anadiomene

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Like there is such a thing as life after BA.  But the good thing is I did get to experience a bit of BA here, Fernando Fierro played last week at the Bimhuis – and despite the naff toilet paper decorations they took me all the way back to the crazy energy that is BA. Had a great time… Then headed off for a madcapped 4 days in London attending conferences, catching up with friends and trying to squeeze in a little unsuccessful shopping. But oh how the city has changed, much cleaner, and more spacious – more cyclists, and they are obviously already getting it all ready for the Olympics which is great to see. Just goes to show you can change anything if you really want to.  Next France, then Athens – aiming for full world domination…..

Am back after a good flight, and other than still suffering severe jetlag (never had it for 5 days before!!) as well as an acute culture shock.  You just can’t compare the countries, but here it is all so organized it hurts, no bending any rules– Argentina is of course the opposite. And the other thing I really notice is how everyone complains endlessly here – although in all honesty they have absolutely nothing to complain about – in Argentina they poke fun at all the problems, they live in the moment and don’t take it all too seriously. Also been incredibly busy though need to; visit family, unpack travel stuff, unpack apartment, get apartment ready for real estate, find relevant documents, find work and organize my life, which is not at all much fun. Catching up with friends though, spending time with the cat and sleeping (lots) in own bed I am enjoying!Will have to start a new blog; life after BA…. If there is such a thing, I’ll see….

If you think about it in context, life is pretty amazing – we have sunsets, oceans, jungles, animals, cities, countries, clouds, stars, galaxies and other people. 
We need to stop and appreciate everything we have in our life, it’s all in a state of constant flux – you don’t know how long it’s going to last – what’s going to change – or when or who or what is going to move in or out of your life. As Eckhart Tolle says “there is only the now”, but its up to each one of us to stop, see and appreciate it.   
Right now am feeling super appreciative of my Argentine experience, the amazing people I’ve had the honor to meet, the places I’ve had the opportunity to see, the fact I could take some time off to appreciate; sunshine, the city, yoga, books, meditation, my hood Puerto madero, good food and of course the yerba mate! What’s not to appreciate….

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People often ask what I like about Buenos Aires, not something that can be answered easily – you either do or don’t get.  You see it is a an unseen essence that hangs in the air, a electricity that can’t be captured in words, photos, films – it is too illusive, you either feel and see it or you do not.  Some locals have the energy coursing through their veins and do manage to capture and express it through the passion of what they do.  Last night I had the opportunity to see ‘Fernandez Fierro’, an alternative tango band. Using traditional instruments they create the sounds that vibrate with the atmosphere of this city; crazy, busy, beautiful, magic, contradictory, full of life and passion. I wrote this when I came in after the show;

“There is an energy here
that is indescribable
And comes to live in many forms
one of which is Fernadez Fierro
A passionated
          Repressed
                   Extroverted expression
of everything
and anything
that is the all
and the nothing
of Buenos Aires.”

I see they are doing a international tour, would recommend that should they come to your city – not to miss them.  Will also be back in time to see them in Amsterdam. This kind of creativity goes to the top of my list of things I’ll miss here…. And I look forward to coming back to.  Their website:
http://www.caff.com.ar/
http://www.fernandezfierro.com/

Have to say while I am super sad to be leaving - so sad that when the old Indian started playing his special stone pipe the other day at the arts and crafts market I thought I would be washed away in a fit of tears and emotions.  However, on the other hand there are a few reasons I am looking forward to going home for, such as;

• Visiting my family (especially as I just heard my grandfather is in hospital)
• Seeing and curling up on the sofa with the cat
• Catching up with friends (and eating in my old haunts)
• Sleeping in again in a decent bed!
• It’s spring – flowers – greenery – sunshine appears (I hope)
• Stocking up on my vitamins/ health food stuff
• Understanding once more what everyone is staying

• Visiting London in a few weeks

• And getting back to work

Of course the list of what I will miss is no doubt longer, will cover that another day – but for now… I’ll try to see the positive… and yet enjoy the last moments here too.

