a private clinic when first diagnosed, Rick has been cared for at two public hospitals here - the Rivadavia and now the Marie Curie. In the public health system, your stay is free, but you have to pay for things like soap, toilet paper, and other "amenities" we wouldn't normally think twice about. Incidentals like colostomy bags are also not covered. I have been in the Rivadavia and let me tell you, that place is just heartbreaking. Feral cats roam the halls and there is a general sense of malaise and sadness as you walk through. If you're from the US, you would be shocked to see the conditions. It's not a place I would want to go if I were really sick. It's not a place Rick (or anyone) should have to be, let alone when they're fighting an aggressive cancer.
Rick has a website - Rick Fights Cancer - detailing his struggle and providing updates on his now (more dire) situation. I am not completely familiar with the whole backstory, but all that matters in my mind is that some asshole kicked him out of his home, owes him about US$2,200 (which would make a huge difference in his treatment costs) and has left him high and dry in the most vulnerable of situations.
He is trying to raise money by the end of April to help offset his costs for an upcoming second surgery. If I could, I would donate hundreds. Unfortunately, I am on a very limited income and can't spare as much as I would like. But even US$10 would help .... as we always say in these situations, every little bit counts.
So if you feel like you want to start off this Lenten season by helping someone who could really use the kindness of a good Samaritan, please click on Rick's website - Read his story and see if you can manage to make a small donation.
Like I said, I don't even know him personally but something about him has struck a chord and I would love to know that I could make a teeny bit of difference in his situation.
I have been trying to figure out how to present this to my friends/family/strangers in BA and beyond for the past few days, but have been struggling. Basically, there is a guy in BA who is fighting metastasized colorectal cancer and is unable to pay his medical bills. His landlord (another expat, and clearly a consummate jerk) locked him out of the apartment, leaving him literally with just the clothes on his back and no access to his life-saving cancer drugs, small savings, or personal documents.
Rick founded Juanele AR, a really cool bilingual newsletter on the art scene in BA. I have never met him personally but have always admired his project. Once I heard about his plight - thanks to the connections of social media - his story stuck with me for days, leaving this dull ache and pain in my heart.
Contrary to what you might assume, Rick is not a "lucky" expat who can be treated in a nice private hospital here in BA. After using most of his savings to pay for an initial stay in a private clinic when first diagnosed, Rick has been cared for at two public hospitals here - the Rivadavia and now the Marie Curie. In the public health system, your stay is free, but you have to pay for things like soap, toilet paper, and other "amenities" we wouldn't normally think twice about. Incidentals like colostomy bags are also not covered. I have been in the Rivadavia and let me tell you, that place is just heartbreaking. Feral cats roam the halls and there is a general sense of malaise and sadness as you walk through. If you're from the US, you would be shocked to see the conditions. It's not a place I would want to go if I were really sick. It's not a place Rick (or anyone) should have to be, let alone when they're fighting an aggressive cancer.
Rick has a website - Rick Fights Cancer - detailing his struggle and providing updates on his now (more dire) situation. I am not completely familiar with the whole backstory, but all that matters in my mind is that some asshole kicked him out of his home, owes him about US$2,200 (which would make a huge difference in his treatment costs) and has left him high and dry in the most vulnerable of situations.
He is trying to raise money by the end of April to help offset his costs for an upcoming second surgery. If I could, I would donate hundreds. Unfortunately, I am on a very limited income and can't spare as much as I would like. But even US$10 would help .... as we always say in these situations, every little bit counts.
So if you feel like you want to start off this Lenten season by helping someone who could really use the kindness of a good Samaritan, please click on Rick's website - Read his story and see if you can manage to make a small donation.
Like I said, I don't even know him personally but something about him has struck a chord and I would love to know that I could make a teeny bit of difference in his situation.
20 February 2012
More Argentina News
I used to post the link to a funny news roundup blog from the Argentina Independent's website. Haven't done that in a while. You're in for a ride ... make sure to read about what's been going on lately please.
Thoughts of a Foreigner - Weekly News Roundup
Highlights - Sean Penn in Argentina, taking sides with CFK on the Malvinas/Falklands issue, even though he should probably just butt out of the whole thing. The VP Amado Boudou is a completely infantile and unprofessional politican who was completely out of line when wearing a shirt that said "Clarín (daily newspaper) Lies" while performing at a concert. Pretty sure if Joe Biden wore some militant slogans on his clothes there would be backlash ... and here, nothing. Typical. And.... there is a mountain lion on the loose in the northern suburbs. Be sure to read!
Thoughts of a Foreigner - Weekly News Roundup
Highlights - Sean Penn in Argentina, taking sides with CFK on the Malvinas/Falklands issue, even though he should probably just butt out of the whole thing. The VP Amado Boudou is a completely infantile and unprofessional politican who was completely out of line when wearing a shirt that said "Clarín (daily newspaper) Lies" while performing at a concert. Pretty sure if Joe Biden wore some militant slogans on his clothes there would be backlash ... and here, nothing. Typical. And.... there is a mountain lion on the loose in the northern suburbs. Be sure to read!
