“2009 was not just another year. It started with a new Miguel Bru that was Luciano Arruga, and finished with a new Walter Bulacios: Ruben Carballo. Police repression and violence grew to the point of taking the life of someone every 24 hours.” Any student of Argentine history is familiar with the dictatorship of the 1970s and 80s, and the thousands of students, unionists and activists that were “disappeared” by the military regime. Victims were kidnapped from their homes or the streets, tortured and murdered, and their bodies never discovered.
The New Metropolitan Police Force Hits the Streets
Today the newly created Metropolitan Police force begins patrolling the streets of Buenos Aires. The new force has been created to address security within Buenos Aires proper and will augment, and in some cases replace, the presence of provincial and federal police who currently patrol the city. As of today, the force consists of 500 officers but is expected to reach 2,000 by the end of the year and grow to around 10,000 over the next 10 years.
IMPA: United Against the Drifts of Capitalism
Entering the IMPA factory, I realise why it is particularly appreciated by directors and photographers. There is something magic about the place. It is not just the rays of light coming through the windows, but the dozens of machines, originally used to transform aluminium, that occupy all three floors of the factory. They seem to have a story to tell. It is also curious how such a large surface is only occupied by 60 workers.
Costa Rica Elects First Female President
Laura Chinchilla comfortably became the first female president of Costa Rica yesterday, when she achieved 47% of the votes. Chinchilla was the former vice-president to the outgoing head, Oscar Arias. She has pledged to continue his free-market polices, but her dominant campaign message was a commitment to tackle violent crime, a growing problem in Costa Rica.
The New Medical Tourism Mecca
Tourists have long felt the pull of Argentina’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and sumptuous gastronomy. However, as demand soars for a low cost tummy tuck or affordable fertility treatment, a new attraction is drawing scores of international visitors to the country: the surgeon’s knife. Reports show that the number of patients from the US flying to Argentina for medical procedures has increased by 75% in the last 12 months.
A Visit To The Kitchen of the World: Fray Bentos
In the imagination of writer Jules Verne, Fray Bentos was responsible for serving breakfast to the first travellers on the moon. For Jorge Luis Borges, it was the Uruguayan home town for the fictional Ireneo Funes, a teenager with impeccable memory. To the troops and Europeans of the World War I and II eras the name conjured up the image of food – tinned corned beef, OXO bouillon cubes and more than 200 other products which would emerge from “the kitchen of the world” until 1979.
Extreme Stream: White Water Rafting in Mendoza
At 9am my head was still foggy from the previous day’s cycle through the vineyards and too many misguided attempts to abuse the bodegas’ good will by feigning interest in purchasing their wares. It was also the precise moment that the punctual-by-Argentine-standards Rafting Expeditions van rang the doorbell of my hostel, ready to take us out into the Andes for immersion into both the Rio Mendoza and the joys of white-water rafting.
Experiencing an Argentine Approach to Mime
When I think about the art of mime, the first memory that springs to mind is of a Marcel Marceau show I saw when I was a child. This image, combined with the miming performances I have seen on the street, made me think that mimes were provided with special skills I will never have. Going to Alberto Ivern’s class proved I was wrong.
A Week’s a Long Time in Fútbol: Fecha 2
A weekly round up of the joys and despairs of the Argentine Primera Division, from the self-appointed president of the Racing Club Supporter’s Association English branch (membership-1). This week: Gimnasia own La Plata, Racing cook in Santa Fe and Maradona’s methods of team selection.
54 Bars: Las Violetas
Walking into Las Violetas feels a bit like getting on board a mini version of the Titanic. Like the famous cruise liner, the interior of this café is an impressive example of Art Nouveau décor, with gold curlicues on the ceiling, Italian marble columns and Tiffany-style stained glass windows.
When In BA, Do as the Footballers Do! Part 2
In a tiny barber shop in Villa Crespo exists the domain of one particularly unique, larger than life hairdresser, philosopher and matchmaker extraordinaire. Meet Julio Pan, hairdresser to the footballers. The front of Julio’s eponymous emporium is plastered with signed photos of footballers whose hair he has carefully coiffed.
Every year some of the most skilled artisans and craftsmen in Argentina gather in Colón, Entre Rios to celebrate their traditional works and handicrafts. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year the festival has grown to be a national party, encompassing musical performances, workshops, sporting events and even a marathon. The fiesta will last from 6th-15th [...]
Alfonso Recomends
Ojo Verde
Thoughts of a Foreigner
Thoughts on Argentine Politics
9th of February 2010
