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.

Our Very Own 7 Links!! Woohooo!!

Since our blog is still a very new project, I was thrilled when Stephanie, from The Travel Chica, nominated this site for The 7 Links Project. Thank you Stephanie!   I now present you with...


Our Seven Links!!

Most Beautiful Post:    Cartagena’s Historic District

This is one of our early posts. The pictures were taken a couple of days before our wedding in Cartagena. This post shows a beautiful city and a beautiful time in our lives.
Note: Pictures by Dukes Fotografía
 

Most Popular Post:   Small Challenges
Everyone likes to see how I solved my dirty floor problem! J


Most Controversial Post:    Simultaneous Vacation
"Why on the motorcycle?", " What about work?", "Instead of spending your free time together, you are traveling to two different places?". The list of questions we got goes on and on. To tell you the truth, even I had my reservations regarding the Texas - Alaska journey. Despite all controversy, Jose Luis rode his motorcycle up north! Glad he is done with it!


Most Helpful Post: Los Cafes de Buenos Aires (1 and 2)
I have to include two posts in this category. Los Cafes de Buenos Aires, and Los Cafes de Buenos Aires 2. The first one is about the meaning of the cafes, and the second includes a list of some of the cafes we liked. Hopefully readers will grasp the importance of these spaces in the Argentinean Barrios, and have an idea of which ones to visit.

The Success of This Post Surprised Us!   Que pan tan bello!
I found a panadería Colombiana in Carrollton, TX. Finding a little piece of your country while abroad is AMAZING. Obviously, El Portal has many fans. This has been one of our most visited posts!


This Post Didn’t Get the Attention it Deserved:    Small House for a Big Star
Here I share my experience in Gardel’s museum. Although I do not tell a whole lot about the things I learned/ observed, I double checked many of the facts online. I also read about Tango in Colombia since I didn’t want to write based solely on memories from my childhood. Being Gardel such a memorable music figure, I thought this post was going to draw more attention.


Post We are Most Proud Of:      In The Mood for Marshmallow Soup?
After the “Preparation Post” by José Luis, this is our first real post. Our blog was going to be a scrap book of our travels, places we liked, and some other random stuff. I don’t even remember when we decided it was going to be a blog, but I am glad we decided so! This post is a review of one of our favorite restaurants in Dallas. It was the first step, the post that started it all.

Nominations

I am proud to nominate Comidilla (in Spanish). Diana is a Colombian entrepreneur, and an expert in food related topics. Read her blog to learn about what you should eat/ or not, and the latest tendencies regarding Colombian cuisine!

My second nomination is my brother’s blog, Visitante o Residente (in Spanish). Flavio is currently writing from Buenos Aires. He has been traveling non-stop for years in South America - especially Colombia - and Europe. He is still my number one traveling advisor!

I was lucky to meet Bobbi and Ric through Tweeter. It is great to have another traveling couple to share our experiences with. Visit Heels and Wheels to follow their adventures through Australia and South Asia!

Some of you already know I have soft spot for fashion. That is why I am proud to introduce you to Tiffany. She is an entrepreneur with a great sense of style! Read I am Style-ish to find outfit ideas, enjoy some good photography, and even learn blogging tips!

Finally, my dear José Luis has branched out. He is slowly building up his blog about motorcycle riding and traveling. Read his posts at Another Irregular Road Trip.

¡Feliz día Colombia!

Today is July 20^th, and we celebrate 201 years of independence.  I am wearing our colors to commemorate.  ¡Feliz día Colombia!

 

Castillo de San Felipe.  Cartagena

 

How do you celebrate holidays when not in your country?

A Small House for a Big Star

     In 1935, Carlos Gardel found a tragic death in Medellín, Colombia.  This event scarred the city and its people forever.  I think Colombians always appreciated Tango, but the sadness of having a star die on your land has significant consequences.  Tango grew on us and gained a place in our culture.  I remember, growing up in Colombia, seeing tango dancers during Festivals and Ferias. That is how I know that paisas share with Argentineans a deep passion for this music.  Therefore, my trip to Buenos Aires would be truly incomplete without a visit to what it was the home of one of the greatest Tango singers of all times.     