Long Weekend
Happy President's Day/Mardi Gras/Carnaval to everyone! Today and Tuesday are holidays (still have to work tomorrow though, the news doesn't get a vacation) but it's been nice to take it easy and enjoy this cloudy weekend. Threats of storms and rain have hovered since Thursday but we've yet to have a downpour. I would love it - a perfect excuse to head to the movies and eat some ice cream.
Things are crazy as usual here. The school year is set to start this week but - surprise, surprise - the teachers' unions haven't been able to come to agreements with the government on their salaries. You think schoolteachers earn peanuts in the US? Here on average their salaries are AR$1,300 a month. Yep, that is about US$300. They are fighting for a base salary of AR$3,100 which is much more fair, though still frightfully low, given inflation and the crazy cost of living these days. It comes in a striking contrast to the news that legislators and Senators received a 100% RAISE on their salaries - from AR$15,000 to more than AR$30,000. Add up the extras they get (travel vouchers that, if not used, are given to them for cash value) and some of them could make up to AR$50,000 in a month.
Imported products are harder and harder to get .... Although we were surprised to see our grocery store's shelves stocked with Milky Ways, Snickers, and Starburst last night. A lot of merchants have been hoarding/stockpiling certain items - like blenders, irons, etc - and are now selling them at exorbitant prices because demand is high and supply is pathetically low. There is a shortage of cancer and AIDS drugs, repair parts for factory machinery, and many other items you encounter in daily life. Steps closer to Venezuela and Cuba ...
Yesterday was a double birthday - Deb & Redmere. I would have loved for all of us to be together celebrating, but alas .. Hopefully next year. I miss them.
I've been cooking up a storm lately and was so happy that my mom sent me a new cookbook to try out! I will keep you posted on my progress. Lately I've just been on a creative empanada kick, nothing too crazy. Given that we don't have a/c in the kitchen and standing over a hot stove in those conditions makes me less likely to take on a hardcore culinary project. Soon! Once things cool off...
I have an ant infestation in our garden/terraces. I have no idea where they're coming from but I'm about to launch a full-out attack on them. They're farming aphids and other weird bugs that are destroying our plants - this lovely tree we have, my hibiscus, the jasmine... even my succulent! I've been spraying the crap out of them with an insecticide but it's not working. I think I will just dump cornmeal or baby powder all over the place where I see them trekking along. Since we don't have a real yard, I can't really locate the actual nest. This is war.
That is all. Happy day off to everyone!
Things are crazy as usual here. The school year is set to start this week but - surprise, surprise - the teachers' unions haven't been able to come to agreements with the government on their salaries. You think schoolteachers earn peanuts in the US? Here on average their salaries are AR$1,300 a month. Yep, that is about US$300. They are fighting for a base salary of AR$3,100 which is much more fair, though still frightfully low, given inflation and the crazy cost of living these days. It comes in a striking contrast to the news that legislators and Senators received a 100% RAISE on their salaries - from AR$15,000 to more than AR$30,000. Add up the extras they get (travel vouchers that, if not used, are given to them for cash value) and some of them could make up to AR$50,000 in a month.
Imported products are harder and harder to get .... Although we were surprised to see our grocery store's shelves stocked with Milky Ways, Snickers, and Starburst last night. A lot of merchants have been hoarding/stockpiling certain items - like blenders, irons, etc - and are now selling them at exorbitant prices because demand is high and supply is pathetically low. There is a shortage of cancer and AIDS drugs, repair parts for factory machinery, and many other items you encounter in daily life. Steps closer to Venezuela and Cuba ...
Yesterday was a double birthday - Deb & Redmere. I would have loved for all of us to be together celebrating, but alas .. Hopefully next year. I miss them.
I've been cooking up a storm lately and was so happy that my mom sent me a new cookbook to try out! I will keep you posted on my progress. Lately I've just been on a creative empanada kick, nothing too crazy. Given that we don't have a/c in the kitchen and standing over a hot stove in those conditions makes me less likely to take on a hardcore culinary project. Soon! Once things cool off...
I have an ant infestation in our garden/terraces. I have no idea where they're coming from but I'm about to launch a full-out attack on them. They're farming aphids and other weird bugs that are destroying our plants - this lovely tree we have, my hibiscus, the jasmine... even my succulent! I've been spraying the crap out of them with an insecticide but it's not working. I think I will just dump cornmeal or baby powder all over the place where I see them trekking along. Since we don't have a real yard, I can't really locate the actual nest. This is war.
That is all. Happy day off to everyone!
16 February 2012
Lalala
Hello friends. Welcome to Thursday. How are you? I am sweating after having made the mistake of thinking that watering my plants at 8.45am would be a good idea. I think it's already 86 degrees outside.
