PHOTO FRIDAY #9: Olympic Games

There has been recent discussion about wrestling not being included in the summer Olympic Games. In fact, the IOC has eliminated the sport from its roster of events (starting in 2020). As a fan of wrestling - and a competitor - I think this is an absolute shame. It is a sport of discipline, skill, and strength...but it is also a significant and historical component of the Olympic Games (both ancient and modern...and across multiple nations). Since this blog is not dedicated to sports or athletics, I figured I could just use this picture taken from London during a brief stop in July 2012 just before the opening ceremonies. Like how I tied that all in? :)

PHOTO FRIDAY #8: View from Cerro Otto

There are few places on earth more majestic than the Patagonia region of South America. The northern limits of Patagonia (inside Argentina) begin with the picturesque  paradise of San Carlos de Bariloche. This aerial view was captured high above town, following a casual 7-minute chairlift ride to the top of Cerro Otto. The panoramic below reveals thick pine forests, 'alpine' architecture, and the turquoise hues of Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is the Switzerland of South America!

PHOTO FRIDAY #7: Copacabana

An afternoon stroll along Copacabana Beach in the breathtaking metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: soccer in the sand...surfing in the ocean...and samba in the streets. Rio is sure to be an exhilarating host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics! O Brasil é lindo maravilhoso!

PHOTO FRIDAY #6: Amsterdam at Night

Amsterdam is a popular connection from the United States into Europe thanks to frequent and comfortable flights aboard KLM. I had the chance to visit the Dutch capital during the summer of 2012 en route to Nairobi (eastern Africa). I extended the stop in order to capture a few images of iconic street scenes and local culture. The warm waffles drizzled in chocolate were amazing, while the hot fries dipped in mayonnaise were a one-time treat. The overcrowded coffee shops offered unique 'herbal' aromas, while the red light district offered much, much more...but not to the imagination. With its picturesque canals, historic museums, neon-lit avenues, and mounds of parked bikes, downtown Amsterdam is a charming location for families, couples, and even globetrotting singles.

PHOTO FRIDAY #5: Luces de La Boca

Just another iconic landmark from the cobblestone streets of La Boca. One more reason to love - and visit - Argentina and its bustling capital of Buenos Aires...the 'Paris of Latin America'.

PHOTO FRIDAY #4: Charming Salta

The northwest of Argentina is a charming and rustic gem often undiscovered and overlooked. Some of the finest architecture in all of Argentina can be found here, including the magnificent Saint Francis Chapel with its striking hues of red and gold. This ornate building, located just a short walking distance from Plaza 9 de Julio, is a landmark to this growing metropolis of the north. First built in 1625, this chapel also boasts one of the tallest bell towers in Latin America. Visit our website for more information: http://imagineargentina.com/salta.html

PHOTO FRIDAY #3: Guanajuato

Founded in 1548, Guanajuato is a brilliant destination in central Mexico offering travelers one of the most picturesque panoramics in all of Central America. Numerous buildings painted in various pastels trail off into the distant hillsides as tourists find themselves wandering down narrow cobblestone streets that intersect between colonial cathedrals and shade-filled plazas.

PHOTO FRIDAY #2: Tombs of Recoleta

This is one of our favorite shots from Buenos Aires. The morning rain leaves behind a sense of eeriness amidst the narrow corridors and ornate tombs of Recoleta Cemetery...final resting place of national war heroes and cultural icons.

http://imagineargentina.com/buenos-aires.html

PHOTO FRIDAY #1: A 'Super' New Year!

Well, it has been much too long since we last posted here on the Imagine Argentina blog. In fact, the last post (below) was written when Wade returned from Africa in the summer of 2011. A lot has been happening since that time. We find ourselves more and more occupied each week with kids, house projects, work duties, school studies, and a bit of worldwide travel. Nonetheless, it is time to start up the blog again...with a new design and larger images.

Each week, we intend to feature some of our best photographs from across the globe...and we'll start with this gem (taken right here at home). For the first installment of "Photo FRIDAY" in 2013, we selected this image of our son...our own little super hero. With a little chalk, an open parking lot, and a flair of imagination, our son soon found himself soaring above a make-believe cityscape (an illusion made possible thanks to an 8-foot ladder). He was quite the convincing actor as he stretched across the pavement with a smile on his face!

We wish a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our followers and amigos. Now go make 2013 a year of your own super hero achievements and adventures! Next week, we'll continue 'soaring' to a new location somewhere in the world :)