Lets change the subject...

It's raining again here. I'm not sure that's what I bargained for..

Anyway, it would be a grave omission if I didn't mention the "Madres de Plaza de Mayo". For those that are not familiar with the subject, the Madres are the mothers of the Missing young people (los Decaparecidos) of the military dictatorship of Argentina of the 70s and 80s, and the so-called Dirty War. Their kids were "disappearing" in scores during those 7 years, either because they were active against the junta or because the military authorities counted them as such. The estimated number of los Decaparecidos varies, but generally is accepted as between 11,000 and 30,000. Despite the end of the dictatorship in 1983, most of them are still unaccounted for.

The "Madres" is an association of the mothers fighting for the right to re-unite with their abducted children. Since 30 April 1977 they protest weekly on Plaza de Mayo. I have participated twice in their protests, and somehow feel very close to this story and every Thursday it is quite overwhelming. Have a look, it is worth it.

Further reading:
http://www.madres.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothers_of_the_Plaza_de_Mayo

Navidad de Buenos Aires

Hi all,

it's been a busy few days. Another fierce storm hit us yesterday, but it had all dried up before you knew it. The fireworks and excitement of Xmas was building up all week and culminated last night in hours of small explosions all over town. Sounded like war was breaking out. It's quite hot here, the mosquitos are blood-thirsty as never before and they take their daily toll.

As for me, dinner at Choc's last night, Spanish and endless walks and outings capped a great week. Weekend is ahead and I'd better get ready for some partying. Got to leave you know.

Learning Spanish.

Spanish lessons have commenced. Slow progress so far but it's only been a few hours, right?
Nice environment though, and at last meeting some new (non-Swiss) people.

Updates are coming.
Hasta luego!

A Night (and Morning) to remember!

Last night was the wedding. And what a wedding it was!
Discreet ceremony, superb reception, beautiful people, loads of drinks and fun!!! And then some more.

Time was set for 8pm, we started at 9 and by 9.30 the deed was done. We were on our way to the reception. Aperitifs, three courses (with partying in between!-never seen it before but it's one hell of an idea) and deserts, cake and all, and loads of champagne! And Tango of course. Somewhere there, after 3am I'm guessing, the worst kept secret of the week was confirmed with a spectacular and emotional unveiling of the first photo of young Choco! Unfortunately, some of us missed it, as we were having a fag outside... And the party went on, turning into a mini Carnival! Around 5-6am, breakfast was served...

And the (next) day concluded in Los Locos' flat around 10am this morning. The last few hours were increasingly incomprehensible needless to say. All in all, it was a night to remember!

Need to recover now, tomorrow we start Spanish lessons. Wish me luck!

(the tie worked just fine by the way, did it's job superbly)

Thunderstorm before The Event!

We had a fierce thunderstorm today. It only lasted an hour, but it was something. I hope it'll stop in time for today's Event!!! An update will follow promptly.

La Boca!

What a fantastic place it is!

Ok, there are no grand avenues, it's not wealthy or leafy, hasn't got 8-10-12 story buildings, no parks and it's mostly known for it's football team. There are narrow little streets, it's poor, has few trees here and there and shabby dwellings, but it's got character, history and wonderful people. And Maradona! I need to come back here, need to meet more locals (after I improve my non-existent Spanish that is), need to spend more time!
I will do all of them in due time.

Rest of the day: I got a suit! I came 9,900 km for my friend's wedding and now I'll even wear a tie! It's my first tie ever mind you, a pure tie-virgin! I don't know what else I'll do for this guy.... Choc, it'd better worth it!

A few pics again, and sleep!

It's Christmas time!

Continuing where we left the other day, with the Xmas trees and all, here's another view of "our" Christmas:

Sunday today.

It might be high summer here but we still have Xmas, with a tree and all. (I suspect it might even be taller than Athens'...)

Day out at San Telmo's today. Great street market, great fun, great people!

Happy Birthday to me.

Thanks to all for their wishes.
Text, phone, FB, email and here, they came in all shapes and flavors. Thank you once again.

For me, it was a quiet day again, spent mostly around the Japanese Gardens. From Monday (as they say) things are speeding up!

 (that's me in the background if you didn't recognize me)

A long walk that was..

Today was the first full day out of my hiding place. I was back sooner than expected.
Lessons of the day: 1) Buenos Aires is BIG, 2) It is also HOT, 3) I need new shoes!!!

The above being easy to decipher, I'd like to elaborate on some more interesting parts of my day.

Cementerio La Recoleta es estupendo! I know, I start with a chilly subject but it's worth it. Wonderful cenotaphs, the who's-who of the city's past. Most are a bit over the top for my taste but still a very enjoyable few hours.
The boundaries between upper and lower class neighborhood are easy to miss. Nothing particularly shocking but it's perfectly clear where you are nevertheless. Haven't been that far yet though.
Avenida 9 Julio must be the biggest urban motorway on earth! Right in the middle of the city, 9 lanes each direction! Six zebra crossings to go to the other side. Thankfully, a demo made it so much easier. I love demos!

A few photos will follow. I think I'll stick to photos from now on, it took me 43 mins to type the above. I was never good with (written) words I'm afraid.

That was sweet...(and sneaky!)

I'm home. New home, a temporary one, but still home.
Long flights, tired and barely awake to answer to all the kind emails with wishes received and update this silly little blog.
A big thanks to everybody so far, especially the ones responsible for the card above.
We'll have some more news from tomorrow.

I'm on my way....

Well, here we are.

I'm on my way to the airport and the story begins. It has taken me a long time to take the decision, get organized, and take care of all the little things. The trip begins very very soon and it can't come too early.

By the way, this is my first blog (and blog post) ever, so guys be patient. I'll try to be regular and I hope we'll all have fun. Off to a quick bite and then zoom!!!

Let's see.....