Hmm ... let's see. Valentine's Day? Yes. I had a nice little dinner date with Josey and some beautiful tuberose (my favorites) waiting for me when I got home. Simple and sweet. I actually kind of have a bone to pick with people who feel the need to be in your face about how great their significant other is. I feel like it's almost this tacit contest (mostly among women) who feel the need to one-up each other with regard to their boyfriends or husbands. Like, "I sent him out for milk and he came home with a dozen cupcakes just for me!" or, "Honestly, he loves watching the Kardashian shows. It's one of his favorite shows" or something as obvious as "He just does all of those things that every other guy seems to avoid like the plague, like _________."
Listen folks. I am not bitter. I'm one of the biggest mushy-mush romantics out there. But I also believe in keeping certain personal details private - I have never liked sharing those kinds of weird anecdotes with people, even close friends or family - because it makes me uncomfortable for some reason. I'm married to Jose, so isn't it implied that he's everything I want (and more)? I don't know. I am always happy when two people come together and are a perfect match. I guess I just don't feel the need to have it waved in my face for effect.
Ok, rant ended.
We're just flying through 2012 aren't we? Mid-Feb. I love that it's a Leap Year. Makes me wish I had a friend who was born on the 29th of Feb so I could celebrate their 6th birthday or something fun.
I still realllllllllllllllly want a dog. As in, it's all I think about and occupies a good portion of my thoughts during the 24 hours that are in each day. I want a dachshund, a golden doodle, a corgi, a great dane, a mastiff, a pit bull, a standard poodle, a rottweiler .... I think I need to move to a farm and just have the pups run around all day. That would be so fun!
Ah, I feel that I need to keep you all abreast of the insanity that is Argentina these days. Expect a post soon about the latest follies of the CFK administration.
Hmm ... let's see. Valentine's Day? Yes. I had a nice little dinner date with Josey and some beautiful tuberose (my favorites) waiting for me when I got home. Simple and sweet. I actually kind of have a bone to pick with people who feel the need to be in your face about how great their significant other is. I feel like it's almost this tacit contest (mostly among women) who feel the need to one-up each other with regard to their boyfriends or husbands. Like, "I sent him out for milk and he came home with a dozen cupcakes just for me!" or, "Honestly, he loves watching the Kardashian shows. It's one of his favorite shows" or something as obvious as "He just does all of those things that every other guy seems to avoid like the plague, like _________."
Listen folks. I am not bitter. I'm one of the biggest mushy-mush romantics out there. But I also believe in keeping certain personal details private - I have never liked sharing those kinds of weird anecdotes with people, even close friends or family - because it makes me uncomfortable for some reason. I'm married to Jose, so isn't it implied that he's everything I want (and more)? I don't know. I am always happy when two people come together and are a perfect match. I guess I just don't feel the need to have it waved in my face for effect.
Ok, rant ended.
We're just flying through 2012 aren't we? Mid-Feb. I love that it's a Leap Year. Makes me wish I had a friend who was born on the 29th of Feb so I could celebrate their 6th birthday or something fun.
I still realllllllllllllllly want a dog. As in, it's all I think about and occupies a good portion of my thoughts during the 24 hours that are in each day. I want a dachshund, a golden doodle, a corgi, a great dane, a mastiff, a pit bull, a standard poodle, a rottweiler .... I think I need to move to a farm and just have the pups run around all day. That would be so fun!
Ah, I feel that I need to keep you all abreast of the insanity that is Argentina these days. Expect a post soon about the latest follies of the CFK administration.
14 February 2012
Paperless Post
Get on the e-card bandwagon, folks. Paperless Post is my favorite website for love notes, birthday cards and holiday greetings ... Here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day designs:
More Lovey Goodness
We had Pablo Neruda's Sonnet XVII read at the wedding in both English & in Spanish.
I don’t love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz,
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as one loves certain obscure things,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries
the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,
and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose
from the earth lives dimly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you directly without problems or pride:
I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love,
except in this form in which I am not nor are you,
so close that your hand upon my chest is mine,
so close that your eyes close with my dreams.
----
No te amo como si fueras rosa de sal, topacio
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.
Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.
Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,
sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.
Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.
Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,
sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tus ojos con mi sueño.
Día de San Valentín
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Here in Arg it's usually called "Día de los Enamorados," implying that you can only celebrate if you're coupled-up. What I love(d) most about this holiday back home was making Valentine's for all of my friends and family ... it's a perfect excuse to remind someone that you care about them. For a little throwback, here is one of my favorite sonnets by Elizabeth Barret Browning (via Mrs. Mattingly's English class).
How do I love thee? Let me count
the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
03 February 2012
My Mom the Polar Bear
Last week Deb participated in a very good cause - the Polar Bear Plunge - which raised tons of money for the Special Olympics. Luckily it wasn't too cold out, but I don't think the Bay was anything like a big bathtub. She plunged with Eve Grimaldi, basically one of the coolest women alive, and had my Dad, my Aunt Joan and good friend Anne at the shore cheering them on!
