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Serendipity in Salta

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Salta, Argentina
It’s strange to think that not more than five months before I was sitting at my father’s table engaged in a heated discussion on Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Funny vs. not funny; comedic performance vs. social responsibility. On the surface, this may look like a completely unimportant event, and perhaps, it was.

Fast forward to my time in Argentina. I was sitting at an outdoor café in Salta with a friend, having a beer and recounting the main points of this bitter argument. My friend, sharing my sense of humor, unpacked a set of Borat impressions, which caught the ear of a stranger walking past who promptly turned and delivered a spot-on impression of Borat. “In my country…” the stranger smiled mischieviously. Recognizing our common Borat bond, the stranger soon sat down and introduced himself.

San Antonio de Areco – Gauchos, Pulperias, and Amazing Chocolate

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The Olla de Cobre Chocolate Shop.  MMmmmmm.Just a two hour bus ride from Buenos Aires and a few centuries back in time, there is a bona fide gaucho pueblo. San Antonio de Areco, 112 km from the capital city, is by presidential decree a historical town of national interest, and with good reason. Dispersed amongst the beautiful period houses are authentic pulperias, almacénes and the long-established workshops of craftsmen and artisans.

La Bomba del Tiempo at Ciudad Cultural Konex

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p>Ciudad Cultural KonexI am still a block away from my destination when the balls of my feet and my belly start to vibrate, but the neighborhood offers no other suggestion as to the nearby hippiefest. Finally, I see a small crowd of dreadlocked, smiling people in brightly woven hats and sweaters, offering delectable whole wheat pan relleno, several smokers, a pretentious student or two, and a man with a small baby strapped across his chest and a gourd in each hand. It is Monday evening in Buenos Aires, and I have arrived at Ciudad Cultural Konex, which hosts a weekly percussion extravaganza called La Bomba de Tiempo.

Get Up Close and Personal at the Mendoza Zoo

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Mendoza Zoo - the friendly monkeys!If you have a few extra hours in Mendoza and find yourself hangover free after touring the scattered wineries, a great way to spend the day is at the Mendoza city zoo. Located in the western part of the city is the huge Parque General San Martin (San Martin Park). It is the largest park in town and provides many fun activities. It is easy to lose yourself in the 865 acres of the park that is made up of soccer fields, walking/jogging paths, a national science museum, camp grounds, and of course the Mendoza Zoo.

Salsa Classes in Buenos Aires at Cuba Mia Restaurant

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Salsa classes in Buenos Aires with Gregorio at Cuba Mia RestaurantI wasn’t sure if this was going to be another one of those leads that goes nowhere. I’m picky when it comes to dance classes, and I had been looking for a good salsa class in Buenos Aires forever. I had been to many, enjoyed them all, but still knew that something was lacking, and that “something” was focus on technique and the variation of rhythms. Finally, at Cuba Mia in Montserrat, I found the salsa class I had been looking for.