Ah, the holiday season is upon us - time to deck the halls and bring out the holiday cheer. Wine is the primary choice of 'cheer' here in Argentina, so we thought we'd add our two pesos on brands to try and buy while visiting this part of the New World. (Note: this is a fully subjective list!)
Inspira was quite happy to see a recent November Wine Spectator article that recognized Malbec as an emerging grape in the wine industry, but also noted Argentina's other rising stars, such as the reds Bonarda (considered by many wine experts to follow Malbec as Argentina's next big boom) and Pinot Noir as well as the white, fruity Torrontes (a Salta specialty, and perfect for the area's arid clime). We suggest branching out beyond Malbec (if only to say you did), though if taking bottles home, you may want to stick with this forerunner.
But back to our brands. For "Best Buys at Argentine Supermarkets" - great for purchase and taste in your apartment or hotel room with some cheese - we like Colome's Amalaya (around US $10), Norton (around US $7) and Quara (around US $5!). Under "Restaurant Values," to accompany some great tenderloins at an Argentine parrilla, try the classic brands Salentein, Rutini, or Luigi Bosca or even slightly lower-priced wines from Escorihuela Gascon or Trapiche. To "Impress the Folks Back Home," experts count the Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2006 among the highest scorers (see Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiastic). We also happen to like wines from powerhouse producers Catena and Achaval Ferrer; the "restaurant value" brands are also good bets.
Salud! and much holiday cheer from the team here at Inspira Travel.....
Showing posts with label Argentina culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Argentina culture. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Buenos Aires Jazz Festival, December 3-8
The Buenos Aires Jazz Festival opens tomorrow, December 3rd, showcasing more than 150 local and international artists. From big names to new talents, the music fest offers jazz in all its variations - instrumental, vanguardist, Latin American, European, tango jazz, and much more. Clinics, midnight jam sessions, Classic venues such as the Sarmiento Theater are complemented by open-air shows at the Centro Cultural Recoleta and the Buenos Aires Zoo, and speakeasy basement venues like the renowned La Trastienda.
We love the fact that ticket prices remain so accessible, costing between 10 to 40 pesos depending on the show. That's roughly US $3 to $12 to see top musicians perform!
For more information, contact the City of Buenos Aires or give us a ring here at Inspira.
We love the fact that ticket prices remain so accessible, costing between 10 to 40 pesos depending on the show. That's roughly US $3 to $12 to see top musicians perform!
For more information, contact the City of Buenos Aires or give us a ring here at Inspira.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Healing Therapy of Tango
Great article from Reuters on the healing properties of tango! (Thanks to Dana Depp for bringing to our attention!) We knew tango was a marvel, and that the intricate dance has the ability to get people re-connecting with themselves and with others (see our tango guide Camille Cusumano's book Tango: An Argentine Love Story for more on that topic). But that it can have an impact on treatments ranging from couples' counseling to phobias, from Parkinson's to physical therapy is novel to us...perhaps not surprising, but new news indeed. The World Tango Championships may have just ended, but now we have a full year in which to practice putting our best foot forward.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Storming of Santa Rosa
We´ve gone from winter straight into summer here in Buenos Aires, with temperatures suddenly approaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Farenheit!). It´s the annual preview to the Santa Rosa Storm, a meteorological event that seems to celebrate Santa Rosa´s religious holiday on August 30th. On Sunday, possibly Monday, we'll see southeastern winds pick up, perhaps some furious lightning displays, and a deluge of waters from the heavens above. Really made me wonder about this Saint Rose, who with such a pacific name is still able to command the elements such?
Apparently, Rosa was born in Lima, Peru and has an annual holiday in part because she was the first Catholic saint of the Americas. As a young lady, she fasted, disfigured herself when admired to ward off vanity, and took a vow of virginity - all this against her parents´wishes. Rosa became a champion for the hungry and homeless, supporting them with the sales of her handiwork and tending to them, before becoming a member of the Dominican order at the ripe age of 20, and finally passing away at 31.
Saintly, indeed.... Yet, in addition to this tranquil existence, Rose was known for her "intervals of ecstasy". (Today, this would describe her as any other club-hopping 20-something; at the time, one can only suppose that these intervals were totally "organic.") I can only imagine that her annual storm might be the manifestation of another such ecstatic episode!
In addition to being the patron saint of the Americas, she also represents florists and gardeners...and as August 30th marks the beginning of spring here in Argentina, she certainly has an apt following!
For those of you travelling to Argentina post-Santa Rosa, pack for spring! Temperate climes, sunny days, and the lovely lavender of blooming jacarandas will shortly be visiting beautiful Buenos Aires.