It was a really cool event and I am glad she participated - it's always fun to do something you probably never imagined you'd do! And with clear, sunny day, even better.
I don't have any good shots of Deb running into the water, but here she is! Looking good.
It was a really cool event and I am glad she participated - it's always fun to do something you probably never imagined you'd do! And with clear, sunny day, even better.
I don't have any good shots of Deb running into the water, but here she is! Looking good.
The Rain Keeps On ...
It's like monsoon season over here ... This was at a Subway station in Palermo
02 February 2012
30 January 2012
Welcome Clouds
I am a full believer in Seasonal Affect Disorder - after four cold, long, gray Boston winters I know how negatively the climate can affect a person - but there's gotta be something like a reverse SAD for constant sunshine. I am not complaining; I'm a huge fan of great summer weather and days by the pool. But when you're dealing with 3 straight weeks of sunshine and perfect days, it's hard to feel OK with your decision to hole up and watch Modern Family reruns all day on the couch. Right? Imagine my joy when the storm clouds rolled in last night and we went to sleep with flashes of lightning dancing across the walls and puddles of rain on our balcony this morning.
We had a great weekend. After leaving work Friday we headed up to Barrio Chino for some Korean BBQ. As our friend Diego pointed out, the trendy thing to do lately in Buenos Aires is head to dodgy underground Korean restaurants in the shadier parts of town to cook your own meat (of dubious origin) over a little grill. Of course I wanted in on the bandwagon! I love Korean food and am always even more eager to try something new here in BA since it's even that much more of a novelty. Instead of trekking out to creepy Bajo Flores (where cab drivers sometimes refuse to take you. Good sign.) we compromised and went to BBQ Town in Barrio Chino (Belgrano). Despite leaving with an overwhelming smell of smoky food in our clothes, I had a great time! Look on my food blog for an upcoming review.
Saturday was cut short due to my work schedule but was lovely nonetheless. It ended up being a lazy night at home involving NatGeo and a big goblet of wine. Good times. Sunday I fried my body in the sun in an attempt to make up for the past week or so where I didn't subject myself to the UV rays. It was hot as Hades and I think I had a mini heat stroke (no joke) despite chugging liters of water. I threw myself under the a/c unit as soon as we got home and recovered without incident.
Ok that is all. The thunder is rumbling and I'm going to make a cup of mint tea and plan the rest of my day off.
We had a great weekend. After leaving work Friday we headed up to Barrio Chino for some Korean BBQ. As our friend Diego pointed out, the trendy thing to do lately in Buenos Aires is head to dodgy underground Korean restaurants in the shadier parts of town to cook your own meat (of dubious origin) over a little grill. Of course I wanted in on the bandwagon! I love Korean food and am always even more eager to try something new here in BA since it's even that much more of a novelty. Instead of trekking out to creepy Bajo Flores (where cab drivers sometimes refuse to take you. Good sign.) we compromised and went to BBQ Town in Barrio Chino (Belgrano). Despite leaving with an overwhelming smell of smoky food in our clothes, I had a great time! Look on my food blog for an upcoming review.
Saturday was cut short due to my work schedule but was lovely nonetheless. It ended up being a lazy night at home involving NatGeo and a big goblet of wine. Good times. Sunday I fried my body in the sun in an attempt to make up for the past week or so where I didn't subject myself to the UV rays. It was hot as Hades and I think I had a mini heat stroke (no joke) despite chugging liters of water. I threw myself under the a/c unit as soon as we got home and recovered without incident.
Ok that is all. The thunder is rumbling and I'm going to make a cup of mint tea and plan the rest of my day off.
23 January 2012
How is January over?
I am in awe of how fast time flies once you start to get older. It's really just nuts. Sometimes it helps when things aren't going your way and you really comprehend the meaning of "this too shall pass." Then there are moments where you feel like you got slapped in the face and have no idea where the past several weeks went.
We're still sweaty here. But talking about the heat in January here is like talking about the muggy days of August in DC. It would be newsworthy if it weren't happening. So unless we have a cold wave just assume that we're stuck under the a/c and avoiding any errands that involve being outside for extended periods of time.
Josey and I saw the film 50/50 yesterday. Wow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is such an incredible actor. I hadn't forgotten about him, per se, but it just made me wish that there were more young actors like him in movies today. Not once did I think he was playing a part (the film is based on a true story about being diagnosed with cancer in your 20s). Seth Rogen, in his goofy glory, played the best friend ... and I loved him, although I wish he hadn't dropped so many F bombs. Kind of takes away after awhile. Beware, though: you'll end up in a puddle of your own tears at certain points and you'll even need a few minutes to compose yourself at the end. But it's worth it as it's an amazing story about the healing powers of friendship.
I think about getting a dog about every 5 minutes. I am wondering if this is normal or just some sad obsession I have that will never go away.
