Wade Did It Again!

Let me brag about my husband...

If you follow our blog, you will remember reason #17 of why I love Wade: he is a great writer.

On Friday, February 13th, Wade was finishing one heck of a week. Sitting at the computer as he tried to leave everything in order before the weekend, he was faced with multiple chat windows, email messages, a screaming child, and a wife trying to push him out the door. Wade and Lucho had planned an overnight bike ride to Rio Mendoza...and even Lucho was waiting in our living room for Wade to finish up. So, what was the real hold-up?

Just three days prior, Wade learned of the Transitions Abroad International Expat Writing Contest. The magazine - now converted into a full webzine - focuses on the international appeal for students, professionals, and tourists to travel the world. The contest had been going on for more than 11 months...so Wade decided to submit an article before the deadline: Saturday, February 14. Can we say procrastination?

Being Wade, he sat down to share his insights and experiences in a 1500-word essay before the start of the weekend. Why now? As he said, "Just to challenge myself...and prove I can do it!"

Well...he did it. He finished the article, hit submit, grabbed his bag, jumped on his bike, and left for the weekend. I must be honest - I thought he was just adding one more thing to do on his list...one more unnecessary stress in his life.

Well, more than 2 weeks later, while we were visiting Bariloche, he received an email...and returned to our hotel room with a huge smile on his face - one I don't see too often (let's be honest - Argentina is having a crisis since we moved here...and some days could really use some good news). His article "I Always Knew I Would Return" was selected as a 3rd place winner! This is the second article he has published with Transitions Abroad (the first in 2006), but this one is much sweeter!

I'm proud of our little Wade. Not only do I recognize his talents...but others do, as well! So...here you go: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/articles/living-and-working-in-argentina.shtml

Travel Slide Show #2 - Cusco & Sacred Valley, Perú

In April 2006, I was fortunate enough to visit Perú - the Sacred Land of the Incas and South America's focal point for indigenous ruins. A dear colleague of mine, native to Lima, had shared with me both beautiful stories and photographs of her homeland. Still, I stood in awe each day as I walked along ancient fortresses and through open valleys.

As a student of Latin American history, visiting Cusco was such an amazing experience. The central square, Plaza de Armas, is completely overshadowed by the local Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Once inside, I had never seen such intricate woodwork in my life - one could spend the entire day just exploring the fine details of the interior. For me, this is one of the most significant historical sites in all of Latin America. The city was overcome by Pizarro in 1535, and the colonial structures that followed stand as a testimony to the Spaniards' adoration of God (and wealth) - yet they also stand for years of abuses against the local indigenous tribes.

While everyone is familiar with Machu Picchu, I will save those photos for another day - it deserves its own presentation. However, most people do not know that several breathtaking ruins lie just outside Cusco along the Urubamba Valley. Local residents in vibrant attire hike winding trails, while others sell baby hot potatoes along the hillsides. Pisac Market is another required stop - pick up some authentic crafts, or try some corn with green peanut sauce!

*All images and content are property of Imagine Argentina. All rights reserved - use without permission is prohibited ©

Travel Slide Show #1 - Salvador Bahia

For the past several years, Tania and I have been blessed with a handful of opportunities to travel across Central & South America. While there are still several countries we have not yet visited inside Latin America, we still carry a great appreciation for the many diverse cultures and landscapes that define each nation.

With an active blog, and a vast library of random pictures, we decided to post a weekly slide-show based on various destinations. We most likely will run out of slide-shows and destinations in the next month or so, but we thought it was a good idea for the moment.

Below are some photographs taken during a business trip to Salvador (Bahia), Brazil during late 2007. Located along the northeast corner of Latin America's largest country, this colonial capital is most recognized for its true African heritage, especially depicted in both dance and cuisine. First discovered by Europeans in the early 16th century, Salvador quickly became a major sea port used in both the sugar industry and international slave trade. The city center, now a UNESCO heritage site, is distinguished by its infinite churches, art markets, and cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored homes and businesses (all of which are stained with generations of humidity as produced by the Pacific Ocean).

*All images and content are property of Imagine Argentina. All rights reserved - use without permission is prohibited ©

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)!