Apparently, Rosa was born in Lima, Peru and has an annual holiday in part because she was the first Catholic saint of the Americas. As a young lady, she fasted, disfigured herself when admired to ward off vanity, and took a vow of virginity - all this against her parents´wishes. Rosa became a champion for the hungry and homeless, supporting them with the sales of her handiwork and tending to them, before becoming a member of the Dominican order at the ripe age of 20, and finally passing away at 31.
Saintly, indeed.... Yet, in addition to this tranquil existence, Rose was known for her "intervals of ecstasy". (Today, this would describe her as any other club-hopping 20-something; at the time, one can only suppose that these intervals were totally "organic.") I can only imagine that her annual storm might be the manifestation of another such ecstatic episode!
In addition to being the patron saint of the Americas, she also represents florists and gardeners...and as August 30th marks the beginning of spring here in Argentina, she certainly has an apt following!
For those of you travelling to Argentina post-Santa Rosa, pack for spring! Temperate climes, sunny days, and the lovely lavender of blooming jacarandas will shortly be visiting beautiful Buenos Aires.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A brief guide to tango music for beginners
This week, we are delighted to have a posting from Inspira´s new tango expert and guide, Camille Cusumano. In addition to being a formidable dancer, Camille recently penned "TANGO, an Argentine love story," based on her personal experiences. She now also leads Inspira´s tango tours, for anyone interested in an insider´s take on tango dancing, where to buy tango shoes, proper tango etiquette, and more. Contact us for additional information or to arrange "una tarde de tango" (an afternoon of tango). Below, from Camille:
Tango music is something the most unschooled among us recognizes when we hear it. Even if we don’t know what a bandoneon is, we know that concertina-like sound, blending with violins and perhaps some piano music. We recognize the beat, technically called “two-by-four,” even if we know nothing about music. And above all, we know the emotions of the tango sound, the varying mix of lament, woe, romance, passion, and every nuance in-between.
Once you start going to milongas, where tango music is played for dancers, you quickly learn that tango can be broadly divided into three categories---pure tango (the dos por quarto or two by four), tango vals or waltz (similar to American waltz), and tango milonga, a word also used to describe the rhythmic music whose roots go back to the African slaves. Tango milonga invites lots of syncopation, called traspies, in the dance steps.
And then, within these three categories, there are numerous interpretations depending on the composer. Too, too numerous to describe here – but here’s a good book to pick up and learn more: Tango, Let's dance to the music! By Joaquin Amenabar.
So, the more I dance tango and learn about the music through the way it affects my dance, the more difficult it is for me to answer that FAQ: Who are your favorite composers?
Yet, I will try here: Carlos di Sarli (The RCA years) is a favorite – he is my tops for romantic tango music. Di Sarli has songs in all three types of tango music, too. You can’t go wrong with anything by him.
Ah, Pugliese – Osvaldo Pugliese. He is probably considered the most romantic for many tangueros. And I do love to listen to his wildly creative interpretations. Who could not love La Yumba, Mala Junta, and Mariposa?—to name just a few of his eternal themes. Here’s a little secret about Pugliese I just learned from Joaquin Amenabar: The milonga DJs play his 1950s radically passionate stuff – but it’s not danceable. Well, that explains why unlike most milonga attendees I always want to sit out that tanda and just watch the dancers wrap themselves as one to his music. BUT, get hold of Pugliese’s 1940s music – and you’ll hear it’s much more tempo-friendly for dancing. You can find a CD of his 1940s music anywhere here in Buenos Aires – just ask the clerk. Also, look for a composer, lesser known, but equally passionate to Pugliese, Alfredo Gobbi. You’ll be amazed how similar they sound. Gobbi died too young to achieve the fame of Pugliese, who made it to his nineties.
Let me drop a few more names that you might want in your collection: Francisco Canaro–make sure you get La Poema (romantic tango); Juan D’Arienzo, the King of Rhythm; Rodolfo Biaggi (very rhythmic –too much so for some dancers); Anibal Troilo (rhythmic is a softer way) – anything by these Golden Era composers is great.
Start with the above Composers. When you’re ready to add more styles to your collection, look for any tangos by De Angelis, Tanturi, Laurens, DeCaro, Calo . . . and I’ll stop there for now. Not all tangos have lyrics but when they do, here are the great voices to look for: Francisco Fiorentino, Alberto Castillo, Julio Sosa, Raul Beron, Angel Vargas, and of course, the immortal Carlos Gardel.
That’s enough name-dropping for now to keep you busy.
Tango music is something the most unschooled among us recognizes when we hear it. Even if we don’t know what a bandoneon is, we know that concertina-like sound, blending with violins and perhaps some piano music. We recognize the beat, technically called “two-by-four,” even if we know nothing about music. And above all, we know the emotions of the tango sound, the varying mix of lament, woe, romance, passion, and every nuance in-between.