We have a wedding coming up - two months to be exact - and I was moaning and groaning since the bride wants the female guests to wear long dresses. In the US, perhaps not normally an issue - although I don't own a long dress and don't foresee myself ever needing to wear one again - but in Buenos Aires, clothes are expensive. Especially formal clothes. To top it off, the dresses here really aren't the same quality as what you'd find at Nordstrom or Bloomie's or whatever. Department stores don't exist. Most of these "elegant" gowns are made with feathers and pink sequins and aren't even lined. And cost upwards of $1,000 (dollars not pesos). I was not a happy camper. Thank the lord for Deb, who came through as always. She found a stunning RL black dress last week! It was priced at $174 but on sale for $43! Apparently it was mis-marked but since it wasn't her fault they let her have the dress at the reduced price. HELLO happiness. There was no way I was going to spend my hard earned money on some gross excuse for a gown here. Go Deb.
I have been trying to tackle one new recipe a week to expand my culinary abilities in 2012. I made some pretty good chicken empanadas and then tried to make some spicy beef ones too. Not a bad attempt! Although I ended up eating empanadas for about a week straight. They're just so practical. And when you slather them it hot sauce they taste good regardless. Will probably make another batch soon and freeze them so we always have a quick meal on hand. Upcoming recipes: Black bean burgers, and perhaps some more Asian-inspired dishes once I get my booty to Barrio Chino.
Happy Year of the Dragon, everyone!
We're still sweaty here. But talking about the heat in January here is like talking about the muggy days of August in DC. It would be newsworthy if it weren't happening. So unless we have a cold wave just assume that we're stuck under the a/c and avoiding any errands that involve being outside for extended periods of time.
Josey and I saw the film 50/50 yesterday. Wow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is such an incredible actor. I hadn't forgotten about him, per se, but it just made me wish that there were more young actors like him in movies today. Not once did I think he was playing a part (the film is based on a true story about being diagnosed with cancer in your 20s). Seth Rogen, in his goofy glory, played the best friend ... and I loved him, although I wish he hadn't dropped so many F bombs. Kind of takes away after awhile. Beware, though: you'll end up in a puddle of your own tears at certain points and you'll even need a few minutes to compose yourself at the end. But it's worth it as it's an amazing story about the healing powers of friendship.
I think about getting a dog about every 5 minutes. I am wondering if this is normal or just some sad obsession I have that will never go away.
We have a wedding coming up - two months to be exact - and I was moaning and groaning since the bride wants the female guests to wear long dresses. In the US, perhaps not normally an issue - although I don't own a long dress and don't foresee myself ever needing to wear one again - but in Buenos Aires, clothes are expensive. Especially formal clothes. To top it off, the dresses here really aren't the same quality as what you'd find at Nordstrom or Bloomie's or whatever. Department stores don't exist. Most of these "elegant" gowns are made with feathers and pink sequins and aren't even lined. And cost upwards of $1,000 (dollars not pesos). I was not a happy camper. Thank the lord for Deb, who came through as always. She found a stunning RL black dress last week! It was priced at $174 but on sale for $43! Apparently it was mis-marked but since it wasn't her fault they let her have the dress at the reduced price. HELLO happiness. There was no way I was going to spend my hard earned money on some gross excuse for a gown here. Go Deb.
I have been trying to tackle one new recipe a week to expand my culinary abilities in 2012. I made some pretty good chicken empanadas and then tried to make some spicy beef ones too. Not a bad attempt! Although I ended up eating empanadas for about a week straight. They're just so practical. And when you slather them it hot sauce they taste good regardless. Will probably make another batch soon and freeze them so we always have a quick meal on hand. Upcoming recipes: Black bean burgers, and perhaps some more Asian-inspired dishes once I get my booty to Barrio Chino.
Happy Year of the Dragon, everyone!
18 January 2012
I am a Soap Hoarder
There are certain behaviors an expat might adopt when living in a country that rarely - if ever - sells products otherwise so easily available in the homeland. My classic reaction to the lack of (insert product here) is just to hoard like my life depends on it. Stockpile like there's no tomorrow. Dream about using said product, but never really doing so unless I have a lifetime supply ready in the wings.
I realize this is pathetic.
When I was home in November I fell in love with the winter pine Mistral soap (sold at Anthro). I already had a bar of the Mistral almond milk soap at home in BA, but I kid you not when I say I kept it in my closet so I could just smell it from time to time (and it would keep my clothes smelling lovely). I was on a mission to create a winter wonderland at our apartment despite the staggering heat, so I happily got myself a bar of the pine scented goodness. The packaging was just perfect; green and gold. So seasonal. Something you rarely see in BA.
I arrived back in Argentina, determined to transform our apartment into the North Pole. That didn't work out so well. But I had my winter pine soap there with me ... Sitting on the coffee table in the living room (??? what is my life) ready to transport me back to wintry Christmases of years gone by. Closing your eyes helps this illusion along. Trust me.
