Getting ready for the big trip to Hershey PA on May 19, 2008. Take a peak through this blog for links and websites to help those of you traveling to Argentina in the near future.

"Mate", an Argentine Ritual

Nothing captures the essence of the Argentine culture more than the preparation and consumption of mate. Mate is an elaborate ritual that you see transpiring on the streets, in the boutiques, behind the newsstand, in the bus terminal, at the neighborhood park, on the bus, at the arts and crafts shows, and basically anywhere where one can take a thermos(for hot water), mate(gourd), yerba(the tea) and a bombilla(the straw with a filter). Leather bags are made just for the transportation of the "mate".

There is an informal etiquette for preparing and drinking Mate. The cebador(server) fills the gourd(mate) almost to the top with the yerba(tea), then pours very hot water into the gourd(mate). It is then passed along to the group, being friends, family or coworkers. Sharing is key. Each participant drinks the gourd dry and then hands it back to the cebador, who then gives to the next person in a clockwise direction. The bombilla is the "silver straw like" thing that has a built in filter.

I was fascinated by the whole cultural thing taking pictures whenever I could with out being rude. I did some reading about it but really enjoyed seeing it transpire around us where ever we traveled.

Check out my "Mate Moments" Slide Show:

Old news: Buenos Aires Meatless? Later, Under Smoke?

Upon our return from the cruise around Cape Horn, we entered our previous apartment, so it felt like returning home again. However, things weren't all quite the same as we settled in so to speak. Of course, one of the first things to do besides UNPACK again was to head to the grocery store and restock the kitchen. Coto supermercado wasn't quite the same though. When I got there, the shelves were meatless except for some frozen chicken and the fresh vegetables were scarce? Watch this:

You Tube: Wheres the beef?

The farmers in protest blocked the roads so that meats and vegtables in addition to other items could not be easily delivered to the city of Buenos Aires. And did you hear this debate between the government and the farmers went on for over 19 days? Can you imagine? No one starved mind you. Just a little inconvenience for a cause.

We had just missed one of the protests that took place ALL over the city. Here's a sample of it:

You Tube: Grab your pot and pan

Did you notice whole families participating, peacefully?

Next event was the smoke that permeated the air throughout the city. Watch this:

You Tube: Buenos Aires under Smoke

I'm sure our friends out west in the USA are completely familiar with the dilemma of permeating smoke in their communities due to our raging fires set by careless people. This was our first experience with it. So people with problems flooded the hospitals. Others just put on a cloth mask as they went to work. Others just stayed inside. Although you did at times get the smell in the apartment.

Gallery Nights! Don't miss it!

GALLERY NIGHTS, whether you are an art connoisseur or just an admirer of it, you don't want to miss it! If you are visiting during the last Friday of a month, except during summer time(January and February), check it out. Each Gallery Night there is a new route and tour of the galleries. Some businesses feature an artist's display for the evening and regular art galleries along the route are open. All are serving a free glass of champagne and offering an opportunity to meet the artists as you admire their creations. You can see the route of the tour on a map before you head out. Just go to the website I linked in the beginning sentence and you can translate it easily with babel fish. Once you arrive at any of the 60 or so galleries, they will give you a brochure of the evening's gallery tour locations with a map of the route. So you walk a little, admire some art, drink some champagne, and watch the streets come ALIVE with people all dressed for the occasion.

Feria de San Telmo Return Visit

After cruising, we returned to our same apartment in BA. Our friends the Willbanks wanted to visit San Telmo for their first time so we returned. Here are more pictures of what you can expect to see at this antique hippy style arts and crafts affair!

Over 8 blocks on a street called "Defensa" are closed exclusively for this fair every Sunday. From Plaza Dorrego to Pasaje San Lorenzo you will find the unusual.

Crayons of all colors.

If you are LUCKY, you'll catch a Tango show in the streets. Just leave a tip in the hat!

Musicians play throughout the day.

Have any dust? Get your handmade feather duster right here.

No flower vans allowed on this street.

I'll post a blog on this contraption soon...

Randall bought his first hand woven bracelet from this man. I think it's wonderful to give to those who are willing to work for some money.