The footage is dark and grainy, but the view of the prison courtyard is clear enough. It appears to be empty, until suddenly three men are sprinting towards the far corner. A brief fight ensues, before two of those involved flee from the scene. The third – Daniel Martínez – tries to follow, but collapses after just a few paces, never to get up again. Unfortunately what the CCTV footage shows is not unusual, but a stark piece of evidence of the reality of life inside Argentina’s jails, where one inmate dies every two days.
Gasoline Shortage in Argentina
Due to a severe lack of gasoline in Argentina, the country has been forced to import fuel for the first time in three decades. Yesterday, YPF, the former state owned company now owned by Spanish company Repsol, announced that next week it will import the equivalent to 20% of their monthly production.
Trains: When the Road Wins, the Countryside Loses
A country with such a large territory like Argentina has always needed a reliable transport mode to connect its regions and different provinces. The booming railway network once boasted 47,000km of track, but mismanagement has led to the decline of what was the world’s tenth largest railway network, leaving many scars in the country’s demography.
Brazil to Impose Trade Sanctions on US
Brazil announced trade sanctions worth up to $294.7m against the United States, in a move supported by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The sanctions, which were publicised on Monday, are a response to billions of dollars worth of illegal subsidies to the US cotton industry, which have allowed the US to undersell foreign competitors and drive down world cotton prices. Sanctions will affect up to 100 American goods, from fresh fruit to automobiles.
Facing New Frontiers
Amie Tsang meets Khosro Adibi, the founder of Fronteras International Art Festival, which starts today in Rosario. A former Marxist activist and political prisoner, he left Iran at the age of 24, and spent time in prison in the United Arab Emirates. But he now channels his desire to ‘change the world’ through art rather than militancy.
Experiencing Argentina Under the Stars
After camping for three weeks out of six during her extensive trip around Argentina and Chile, Vicky Gashe realised the advantages of packing a tent and experiencing life away from the ‘gringo trail’ and universal English of hostels. Many nights led her to drink mate, eat asados and sing folk music around campfires whilst practising her Spanish. Her definitive guide to camping will help those who wish to follow in her footsteps.
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.
Argentina vs Germany: Verón Rolls Back the Years
With less than 100 days until the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, Argentina began their preparations with a friendly against Germany in Munich last Wednesday, and The Argentimes was there to see the match and run the rule over how Diego Maradona’s squad is shaping up ahead of the tournament.
A Week’s a Long Time in Fútbol: Fecha 8
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: Independiente go top, Argentine football claims an Oscar win, and entering the Bombonera with Racing’s Imperial Guard.
54 Bars: El Preferido
Tucked away amongst the many bars and restaurants of Palermo is a slice of the old world. El Preferido is one of the 54 bars and restaurants notables of Buenos Aires and in my opinion it definitely deserves a place on the list. This family run business has charm, warmth and an extensive menu. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit down meal, El Preferido will provide.
Freestyle Slalom Skating Hits Buenos Aires
A stroll down the Rosedal in the Bosques de Palermo on a Sunday afternoon will almost certainly include an encounter with a group of freestyle slalom skaters practising their latest moves. Ultra-cool and strangely mesmerising, the slalom skater is hard to miss. With a row of miniature cones lined up on the pavement, he dances his way around them, snaking in and out with incredible ease and true skill.
Every Wednesday and Fridays, Buenos Aires Pasion de Tango will be on stage from 08:00pm. Head down to Centro Cultural Borges (Viamonte 525) to see this amazing show.
Entries between $40 and $60.
More information at info@ccborges.org.ar
Those who want to really put their Spanish into practice should be at Bar El Faro (Pampa and Constituyentes) at 8pm for a debate about the law of music. Those with itchy feet should get there at 10pm for some live music.
Head down to Centro Cultural Borges (Viamonte 525) every Fridays and Saturdays from 08:30pm to see a flamenco show.
Entries between $35 and $50.
More information at info@ccborges.org.ar
The Scottish band will be at Luna Park (Av. Madero 420) for one night only. Tickets cost between $90 and $260. Tickets can be bought online from www.ticketportal.com.ar. The show starts at 9.30pm.
Would you like to swing? If so, go to Otros Buenos Aires (Independencia 572) every Fridays to learn how to dance swing. Eugenia Della Latta and Agustina Zero-Setien run the classes between 9:30pm and 10:30pm.
Entry: $10
http://www.otrosbuenosaires.com/
Buses: 2,9,10,20,22,24,26,28,29,45,74,86,126,195
Subte: Line E, Station Independencia
Ever described the decor in a restaurant as a work of art? Well how about eating in an art installation? Tony Hornecker, a London based artist and vagabond restaurateur, was recently in Santiago where tickets for his ´gypsy inspired tree house extravaganza´were sold out. He is now taking over a ruined mansion in San Telmo. [...]
Valeria Cini will be playing music influenced by bossa nova and samba, using the text of Argentine and Brazilian poets. The concert starts at 10.30pm at Ksa bar (Belaustegui 2821). Free entry.
Valeria Cini will be playing music influenced by bossa nova and samba, using the text of Argentine and Brazilian poets. The concert starts at 10.30pm at Ksa bar (Belaustegui 2821). Free entry.
The Buenos Aires Pub Crawl is hosting its biannual party for students. Fiesta Vainilla on Hipolito Yrigoyen 968 will be hosting the party. Happy hour is from 11pm – midnight. There will be 241 drinks specials and free beer for girls. Music will be a mixture of hip hop and pop. Entry is $20 and [...]
Club Fetish (Nicaragua 5549) is hosting a night of 80s and 90s rock pop hits. Music starts at 11pm. There will be a free cocktails tasting courtesy of resident barman Pablo Velezquez until midnight and drinks specials until 2am. Tables can be reserved by calling 1564804551 or emailing marianaj13@hotmail.com.
Looking for an eclectic night out? Head to Ciudad Cultural Konex (Sarmiento 3131) at midnight to catch musicians mixing everything from rock and folk music to cumbia and hip hop. There will also be an open mic, improvisation and a photography exhibition. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the door. More information at http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/lapeniazizek/ [...]
Alfonso Recomends
Ojo Verde
Thoughts of a Foreigner
Thoughts on Argentine Politics
12th of March 2010