My mom sent us a little holiday package that arrived a few days before December 25th. Imagine my surprise - and joy - when I saw she had added yet another bar of winter pine soap just for me. I couldn't bring myself to actually open one of the bars and put it in our bathroom. Of course not. Why on Earth would I want other people to enjoy this little nugget of goodness? No! It's mine and mine alone.
Now one is happily tucked away with my ever-growing soap collection upstairs. The other slice of holiday cheer sits next to me here, at my desk, for me to sniff whenever the going gets tough.
I really hope I'm not the only one who does this.
I realize this is pathetic.
When I was home in November I fell in love with the winter pine Mistral soap (sold at Anthro). I already had a bar of the Mistral almond milk soap at home in BA, but I kid you not when I say I kept it in my closet so I could just smell it from time to time (and it would keep my clothes smelling lovely). I was on a mission to create a winter wonderland at our apartment despite the staggering heat, so I happily got myself a bar of the pine scented goodness. The packaging was just perfect; green and gold. So seasonal. Something you rarely see in BA.
I arrived back in Argentina, determined to transform our apartment into the North Pole. That didn't work out so well. But I had my winter pine soap there with me ... Sitting on the coffee table in the living room (??? what is my life) ready to transport me back to wintry Christmases of years gone by. Closing your eyes helps this illusion along. Trust me.
My mom sent us a little holiday package that arrived a few days before December 25th. Imagine my surprise - and joy - when I saw she had added yet another bar of winter pine soap just for me. I couldn't bring myself to actually open one of the bars and put it in our bathroom. Of course not. Why on Earth would I want other people to enjoy this little nugget of goodness? No! It's mine and mine alone.
Now one is happily tucked away with my ever-growing soap collection upstairs. The other slice of holiday cheer sits next to me here, at my desk, for me to sniff whenever the going gets tough.
I really hope I'm not the only one who does this.
13 January 2012
Moonrise Kingdom
My love for Wes Anderson knows no bounds. I have been waiting for him to release a new film after 2007's Darjeeling Limited. My prayers have been answered!
Watch the trailer for Moonrise Kingdom now. Drool all over yourself later. Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and of course .... Jason Schwartzman
Watch the trailer for Moonrise Kingdom now. Drool all over yourself later. Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and of course .... Jason Schwartzman
12 January 2012
What Day is it?
I'm all discombobulated due to my off-kilter weekends. I know it's Thursday but it's technically a Wednesday for me.
After a much needed gray and rainy day (although I would have loved a really major storm), the heat wave has broken, the skies are blue again and you can leave the house without feeling like you're taking a walk through some serious urban rainforest. My plants are happy (although I've been drowning them for the past week+) and I am happy. We can finally roll up the hardcore wooden window shades that are so prevalent here. In their defense they really do help to block out heat/blazing sun.
What's new? Well, not much, unless you consider a lack of fans, irons and other home appliances news. Due to the ever-strict controls/restrictions on importations, there is now a dearth of typically common items (such as fans, irons and other small appliances) .... and the prices have also skyrocketed due to the shortage. An average price of AR$180 has now boomed up to AR$350. No this is not a joke.
José's mom went to to Frávega (their motto: "primeros, siempre!" confuses me. I also think that Frávega is the exact same as Garbarino and the other "casa" that sells the same overpriced shit like ovens and stereo systems) a couple of months ago. Their iron had broken and she needed a replacement. So she goes on over to the 21st century futuristic type store and asks for an iron. Not a tall order, right? Wrong. The salesman informs her that they only irons they still have in stock are non-steam irons - aka the ones our grandmothers lovingly used like hot steel bricks that will pretty much burn the crap out of your entire wardrobe. That's right. No more steam irons, he said. "Due to the import restrictions, ma'am." No more explanation, no apology, nothing. That is pretty common here anyway - the shrug your shoulders "Qué va a hacer?" attitude that you can't do anything to change the system so don't waste your energy worrying about it.
I am sending some serious prayers to the Big Man upstairs that our blender, iron, washing machine, food processor, life don't break anytime soon ... Because if there is one thing that pisses me off more than a scarcity of something, it's having to pay 3x as much "just because."
Some fun links:
Top Baby Names in Argentina for 2011
Lisbon, Warts & All (a nice short piece about my new favorite city)
Fudgy Mint Brownie recipe - Make these for me and I will love you
After a much needed gray and rainy day (although I would have loved a really major storm), the heat wave has broken, the skies are blue again and you can leave the house without feeling like you're taking a walk through some serious urban rainforest. My plants are happy (although I've been drowning them for the past week+) and I am happy. We can finally roll up the hardcore wooden window shades that are so prevalent here. In their defense they really do help to block out heat/blazing sun.
What's new? Well, not much, unless you consider a lack of fans, irons and other home appliances news. Due to the ever-strict controls/restrictions on importations, there is now a dearth of typically common items (such as fans, irons and other small appliances) .... and the prices have also skyrocketed due to the shortage. An average price of AR$180 has now boomed up to AR$350. No this is not a joke.
