Travel Geography

Food and Wine for the Soul

What better way to nourish the soul than with a fabulous meal with wonderful wine?  An Argentinian Steakhouse is an experience of both delicious flavors and cultural history.

Argentina is famous for it’s cattle and sheep ranches.  Since the early 1800s, the ranches in the Pampas region have been a major part of the economy.  The gauchos, or cowboys are part of the folklore and national identity.

Many people consider Asado, or barbequed meat, the traditional national dish.   Beef, lamb, pork, chorizo sausages and even chicken is grilled next to each other over the open fire.

A long metal cross, or asadores, is used to hold an entire animal over a firepit.  The asadores can also skewer pieces of several meats which are grilled and then sliced and served together.  The meat is not marianted before cooking and is very slow roasted for several hours.

A Chimichurri sauce of chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and olive oil is served on the side.  Because of the influence of Italian immigrants, pasta is another popular side dish.  A dulce-de-leche flavored pudding or creme cake makes a perfect dessert.

Today, Argentina is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of beef and is the 5th largest producer of wines.

The Spanish colonization during the early 1500s brought the grapes and wine production to Argentina.   During the 1800s, immigrants from France and Italy brought their wine making techniques to the country.  Over 20 varietals of wine are produced including: Malbec, Chenin blanc, Pinot gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Sangiovese and even Champagne, Sherries, Brandies and Vermouth.

The grilled meat and fruity wine are pure heaven if you ask me!  I can almost hear the guitar music playing in the background.  It’s dark and rustic – I think you can imagine the dining experience.

I’m going to buy a Malbec for my steak tonight and toast to Argentina – Joy

Dancing in the Streets

In Argentina, Tango Dance is a very rich part of the culture.  It is said that Buenos Aires gave birth to the popular dance style in the 1880s.

It was a time of significant immigration for Argentina as people came from Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Poland.  The new foreigners would gather in brothels as a way to meet women and socialize.  For entertainment,  a solo flute or guitar would strum a pleasant melody while the couples danced and laughed.

As the years went by, the dancers often spilled out into the streets and the dance spread throughout the city.  The musicians formed bands, lyrics were written and story telling became part of the new art form.  While ballrooms or dance clubs grew across the countryside, the street performers remained a strong part of life in Buenos Aires.

Numerous movies and performances have spread the beauty of Tango around the world.  Studios teach the moves and techniques to dancers of all ages.

Yo-Yo Ma said “The tango is really a combination of many cultures, though it eventually became the national music of Argentina.” Whether you think about the music or the dance, it was born out of an immigrant mix.

It is impossible to watch a performance without feeling the emotions of the piece. Watching the dancers glide across the stage, kick and turn, and lift and spin is breathtaking.  It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the lyrics, you can feel the story.

I am amazed that it continues to be a street art in Buenos Aires.  After 100 years, I would think the people would loose interest, or move onto something new.  Dance moves come and go – think of the “Jitter Bug” or the “Twist”.

The cultural heritage in Argentina is rich with Tango.  Maybe it is the mixture of cultures that makes it strong and enduring.  You know, the sum of the parts is greater than the pieces.  Maybe it is the story telling within the dance moves that captivates an audience.

I hope you enjoy the video performance from Buenos Aires.  Dance performances come in many styles with diverse cultural backgrounds.  I’m going to look at my community arts calendar and go see a dance performance.    The music, the passion… why not go and experience it?!  Joy

The Body as a Canvas

Panamanian Artist Alexis Benalcazar

I believe there is an artistic spirit in everyone.  The spirit is felt in different ways, but we all have one.  While mine doesn’t usually produce art, I enjoy seeing the beauty (or not) or other people’s vision.

Spending the day at an arts festival is a wonderful opportunity to see a local artworks and meet today’s artists.  Being a part of the art scene is exciting.

Next week, the Feria de Arte in Boquete, Panama is exploring the artistic spirit with a exciting demonstration on a very unique canvas.

Panamanian artist, Alexis Benalcazar uses a human body as his canvas to create his one of a kind pieces.  Some would consider him a performance artist, because the act of painting is part of the art piece.

Benalcazar is drawing upon the recent popularity of tattoos and expanding beyond his usual fabric canvas.  While his piece is temporary, it is very emotional and makes his artistic statement.

Body art, has been part of many cultures for years.  Otzi, the Ice Man found in caves dating back to the 4th century B.C. , Egyptian mummies and even Julius Caesar were all tattooed.  Some cultures tattoo for spiritual rights of passage,  memorials or magical beliefs.

The permanent inking of the skin has become fashionable in recent years.  More artists are learning the techniques and improvements in inks and equipment have made it safer.

However you feel about getting body art, it is a part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage.  Whether temporary, or permanent it is an expression of creativity and artistic spirit.

Everyday my local tattoo shop is creating art for people.  It’s an artistic collaboration between the artist and the patron whose body is the canvas.  I don’t have to wait for the next arts festival, I could go to a shop and see what’s being done right now.

Do you have a tattoo?  I don’t.  I’m not sure what kind of image my artistic spirit would create that I would want on me forever.

If you have a tattoo, what did your inner artist create?  I’d love to hear about the significance of the image and your experience.    All the best, Joy