Back from Argentina
I'm back in Michigan! I had a great time in Argentina, but I'm glad to be back! Below is some of what I learned while I was there.
Something I came to understand is that while Argentina is Latin, in general, the people of Argentina are not “Hispanic”, they are descendants of immigrants from all over Europe. If you ignored the words on signs and the language that was being spoken, you would have guessed you were somewhere in the Northern United States.
The food, likewise, was a diverse mix of foods, notably flavorful, but not spicy-hot. The streets of Argentina (everywhere!) were dotted with food vendors. There was always a baker, a butcher and a grocer within walking distance of any house in any neighborhood. Food was always fresh and surprisingly cheap. Empanadas are something you have to try - basically a pocket pastry that is almost a meal. They come filled with meat or cheese and spinach or other things, and they are all delicious. Sandwiches de Migue (Sandwiches that were made then had the crusts trimmed off) are something you can get or have delivered from most bakeries. Beef, of course, was plentiful and Argentinians take pride in the grilling of meat. Parillada’s (the Argentinian version of the grill) are common and well used. Morcilla (blood sausage) was something I unexpectedly enjoyed a great deal, especially when cooked next to a whole side of beef. Eggplant (Berenjenas), Spinach (Espinaca) and Sweet Potatoes (Batatas) were used in many dishes and I had no complaints there! I had the pleasure of eating pizza 3 times while in Argentina, these were easily the top 3 pizzas experiences of my life. (Prosciutto and Roquefort – Yum!) There are also a lot of pasta stores that actually make pasta at the store. Surprisingly, I never got around to trying one out, but I hear they are fantastic.
I have to admit that I would NEVER want to drive in Argentina. Signs, signals, lines on the road, all seemed to be merely suggestions to the mass of buses, taxis, cars and motorcycles racing along the streets and highways.
If you ever go, be prepared to greet people a little differently. If you are introduced to someone, you are expected to lean in for a peck on the cheek. This was also expected when parting company (with a quick “me encantado”, which transliterate to “Nice to meet you”) and at every greeting thereafter.
All in all, I had a great time and look forward to going back!
Something I came to understand is that while Argentina is Latin, in general, the people of Argentina are not “Hispanic”, they are descendants of immigrants from all over Europe. If you ignored the words on signs and the language that was being spoken, you would have guessed you were somewhere in the Northern United States.
The food, likewise, was a diverse mix of foods, notably flavorful, but not spicy-hot. The streets of Argentina (everywhere!) were dotted with food vendors. There was always a baker, a butcher and a grocer within walking distance of any house in any neighborhood. Food was always fresh and surprisingly cheap. Empanadas are something you have to try - basically a pocket pastry that is almost a meal. They come filled with meat or cheese and spinach or other things, and they are all delicious. Sandwiches de Migue (Sandwiches that were made then had the crusts trimmed off) are something you can get or have delivered from most bakeries. Beef, of course, was plentiful and Argentinians take pride in the grilling of meat. Parillada’s (the Argentinian version of the grill) are common and well used. Morcilla (blood sausage) was something I unexpectedly enjoyed a great deal, especially when cooked next to a whole side of beef. Eggplant (Berenjenas), Spinach (Espinaca) and Sweet Potatoes (Batatas) were used in many dishes and I had no complaints there! I had the pleasure of eating pizza 3 times while in Argentina, these were easily the top 3 pizzas experiences of my life. (Prosciutto and Roquefort – Yum!) There are also a lot of pasta stores that actually make pasta at the store. Surprisingly, I never got around to trying one out, but I hear they are fantastic.
I have to admit that I would NEVER want to drive in Argentina. Signs, signals, lines on the road, all seemed to be merely suggestions to the mass of buses, taxis, cars and motorcycles racing along the streets and highways.
If you ever go, be prepared to greet people a little differently. If you are introduced to someone, you are expected to lean in for a peck on the cheek. This was also expected when parting company (with a quick “me encantado”, which transliterate to “Nice to meet you”) and at every greeting thereafter.
All in all, I had a great time and look forward to going back!
On Vacation
Just an FYI notice - I will be on vacation till March 16th! You can still send me an email if you want, but I won't be able to respond till about the 14th.
Studio openhouse on March 6th
Been busy lately...
I've been doing a bit of work for Valentine's day this month and I also started doing some work for Cuatro Cirios Tequila. Hopefully I'll have time to put up a a new gallery this coming month!
Back from Mexico, Top ten in the Ujena Bikini Competition!
Just got back from the Ujena Talent Jam in Mexico. I managed to place in the Top Ten Photographers again, but failed to get the "Photographer of the Year" Award. I don't feel too bad about it though - I was competing against top talent from around the world AND the award went to my Friend Edwin Jammer from Texas. (He DOES have the right name for it!)