José's mom went to to Frávega (their motto: "primeros, siempre!" confuses me. I also think that Frávega is the exact same as Garbarino and the other "casa" that sells the same overpriced shit like ovens and stereo systems) a couple of months ago. Their iron had broken and she needed a replacement. So she goes on over to the 21st century futuristic type store and asks for an iron. Not a tall order, right? Wrong. The salesman informs her that they only irons they still have in stock are non-steam irons - aka the ones our grandmothers lovingly used like hot steel bricks that will pretty much burn the crap out of your entire wardrobe. That's right. No more steam irons, he said. "Due to the import restrictions, ma'am." No more explanation, no apology, nothing. That is pretty common here anyway - the shrug your shoulders "Qué va a hacer?" attitude that you can't do anything to change the system so don't waste your energy worrying about it.
I am sending some serious prayers to the Big Man upstairs that our blender, iron, washing machine, food processor, life don't break anytime soon ... Because if there is one thing that pisses me off more than a scarcity of something, it's having to pay 3x as much "just because."
Some fun links:
Top Baby Names in Argentina for 2011
Lisbon, Warts & All (a nice short piece about my new favorite city)
Fudgy Mint Brownie recipe - Make these for me and I will love you
09 January 2012
Sunday
Today is like my Sunday since my weekends have shifted with my new job. It's not too bad, but I was in serious need of some relaxation yesterday. Working until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights is just weird - and the previous 2 weeks I was lucky and got 3 day weekends due to Christmas and New Year's. I can rally and run home, change and head out the door for dinner and drinks maybe one night of the weekend, but both leaves me deadski. Luckily yesterday we spent the day at a friend's country house and all I had to worry about was if my tan was even or not.
The heat index is above 100 again today. Not bad if you have an air conditioned haven to run to, but miserable if you're supposed to be out and about running errands. I was drenched in sweat before I even made it to Pilates today. Now I'm hiding out in my little home office, a/c on max and a big glass of water next to me. Relief.
So far I've been good about some of my new year's resolutions. Mind you we're just 8 days in but I'll take a small victory. Number one for 2012 is to cultivate more patience. I'm not doing so well on that one but the rest are golden. Try one new recipe a week - check! Go to Pilates (after falling off the muscle toning wagon) 2-3 times a week - check! Try a slew of new-to-me restaurants - check! Ok, so I've just made one new recipe and been to one Pilates class. But it's Monday. I've got time. It always feels good to get back into a routine after the insane messiness of the holidays. Parties, food, drinks, gatherings... It's fun but it throws me off.
Speaking of the holidays, we finally took our Christmas tree down. I guess when it's fake - and you don't have to water it - the tree stays up past its due date due to the low maintenance factor.
What else? I'm now a walking news machine. Don't ask me about what is going on in Argentina because I will give you an earful. I can't help it. Let's just say it's my job. HA! Because it is my job, get it? God I disgust myself.
Another goal for 2012 is to squeeze all of the juice out of this fabulous Nikon that is sitting next to me. I've been having lots of fun fiddling around with random settings and hopefully will one day be able to ride without training wheels ... aka be full on Manual without any help or temper tantrums! Woo!
Ok, I'm off to sit very still underneath the a/c .. I'll be back if I don't melt first
The heat index is above 100 again today. Not bad if you have an air conditioned haven to run to, but miserable if you're supposed to be out and about running errands. I was drenched in sweat before I even made it to Pilates today. Now I'm hiding out in my little home office, a/c on max and a big glass of water next to me. Relief.
So far I've been good about some of my new year's resolutions. Mind you we're just 8 days in but I'll take a small victory. Number one for 2012 is to cultivate more patience. I'm not doing so well on that one but the rest are golden. Try one new recipe a week - check! Go to Pilates (after falling off the muscle toning wagon) 2-3 times a week - check! Try a slew of new-to-me restaurants - check! Ok, so I've just made one new recipe and been to one Pilates class. But it's Monday. I've got time. It always feels good to get back into a routine after the insane messiness of the holidays. Parties, food, drinks, gatherings... It's fun but it throws me off.
Speaking of the holidays, we finally took our Christmas tree down. I guess when it's fake - and you don't have to water it - the tree stays up past its due date due to the low maintenance factor.
What else? I'm now a walking news machine. Don't ask me about what is going on in Argentina because I will give you an earful. I can't help it. Let's just say it's my job. HA! Because it is my job, get it? God I disgust myself.
Another goal for 2012 is to squeeze all of the juice out of this fabulous Nikon that is sitting next to me. I've been having lots of fun fiddling around with random settings and hopefully will one day be able to ride without training wheels ... aka be full on Manual without any help or temper tantrums! Woo!
Ok, I'm off to sit very still underneath the a/c .. I'll be back if I don't melt first
06 January 2012
Heat Stroke
happy Friday everyone. It's so hot. I know, I sound like every other porteño in BA complaining about the heat. But it's true. Suddenly after Christmas the temps just shot up and now we're all in a literal oven (often times you'll see on the news "La ciudad es un horno!!" - the city is an oven. Thank you, newscasters).
