a diverse collection of travel photos and firsthand experiences while venturing across the globe. each destination has welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles, making us feel right at home. from argentina to utah - and thousands of miles in between - these are our visual memories of 'home'...just as we never imagined.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Wine & Tango in the News!

OCTOBER 2009
In January of 1888, the National Geographic Society was formed in Washington DC. Ever since, National Geographic has become a standard in journalistic excellence when promoting cultural wonders and geographic marvels. This month, NG Traveler has named Mendoza as one of its 50 Places of a Lifetime! In celebration of fine wine, luxurious wineries, staggering mountains, high-end cuisine, and deluxe hotels, National Geographic has selected Mendoza as one of just 5 such sites in South America.

SEPTEMBER 2009
As of September 2009, tango will now be considered an essential element of the world's cultural heritage. Following approval from the United Nations, this provocative dance of southern South America has earned the official UNESCO seal of approval. While the birthplace of tango is still disputed between Argentina and Uruguay - in part due to the undetermined birthplace of legend Carlos Gardel - both nations came together last month in a mutual sentiment of gratitude and excitement. Now popular with mainstream television audiences, el tango has flourished in both Buenos Aires and Montevideo since the late 1800s...fusing bodies across milonga dance floors through sensual movements and sultry music. Travelers can witness this dance for themselves while strolling the Florida Street shopping district or perusing the famous cobblestone corners of El Caminito.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Mercedes Sosa

Mercedes Sosa, considered the "Voice of Latin America", has died in Buenos Aires at the age of 74. Born in San Miguel de Tucumán - where we first met in 2002 - Sosa was known for her estilo folclórico...and admired for her opposition to the military regime that overthrew the government of Argentina in 1976. A previous post regarding her powerful music and background can be found HERE.



Tania: Before I was married, I imagined this song as a lullaby for my future son. I would sing "Duerme Negrito" - Sleep Little Dark One - as I would rock him to sleep each night. I imagined him with dark skin and lots of dark hair...but Dallin is the complete opposite! While Dallin's actual lullabies are a vast selection of songs that we love, this was our song before he was born. I learned this song when I was around 14...and I planned to use it as a way to share my love of Mercedes Sosa with my children. I'm so sad that she is gone, but I know her legacy and music will live in my life forever. I hope to keep both her memory and music in the lives of our kids!