Post #53: Recoleta

We ended our week in Argentina with a cemetery stroll in the Recoleta to admire ancient tombs of the famous and elite of historical Buenos Aires. A pretty (and kind of haunting) finish.

Post #52: And there was wine?

So, Argentina has some really fine wine. And it is not only tasty and affordable but also everywhere. We tried many delicious bottles for under $10 and could not resist but to bring some back with us to Brazil... this may just inspire a future Southern Cone wine trip.

Post #51: The Colorful Corno at Teatro Colon

One of the best opera houses in the world, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires is a site not to be missed. A premiere of a horn concerto and local star player together with the Buenos Aires philharmonic in such a setting is an experience. I enjoyed soaking up each and every note. And, apparently, we were not alone as there was standing room only in the balcony seats behind us -- young students and locals there to catch the show.

Post #50: Work?

So, I am in Buenos Aires not for the wine, long walks, or tango but rather for a conference of Binational Centers from across all of Latin America, including many from Brazil. It was really useful to meet everyone at once and have such an excuse to travel and enjoy the city (yes, I did attend the conference and even presented and participated in a panel!). 

Maybe you cannot see it but this is the first conference ribbon I've ever had that says "tango dancer" (I signed up for a social lesson one evening)

Opening event included tango, of course!

Presenting! :-)

The delegation from Brazil

Post #49: Going to the Dogs

Ferocious Argentinian Guard Dogs

Post #48: Vivid

Color explodes right onto the streets in San Telmo and La Boca. We walked there (of course) from another corner of the city and saw so much life on the streets. People with dogs everywhere. Children out playing on the streets. Hundreds of football fans streaming from the stadium. And brightly colored houses haphazardly stacked together in this neighborhood of immigrants that now is quite the tourist destination. Buenos Aires has quite the Bohemian feel to it. I am completely in love with its brightness.

Post #47: Tango

Tango was everywhere! We stumbled upon an international festival and snagged tickets to a wonderful concert at an open arts center. The artist was wonderful and there were even dancers who switched seamlessly between lead and follow.

The city is so obsessed with tango that even the crosswalks embrace a leg flick or two -- they appear to dance rather than simply march across some of the massive boulevards of Buenos Aires!

Post #46: Just walking

I fell out of rhythm with blogging and apparently lost track of time. Work took me for a week out of Brazil and further south to Argentina -- to Buenos Aires -- and we had a wonderful time. Here, in the next few posts and pictures, are some of my favorite moments! 

Walking is not such an easy task in our new hometown in Brasília, and it was splendid to explore the city on foot. The organic city layout and interesting architecture made it enticing to walk just one more block. On our first day, we discovered some gems in the neighborhood!

Evita (who used to light up but is not lit now because the current President does not favor the mural)

Mural on a labor building for teachers

Statues were everywhere

Wandering at the port with my favorite walking companion