Photo Bloopers #1

Natalia came up with the great idea of posting some of our photo bloopers. I have a tendency to make faces when I know she is taking photos of me, and I try to compose myself right before she hits the shutter. Many times she's been faster than me...

It is in my best interest to post one of myself, before I start posting photos of her!  Here I am in Cartagena a couple of days before our wedding.  Natalia says I'm an "allegatere".

We interrupt your regular broadcast...

I just had to do a quick commercial break to show my lovely wife cooking for me!

Doing prep.

Acting, Tango, and Cinema

Music and dance are always a fun way to explore a culture. Therefore, a Tango show was one of my priorities during my time in Buenos Aires.  José Luis, Flavio E. and I looked for the best places and/or deals on town, but after a good number of phone calls and emails, we decided not to attend one.   They were too expensive, way out of our budget.  We were disappointed, and I thought I had to let it go.
The night before José Luis left Buenos Aires to go on his motorcycle adventure, we went to Avenida Corrientes.   The plan was to buy some reading materials and have Chocolate and churros at Café La Giralda.  With books on hand, and a belly full of deliciousness, we had some time left.  Since Corrientes is full of theaters, we decided to check out one of the performances.  The chosen one was Tita, Una vida en tiempo de tango in Teatro Metropolitan. 

Not your Average Office Building

I get lost pretty easily. I have to focus on the route to get from point A to point B.  During my first days in Buenos Aires, I walked on Avenida de Mayo many times, but if I looked up, it was usually looking for the street numeration.  Weeks later, looking for something else, I encountered Palacio Barolo’s website.  I called and reserved two spots for one of the tours that same afternoon.

 
<><><> 

Ms. Madeere Pehrsone Alspace Dies in Buenos Aires **

Our friend Camilo, Madeere Pehrsone Alspace and I waiting to buy empanadas.

Buenos Aires, July 25. -- Madeere Pehrsone Alspace, my dear long life friend, died yesterday afternoon in Buenos  Aires, at the age of 30-something years.  Her tragic death came unexpectedly, although she had been ill for a few weeks.

The cause was complications resulting from breathing difficulties during the July 20^th celebrations, witnesses said. 

Ms. Madeere Pehrsone Alspace grew up in South America. She enjoyed having people around her, and made of sharing a way of life. 

After moving to the US however, Madeere Pehrsone Alspace started a new phase of her life.  My friend started growing larger.  She did not like to sit close to others as she used to, which made her family uncomfortable at times.  However, Madeere continued having a very fulfilling life, close to those that were dearest to her.    

Although her energy levels were not as high these last few weeks, Madeere Pehrsone Alspace never lost her enthusiasm for traveling.  In fact, we will always remember her stories about traveling trough Mexico and Colombia. She was happy during her time in Buenos Aires.  She even went on a strict diet to be able to fit among Subte passengers, stand in long lines, and reach for medialunas even when the panadería was full and space tight. 

It seems these extreme dietary measures affected her health.  I noticed Madeere Pehrsone Alspace looked tired and complained of breathing difficulties constantly.  Madeere attributed this to the cold air (sereno*) and seasonal allergies.  

The final moment arrived when Madeere was standing in line waiting to buy Colombian empanadas, in the middle of festivities taking place in The Avenida de Mayo.  Although there is nothing that can ease my pain right now, I have the peace of mind Madeere Pehrsone Alspace left surrounded by the people and culture she loved the most.

Rest in peace, Madeere Pehrsone Alspace!

...

* In Colombia, the word sereno may refer to a cold breeze that can make you sick.

**  This is a fictional piece.  Any similarities with reality are pure coincidence.