Showing posts with label buenos aires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buenos aires. Show all posts
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!
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!
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.
28 December 2011
"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.
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.
12 December 2011
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 !!!!!
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 !!!!!
06 December 2011
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?
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?
31 October 2011
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
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.
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.
24 October 2011
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 ....
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 ....
21 October 2011
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!
20 October 2011
Sequin Party
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 ...
17 October 2011
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.
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.
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| He got a ribbon after his day in the pool at PT |
12 October 2011
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.
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.
10 October 2011
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.
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.
06 October 2011
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.
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.
 |
| Really? |
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.
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.
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