Once you start going to milongas, where tango music is played for dancers, you quickly learn that tango can be broadly divided into three categories---pure tango (the dos por quarto or two by four), tango vals or waltz (similar to American waltz), and tango milonga, a word also used to describe the rhythmic music whose roots go back to the African slaves. Tango milonga invites lots of syncopation, called traspies, in the dance steps.
And then, within these three categories, there are numerous interpretations depending on the composer. Too, too numerous to describe here – but here’s a good book to pick up and learn more: Tango, Let's dance to the music! By Joaquin Amenabar.
So, the more I dance tango and learn about the music through the way it affects my dance, the more difficult it is for me to answer that FAQ: Who are your favorite composers?
Yet, I will try here: Carlos di Sarli (The RCA years) is a favorite – he is my tops for romantic tango music. Di Sarli has songs in all three types of tango music, too. You can’t go wrong with anything by him.
Ah, Pugliese – Osvaldo Pugliese. He is probably considered the most romantic for many tangueros. And I do love to listen to his wildly creative interpretations. Who could not love La Yumba, Mala Junta, and Mariposa?—to name just a few of his eternal themes. Here’s a little secret about Pugliese I just learned from Joaquin Amenabar: The milonga DJs play his 1950s radically passionate stuff – but it’s not danceable. Well, that explains why unlike most milonga attendees I always want to sit out that tanda and just watch the dancers wrap themselves as one to his music. BUT, get hold of Pugliese’s 1940s music – and you’ll hear it’s much more tempo-friendly for dancing. You can find a CD of his 1940s music anywhere here in Buenos Aires – just ask the clerk. Also, look for a composer, lesser known, but equally passionate to Pugliese, Alfredo Gobbi. You’ll be amazed how similar they sound. Gobbi died too young to achieve the fame of Pugliese, who made it to his nineties.
Let me drop a few more names that you might want in your collection: Francisco Canaro–make sure you get La Poema (romantic tango); Juan D’Arienzo, the King of Rhythm; Rodolfo Biaggi (very rhythmic –too much so for some dancers); Anibal Troilo (rhythmic is a softer way) – anything by these Golden Era composers is great.
Start with the above Composers. When you’re ready to add more styles to your collection, look for any tangos by De Angelis, Tanturi, Laurens, DeCaro, Calo . . . and I’ll stop there for now. Not all tangos have lyrics but when they do, here are the great voices to look for: Francisco Fiorentino, Alberto Castillo, Julio Sosa, Raul Beron, Angel Vargas, and of course, the immortal Carlos Gardel.
That’s enough name-dropping for now to keep you busy.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tango Turns and Milonga Mannerisms
The "city of," "world capital of," "birthplace of".... When travelers think of Buenos Aires, tango is inevitably one of their first associations. And for good reason - the passion, late-night glamour, and alternately strong or plaintive chords of the tango are characteristics equally alive in and intertwined with the soul of this oft enigmatic place.
As an addition to any Buenos Aires itinerary, a professional tango show truly impacts one's sight and sound. Live musicians, powerful singers, and impeccably timed choreography (not to mention the sparkle of those exquisite tango shoes!) envelop and enthrall. At Inspira, two of our favorite shows, Cafe de los Angelitos and El Viejo Almacen, take place in refurbished historical venues.
A dinner show, however, simply does not do full justice to this intricate art form. For this, our Inspira Travel consultants recommend visiting a milonga, a tango dancehall where the "real people" dance...dancers of all skill levels, locals and expats alike. The beauty of attending a milonga is the people-watching. Older gentlemen in suits, hip-hoppers in baggy jeans, glittering ladies in backless dresses - a parade of personalities. Spectators would also be best served by a basic understanding of milonga etiquette, with its subtle nuances and unstated rules. Inspira offers milonga guides who accompany visitors, explaining dance's customs while providing an historical overview of the tango.
For travelers looking to get a head-start on milonga mannerisms, we were delighted to see a recent article by travel writer Ian Mount on accepted protocol.
For further information on tango shows, milonga outings, and insider travel advice on Argentina, please contact info@inspiratravel.com.
Hoping all your travels are inspirational....
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
As Napa sleeps, Mendoza reaps
The frenzied revelry that accompanies grape harvests has traditionally attracted travelers during the August to September months, when Europe and California are at their peak. With the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere, however, Southern climes offer new opportunities for festivities.
From January through March, the province of Mendoza in Argentina celebrates its grape harvest – more than 17 towns hold local events with the most important dates taking place over the first weekend of March, as the season culminates with street revelery, beauty pageants, folk dancers, fireworks, and more. Inspira Travel presents packages for aficionados to explore the newest world capital of wine at a time when its cultural heritage and pride literally take to the streets.