Everything and Nothing, J.L. Borges Am reading Jorge Borges (famous argentine writer) ‘the Aleph’, and while in Colonia was surprised by the depth, context and profoundness of his writing.  He talks metaphorically of so many spiritual things we currently speak of – but of course in his day was way ahead of his time. Funny, as I had read some of his work before and only now – after mediating – and listening to Tolle, actually get it. In one short story ‘Everything and Nothing’ there is a paragraph; “And god said; I, too, and not I, I dreamed the world as you, Shakespeare, dreamed your own work, and among the forms of my dream are you, who like me are many, yet no one.” 

I guess the roles we play, masks we wear
Might also be a way of –
Experiencing another way of being.
But perhaps first we need to become –
Aware of who we really are.
So we don’t lose ourselves
In all the things we’re not. 

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I needed to get out of town for a bit, the stress of having to make live decisions on things you don’t want to make, made me a little ill. So a few days in Uruguay dealing with the reality that I need to go back to NL for now – well in a few weeks. Anyway all ok with it now. A few days of spoiling myself, visiting the beach, nature and chilling with the very low key vibe that is Uruguay.  Found a secret little café called Lentas Maravillas, which called itself the best kept secret and it really was – best eggs to date and the garden, design and view was just amazing. Stayed in Plaza del Mayor, a really nice place, a bit overpriced – but still super comfortable and luckily didn’t realize how much it cost till I check out, always get prices in writing! However still slept like a baby with the scent of jasmine wafting in through the windows. It was as ever all to perfect. Did also go to Carmelo, but wasn’t as impressed, all though the bus ride and countryside was great. Also still have a few photo’s Sima forwarded me from her trip – seems like so long ago already…..

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I got visit from Sima last week who arrived here the day after I returned from Uruguay.  An incredibly fun week, great to catch up and show her around Buenos Aires, while trying to convince her to come back for the polo finals in November.  We of course had dinner at Nantsu, then a night on the town in Palermo, not quite rocking it – after a great meal at Azema  followed by few delicious red fruit and malbec daiquiri’s at Belushi and we were off home at 2PM, so the time everyone here goes out!  We did a dinner at Casa Felix, Diego is a chef who opens his home 3 nights a week to the public to share his passion for food and unique dishes; it’s a friendly, homely atmosphere, totally scrumptious Latin food, a true dining experience. Had an interesting night at Tango Queer; normal tango I found too serious, so wanted to see something different, here people were more creative, there’s room for mistakes and there was laughter and fun - life needn’t be too serious.  Had a girl’s cinema night with ‘he’s just not that into you’ with a few other friends, very interesting discussions followed. Sima also went up to Iguazu and over to Colonia, while I was busy as ever job hunting / networking and improving my Spanish.  It was a weeks that speed past and am sad it’s over, back to the real world… 

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Had such a great time, long beaches, clear blue sea and sunshine just 100% gorgeous and relaxing. I spent the first night in a nice hotel in Montevideo, but the location was a bit run down, seedy and everyone kept staring at me.  Saw a few things I’d rather not see, so next day headed down the coast ASAP. Got on the wrong bus, it was the slow route which was great as got to see all the beaches along the way.  The first hotel was affordable, an ok place – but wanted to be closer to the beach and have a squishy pillow so moved on the last night down to ‘Le Club’ in Le Barra.  It was so perfect loved it completely – they upgraded my room to a suite – and right on the beach.  Wanted to stay there forever.  It was all peaceful too as it was the end of the season. Hung out at the beach, swam in the ocean, ate amazing food, bought myself a more portable Mate and flask so I could join the masses at carrying my tea with me everywhere – who would have guessed there is a country where they drink even more mate than in Argentina. Also went house hunting… saw my future house and fell in love with it, now all I have to do is sell my house in Amsterdam, am a hoping that it as easy as it sounds. Anyone know anyone let me know,  Photos….

Been a little busy again, learning Spanish and job hunting like a mad person as I am going to need the improvement of one for the other.  So a quick list of some great things that have happened this last week:

• Decided I want to stay and live here in BA

• Got given some roses as a gift while meditating in rose garden
• Went to my first Milonga (tango night)
• Got an amazing Shiatzu Massage
• Met some great new people with my conversation exchange
• Had a great meal at Nanatsu with some friends from NL

• Actually went to a club and they played good music – hence danced the night away

  • Yes paid for it a little the next day….

• Went to an event held by the British Chambers of Commerce, didn’t understand a word, but that was probably a good thing as it was about the future economy of Argentina and the slides were not making anyone smile