Our Journey to Argentina....One Month Later

No, we still cannot believe we are here. And no, this has not been an easy transition despite our lengthy preparations and previous experiences. We left home (Utah) on January 31st. Nothing is more emotional nor stressful than to say goodbye to your home, your family, your friends, your comforts and your routines. While we felt we had everything in control, Tania and I found ourselves still packing at 4:30AM, just a few hours before our departure from Salt Lake City Airport. We wanted to sleep, but we could not, and we just kept packing and packing. While many precious things were left behind in storage, we were able to bring many things with us - clothes, computer hardware, toys and books (for the two kids - Dallin and Bella). With eight overweight suitcases in hand, plus a large dog kennel, we embarked on our journey to the Argentine Republic. Yes, I personally still have vivid nightmare of the phrase excess baggage fees.

Following four adventurous flights, we arrived to Mendoza at last. We have been running around ever since then, so now we are sharing our experiences one month later. Overall, the family is adjusting quite well. Dallin is drinking multi-flavored soy juices and the infamous milk in a box, while Bella continues to be the star here in the city. Boston Terriers are not common here, so many people have stopped us to take pictures with Bella. Dallin is enjoying this brief rest from the spotlight. Both are pleased with their new diet - empanadas and steak.

Finding a place to live was a cruel process. According to some, Mendoza has a provincial law prohibiting pets from all apartment buildings. Since we were not ready for a house, we really felt nervous in the beginning. We spoke with several inmobiliarias (real estate offices), but nobody was able to help us. Often times, we were told ´´the property you want just sold this morning - sorry about that´´. Plus, to complicate things further, we did not have a garantía (renters guarantee). Basically, this is proof of income, or some other evidence of reliability, that can be shown in order to gain trust from a landlord or building owner. Not having any such documents for Argentina, this proved to be quite an ordeal. Even locals have problems securing apartments....and we are considered foreigners! Finally, we found a real estate office (Ruggiero Propiedades) and eventually found our apartment - a brand new building located in Godoy Cruz just outside Mendoza Centro. Since it is brand new, and there are few tenants, dogs are allowed by the owner. As for our garantía, we had to pay 6 months of rent up front before signing the contract. After 8 anxious nights in a hotel, and money flowing down the drain, we finally moved in and began to build our new home away from home.

*There is a spa and beauty salon located right below us (several boutique shops on the main level). A full hour Hawaiian Massage is only U$13.00 - this was one of my gifts for my 28th birthday!

There are still some plumbing and electrical details to fix, but we have accepted a common practice here - ask for something multiple times, and it will get done 10 to 20 days later. Perfect example: internet and phone lines. Since Telefonica has a near monopoly over communication systems here in Argentina, they can do as they please. Once you request your lines to be installed (these do not come standard with new buildings), then you must wait 20 to 30 days for actual installation. If a worker never comes, you are then asked to simply return to Telefonica and submit your request again. Yes, patience is a virtue one must have.

Tania and I are still discovering our purposes here. It is a joy to be closer to her family, but we are also excited to discover what else this experience has in store for us. I have some incredible ideas regarding work and business projects. I have met some amazing people who believe in these ideas - I just want to put them to work. Tania and I do believe in miracles. I do believe that all things happen in their due time. We will share this special experience with you:

As many of you know, Tania applied for her US citizenship back in July (right before the process fees increased). Such a process usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but because of so many applications turned in at once, the process became an ordeal of 12 to 18 months. We were nervous about leaving for Argentina knowing that the trip, and especially residence abroad, would place her status at risk here in the United States. We contacted the office of Senator Hatch in January. We met the most wonderful case worker and she began to assist us right away. After two weeks of emails and phone calls to everyone possible, Tania at last received her appointment with the immigration office in Salt Lake City. In a private ceremony, Tania was interviewed, tested, and sworn in as a US citizen on January 30th - only 14 hours before our international departure.

Many such blessings have been received here in Argentina, as well. This is such a beautiful country and the people are wonderful. Everyone is willing to be your friend, ready to help you with open arms within just a few minutes of conversation. This is something that impressed me 9 years ago when I first moved to Argentina as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We continue to hope for the best, and at the same time, we wish success and happiness upon our dear friends and family back in the United States. Un fuerte abrazo!