On Friday, March 6th the Via Blanca de las Reinas parade kicks off the weekend as 17 candidates for Vendimia Queen (one from each of the province’s towns) ride their festooned floats through the city center. Participants distribute wine samples in baskets, reaching crowds with long poles in competition with their rival pueblos. The following evening, the grand closing spectacle – and the only event that requires entrance tickets - crowns the Queen in an amphitheater, complemented by a fantastic light show, music and dancing. On preceding nights, the city’s plazas are bordered by numerous booths featuring handicrafts, wine tastings, local gastronomy, and live music.
Inspira Travel’s 7-night packages for the 2009 Vendimia allow travelers to see top attractions of the area while leaving time for independent exploration of the famous festivals.
The Inspira Vendimia package combines two nights in Buenos Aires with five in Mendoza and includes: seven-night accommodations at top hotels, city tour and tango show in Buenos Aires, city visit of Mendoza, wine tasting tour to leading vineyards, half-day visit to the Andean foothills and the mineral water springs of Villavicencio, entrance to the closing acts of the Vendimia festival, and airport transfers. Rates start from US $1,839 per person depending on hotel selection, and are per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. Package is available March 1-8, 2009 based on Vendimia festival dates, but other travel dates may also be arranged.
For more information on this or other packages, contact info@inspiratravel.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Passion for Polo
Known as the "Game of Kings," polo was first played in Persia as training for royal cavalry units. Today, Argentina dominates the world's polo scene - with more top-ranked players than any other country. While playing on a professional team still demands elite access to a stable of horses, Inspira Travel now offers polo outings to all visitors - royalty or no - interested in exploring the adventure and rich history of this sport.
Inspira Travel's most popular day package, "King or Queen for a Day," is set among the grassy plains and country airs of the Argentine pampas, just an hour from Buenos Aires. In this rural setting, recognized polo professionals offer first-hand instruction for all skill levels. One of our insider instructors includes Marcial Socas, a 4-goal handicap player who is also brother of the world's top-ranked and ten-goal handicap Adolfo Cambiaso. The instructors' and grooms' keen affection for the countryside, horses, and the game emerges over a shared mate with guests. The smell of leather, swing of the stick, and tossing of the equine mane place our guests front and center in this lesson of a lifetime.
While major polo championships have recently wrapped up in Buenos Aires, tournaments continue through April. As passion for polo flares through Europe, Inspira Travel has recently partnered with POLOSTAGE Germany to bring private and premium packages to Deutschland aficionados. We offer visitors the best of Buenos Aires - classic city elegance - complemented by the tradition of polo in the countryside with workshops, games, and access to private clubs.
Most polo aficionados will only have the opportunity to observe this sport from the bleachers. Now, Inspira Travel makes this equestrian experience available to all skill levels, and all the more engaging with guides and instructors passionate about polo.
Hoping all your travels are inspirational.....
Inspira Travel's most popular day package, "King or Queen for a Day," is set among the grassy plains and country airs of the Argentine pampas, just an hour from Buenos Aires. In this rural setting, recognized polo professionals offer first-hand instruction for all skill levels. One of our insider instructors includes Marcial Socas, a 4-goal handicap player who is also brother of the world's top-ranked and ten-goal handicap Adolfo Cambiaso. The instructors' and grooms' keen affection for the countryside, horses, and the game emerges over a shared mate with guests. The smell of leather, swing of the stick, and tossing of the equine mane place our guests front and center in this lesson of a lifetime.
While major polo championships have recently wrapped up in Buenos Aires, tournaments continue through April. As passion for polo flares through Europe, Inspira Travel has recently partnered with POLOSTAGE Germany to bring private and premium packages to Deutschland aficionados. We offer visitors the best of Buenos Aires - classic city elegance - complemented by the tradition of polo in the countryside with workshops, games, and access to private clubs.
Most polo aficionados will only have the opportunity to observe this sport from the bleachers. Now, Inspira Travel makes this equestrian experience available to all skill levels, and all the more engaging with guides and instructors passionate about polo.
Hoping all your travels are inspirational.....
Friday, November 21, 2008
Our Inspira-tion: Caring for Argentina's North
We couldn't kick off our blog with a more appropriate post - honoring Carmen Salva of Tilcara, Argentina. The country's lesser-known north is one of its most spectacular regions, and Carmen's dedication to keeping it clean...and energizing her community to join her...preserves the beauty of this mountainous land for residents and travelers alike. It's no wonder she's been nominated a CNN Hero (winners announced on Thanksgiving Day).
Inspira Travel first heard about Carmen and her foundation, Esperanza de Vida through one of our hotel partners, Posada Con Los Angeles. This charming inn participates in these green efforts by setting aside the plastic bottles used by staff and guests for pick up by Carmen's volunteers.
For those interested in travel to Argentina, let us know if you'd like to get involved with this foundation on a journey to Jujuy Province in Argentina's north, maybe even join them on a Saturday clean-up!
Here's hoping all your travels are inspirational....
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