Smoke, Chalk, Art, and 5 GOALS!!!

So I just returned from a brief visit to Buenos Aires. No matter how many times I visit this metropolis, I still seem to discover something great and new during every trip. After visiting dear friends and conducting important business, I was able to enjoy a few pleasures (with Tania's permission). Unfortunately, Argentina's capital has been filled with thick smoke for the past week. Each year, farmers and campesinos burn their fields in preparation for a new season of crops. However, due to such dry conditions, these fires raged out of control and nearly 170,000 acres of land have been burned outside the city. Wind and rain have not saved the day, so the brown smoke, combined with overwhelming smog, has kept most tourists inside their hotels and nearby restaurants. Just yesterday, I saw several locals roaming the streets with paper masks. Due to the heavy smoke and poor visibility, several highways have been shut down following numerous accidents. Things should improve in the next week.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with British chalk artist Julian Beever. You might not know him by name, but I guarantee that you have received one of his famous emails in the past from a close friend or family member. Known worldwide for his sidewalk illustrations that challenge all visual perspectives, Telefónica and Movistar invited him to Buenos Aires for his latest project. For nearly 10 hours a day, 5 days in a row, Julian created a perceived crater in the sidewalk (along Diag. Roque Saenz Peña next to El Obelisco), filled with wildflowers and fire ants. Not only was he very kind, but he took several breaks to sign autographs.

I love museums. While I often suggest many museums to my clients, I rarely have time to enjoy the artwork myself. So, following a peaceful stroll through the trendy Palermo neighborhoods, I stopped by the magnificent MALBA art museum. Having studied Latin American Humanities in college, I was excited to finally see the original works of so many distinguished painters - Rivera, Kahlo, Botero, etc. However, I was most pleased with the temporary exhibit dedicated to the life and art of Tarsila do Amaral, from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was very impressed with the museum - layout, overall design, variety of artists and styles (impressionism, modernism, etc). A true recommendation for all!

Lastly.....que goleada!!! I might be a fan of Boca, but when a dear business partner offers a free ticket to see River Plate play in Estadio Monumental, how are you going to turn that down (especially the honor of seeing Simeone and Ortega in person)? In need of at least a tie to stay in La Copa Libertadores, River came out in full force against Universidad San Martín of Perú. After 5 tremendous goals, 2 yellow cards, and 1,754 foul words screamed, River walked away with a dominant 5-o victory! Passion has a whole new meaning once you watch an Argentine soccer match, with Argentine fans, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fans do not boo - they whistle, hiss, and yell. Another true recommendation (though I am still a Boca fan)!