This is pretty standard for January, and most people are chilling out on the beach anyway, so those of us left here to work and melt are the only ones who suffer. It's doable if you can manage to avoid having to get anything done between the hours of 11am and 4 pm when it's usually hottest. Not going to lie, I haven't even gone to the post office because the 4 block walk will leave me dripping. Sad and pathetic, but true. (Most people tend to cancel their plans when it's pouring rain here, so it's on par with local culture. Let's go with that)
It doesn't help that the air conditioning DOES NOT WORK in my office. Sure, the section next to ours has nice cold air blowing, and so does everyone else in the entire building. But does the little section belonging to the Buenos Aires Herald have functioning a/c? NO. That is why I am in a horrible mood. In the past couple of weeks the heat has been bearable since there are tons of fans blowing around to keep their air from becoming completely stagnant. But yesterday was another story. I couldn't concentrate, I felt miserable, and I could barely get through an hour without going downstairs to the bar to bask in their frozen paradise. Truth. I can't imagine what it must be like to work in one of those crazy Chinese sweatshop factories where it's over 100 degrees and you can't take a break (dramatic association but hey, when you think your brain is frying that is what you start to do).
We were actually allowed to leave work early because of the heat. 9:30 PM and "ok, it's too hot, you can go home" - music to my ears since I'm still adjusting to getting home at 10:30 every night. You can bet I was out of there before Martín had finished his sentence.
What else? Well, I'm officially a total thyroid cancer expert, at least when it pertains to Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. All I have been doing for the past week has been covering her "illness" and the media frenzy that is set up outside the hospital. It's annoying. There are literally HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAMPED OUT - and have been for the past 3 days - waving their stupid political flags, images of CFK with her dead husband Néstor and baby Jesus statues praying for her recovery. News flash kiddos - she has recovered! The surgery went off without a hitch and now she's just hanging out in a hospital gown before she gets flown in her helicopter to her house. Then she's off to her family estate in El Calafate until her leave of absence ends. Boring! Also, who pays these people to camp out?
Tonight we're going to El Almacén de los Milagros for dinner and I am crazy excited. It's supposed to be a lovely little bistro experience, and I love that it's close by in Recoleta. Driving to Palermo gets repetitive and annoying sometimes, so I am happy when cool new spots pop up in the neighborhood.
Today was the 12th day of Christmas so it's time to take the Christmas tree down. I think I might make José do that - I'm bound to end up in a puddle on the floor.
This is pretty standard for January, and most people are chilling out on the beach anyway, so those of us left here to work and melt are the only ones who suffer. It's doable if you can manage to avoid having to get anything done between the hours of 11am and 4 pm when it's usually hottest. Not going to lie, I haven't even gone to the post office because the 4 block walk will leave me dripping. Sad and pathetic, but true. (Most people tend to cancel their plans when it's pouring rain here, so it's on par with local culture. Let's go with that)
It doesn't help that the air conditioning DOES NOT WORK in my office. Sure, the section next to ours has nice cold air blowing, and so does everyone else in the entire building. But does the little section belonging to the Buenos Aires Herald have functioning a/c? NO. That is why I am in a horrible mood. In the past couple of weeks the heat has been bearable since there are tons of fans blowing around to keep their air from becoming completely stagnant. But yesterday was another story. I couldn't concentrate, I felt miserable, and I could barely get through an hour without going downstairs to the bar to bask in their frozen paradise. Truth. I can't imagine what it must be like to work in one of those crazy Chinese sweatshop factories where it's over 100 degrees and you can't take a break (dramatic association but hey, when you think your brain is frying that is what you start to do).
We were actually allowed to leave work early because of the heat. 9:30 PM and "ok, it's too hot, you can go home" - music to my ears since I'm still adjusting to getting home at 10:30 every night. You can bet I was out of there before Martín had finished his sentence.
What else? Well, I'm officially a total thyroid cancer expert, at least when it pertains to Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. All I have been doing for the past week has been covering her "illness" and the media frenzy that is set up outside the hospital. It's annoying. There are literally HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAMPED OUT - and have been for the past 3 days - waving their stupid political flags, images of CFK with her dead husband Néstor and baby Jesus statues praying for her recovery. News flash kiddos - she has recovered! The surgery went off without a hitch and now she's just hanging out in a hospital gown before she gets flown in her helicopter to her house. Then she's off to her family estate in El Calafate until her leave of absence ends. Boring! Also, who pays these people to camp out?
Tonight we're going to El Almacén de los Milagros for dinner and I am crazy excited. It's supposed to be a lovely little bistro experience, and I love that it's close by in Recoleta. Driving to Palermo gets repetitive and annoying sometimes, so I am happy when cool new spots pop up in the neighborhood.
Today was the 12th day of Christmas so it's time to take the Christmas tree down. I think I might make José do that - I'm bound to end up in a puddle on the floor.
02 January 2012
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