Argentina’s national dance, the beloved and passionate tango, can be danced anywhere and at any time.
I am now 3+ weeks in Argentina, uncovering deeper layers of culture and nature, often unprepared and suddenly moved by the humanity and beauty I witness, as the people I meet or know expose their vulnerabilities and their truths.
Sol’s mother, Paty, had me watch one of her dearest you-tube Ted talk type of videos and we shed tears and hugs for our common depth of love for our families and for humanity. Lilly, my teacher, shared the new ultrasound images of her baby boy as though I am her dear friend. Cecilia, Sol’s cousin and the architect with whom she shares a studio space and projects, spent nearly an hour this morning to get to know me and share her ‘Etsy’ worthy children’s play tent/houses, leaving with the perfectly precious kiss to the air next to one’s cheek. Juani is a most amiable, thoughtful and endearing man, and must be the mate life meant for my loving Argentinean daughter Sol.
Beautiful and unforgettable Buenos Aires - a must visit on your bucket list.
After my last immersion Spanish class nearly a week ago, putting aside the day of historical walks that I had planned (and still intend), I asked Roberto to pick me up and bring me back to Sol’s where I collapsed into the five days of flu experience, removing me from any progress or home departure until Saturday. I admit that I can hardly recall anything and did not write nor barely read at all during that time, but the dreams were unworldly, I think.
During the first night I was part of a group of five looking for something in a semi-jungle setting when a huge snake with a large, ugly head spewed venom at me, incapacitating me as it stung and I was unsure of my state of consciousness. The group set about getting aid to me, but I was delirious and just went on to the next dream. Reminds me of being on morphine sulphate after major surgery. Another dream was of being completely lost in a rural area but feeling disappointed rather than bewildered. A dog appeared and I followed him, but that’s another story.
Yes, it rains, and can rain hard, in Argentina!
During the week of “no se” (I don’t know), the rains and winds brought cooler autumn and some welcome sunshine. Sadly, Sol has come down with a cold. I was curious whether she would plod on through it, as I have known her to do, but she is a mama now and in the interest of getting well sooner, she chose to get rest today and is now (after lunch) napping with baby Nico.
Handmade folk goods at the 35th Artesanias Exhibition - a delight to the eye.
Her family of three and I spent last evening at the fairgrounds outside Cordoba city limits amongst thousands of people and vendors for the 35th Artesanias exhibition, advertised as “Go and surprise yourself with the best works of LatinoAmerica”. The impressions left on me by the hundreds of artisans selling their hand-made works of art is only what one might experience within an annual exhibition of this type.
Yerba Mate - Argentina’s national drink.
Why did my phone camera not work?? Is it because electronics had no place amidst the multitude of beautifully outfitted stalls wherein the artists displayed and sold their own work, or might I not have captured so deeply the variety of gorgeous or frivolous or delectable items. Oh, I bought a sampling of gifts and fingered or at least gazed deeply at authentically carved musical instruments, art, household ware and gourds for sharing Argentina’s famous Yerba Mate.
Music is never far from the hearts of Argentinians.
The drums! One corner station was crowded with people trying out Congo-type drums and traditional Latin American drums of all sizes, but I was intrigued by the artisan who was deftly enthralling a buyer (and me!) by performing on the square seat/drum on which he sat. Oh did I want one of those! Too tough to take home, so I settled for an indulgence that is more portable…and wearable. I love my shirt of elephants, REALLY!
Religious processions and holy feast days are part of the yearly Argentine calendar.
Next up are the city walking tour, having my hair colored, and Santa Semana (Holy Week) in Mendoza where the autumn colors should be spectacular thanks to the colors of its trees and grapevines. Now back to the books...