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)