Brazil and Argentina...a whole another world

South America opened my eyes. I had not travelled outside the US since 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure to Brazil and Argentina. Each country was unique in its own way, and I was tempted not to return to the States. The journey was an opportunity to relax after a busy and eventful summer, to discover new landscapes and friends, and to reflect away from the bustle of New York. I wish I had more time to do all three but must cherish what I have.

I loved Rio de Janeiro and will definitely be back to visit. Rio is so fun with many great sights, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and the old city areas, wonderful beaches, and a most vibrant cultural scene. I would while away my day on the beach, trying my hand at surfing and playing beach football. At night, there are more than just samba shows, but also all kinds of music and shows (including the Portuguese version of Wizard of Oz). I brought back several CDs and they will be relaxing to listen to on the drive. It's unfortunate my trip to Rio was only four days.

Buenos Aires is special in its own way, and I know first hand why it is a European city in the middle of South America. I enjoyed walking through the main sites of the city, which are resplendent with history and culture. Certainly the highlight there was partaking of tango - going to a show and taking part in the Tango Festival. Now I know I must work on my tango this upcoming year. Finally, there's nothing more fun than meeting my friends and colleagues, from would-be exchange law students at UBA to attorneys in Buenos Aires. Our times were too short but all full of wonderful moments.

Beyond Buenos Aires, I ventured down south to the tip of South America and the "end of the world" in Tierra del Fuego. I loved my four days in Ushuaia and visited everything - navigating the Beagle Channel, hiking the Glacier Martial mountain, going to the National Park and the End of the World train, and visiting the prison museum. I also ventured out to partake of time with the locals at cultural events, including a band concert by a local artist and a bus trip to Rio Grande to see grade school students at a famous missionary school. Finally, it's always a sight to see snow in August. One day, I'll be back to the end of the world and giving myself another chance to soar free.

A Day of Culture Galore

Yesterday, June 23, was a traditional Chinese festival called Duan-wu (端午). Most people know it for the sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves and for the dragon boat races. The holiday supposedly commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a great poet from the Chu Kingdom in the Warring States period of Chinese history (~500-300 BCE). He committed suicide by tossing himself into a river when he disagreed with his state's policies and failed to persuade his king. Today, the holiday retains some patriotic connotations while the popular celebrations focus on the dragon boat races and the arrival of mid-summer.

I admittedly did little to celebrate the holiday. I instead went with my friends to visit the Instituto Cervantes's El Dia E, its annual commemoration of Spanish culture. The Instituto held a block party with Spanish music, food, books, and crafts. There were tours of the Instituto and its library and galleries. We did a flamenco dance class, which was fun and too short, yet not that long lest I suffer more embarrassment. Altogether it was an enjoyable part of the weekend partaking of the rich cultures that New York and living in our time have to offer.