     Carlos Gardel grew up in Abasto, which at the time was known as an Italian immigrants’ neighborhood.  As soon as I arrived, I noticed the house is not as big or as fancy as other houses from the time.  It looked rather simple. I was hoping for a guided tour.  My understanding was that they had one once a day.  The receptionist, however, politely declined my request.  She indicated where to start, and told me everything was well explained. If I still had questions, she would call the guide for me.  Ok… negative points for them there.  On the other hand, the museum was free that day, and I was eager to start.

     I learned the house differs from others because it has been divided to make two homes.  It seems this transformation was not uncommon at the time due to the need to accommodate Buenos Aires’ growing population.  The tour starts where the rooms used to be.  There are three different rooms to explain Gardel’s life and death, his influence on radio and later on cinema.  My visit was pleasant, and the absence of great architecture and fancy furniture was enticing.  This exhibit does not talk about money and fame.  Instead, it talks about a family’s humble origins.  It tells about the struggles of a single mother raising a son in a country that was not her own.  It is a story we are all familiar with:  The story of a talented child who, despite the difficulties, grows up to go as far….. As far as the stars!

Random/ Interesting Things I Learned During My Visit

-          Gardel was born in France, and he spent part of his life in Uruguay.

-          He was a singer, but he also knew how to play the guitar.

-          At the beginning of his career, Gardel sang on a duet with one of his friends.

-          On October 6^th, 1933, Gardel sang for the first, and last time, in the Uruguayan radio.  The repertoire included the Pasillo Colombiano Flores Negras.

-          Gardel did not like flying.

-          The second airplane involved in the accident was called “El Manizales”.

Lost in Translation

Sometimes, even when we speak the same language, we get lost in translation.  Funny conversations I have had, things I have said, or things I have heard during this trip, so far.

      First Scenario

We just had a flight of more than twelve hours and landed in Lima.  (See my post about Peru here).  We are beyond tired.  I am trying to find someone to ask where do we need to go to obtain our taxi and hotel vouchers.  I find a lady who works at the airport. 

Me:  Excuse me; where  is the AA’s desk?

Her:  uh?

Me:  (louder) do you know where AA’s desk is?

Her:  What do you need?

Me:  I am from that flight that just landed here, the one that was going to Buenos Aires.  I am looking where to get the vouchers.

Her:  So, you didn’t make it to Buenos Aires.

Me:  No, we had to land here. It was unexpected, like an emergency landing.

Her:  An emergency landing?!  Oh my!!!  How dangerous and frightening!!!!

Me:  No!!!  It wasn’t that bad.  We just didn’t get to Buenos Aires.  It’s all because of the ash…..

Her:  Are you picking up some ash?

Me (frustrated):   No!!… Thank you.

Second Scenario

I am eating lunch.  A grandmother (GM) and his 5 to 6 years old grandson are seating on the table next to me.  She has asked him to tell her about dinosaurs.  She is taking notes as he speaks. 

Boy:  mmm….velociraptor!

GM:  And this one, also lays eggs?  Is it oviparous?

Boy:  Yes, they all lay eggs.  They are all good parents.

Third Scenario

A café in Avenida de Mayo.  We are watching the Soccer Game Colombia-Costa Rica.  (See a post about this afternoon here)

Waiter:  Who is playing?

Us:  Colombia vs. Costa Rica

-   A man later comes in.-

     Man (to the waiter):  Who is playing?

    Waiter:  Hungary  vs. Costa Rica

Fourth Scenario

My husband (JL), brother (bro) and I are waiting for the subway.  When it arrives, we see the word “LUCER” written -graffiti style- on one of the wagons.

JL:  Quiso escribir “looser” en inglés y le falló la ortografía.

Bro:  Sí, le hizo falta la tilde en la u.



Do you have "lost in translation" stories?  Laugh with us and share them here!!

Daydreaming

Another snow day in Texas, and our minds are far away.  We are daydreaming of sunny days.  Aaaahhhh….. The sun light setting its warm kiss on our skin.  What comes to mind next is one of our favorite destinations: Cartagena de Indias.

Cartagena is located in the Northern Coast of Colombia.  It was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, a Spanish explorer.  Since then, Cartagena has been an important port in the country.  Today, the city combines our Spanish, African and Indigenous heritage, which translates to unique folklore, cuisine and architecture.
I will be posting more about this amazing, almost magical destination.  To get you excited, as I am now, check out these pictures José Luis took during our last trip there.

Have a good rest of the week!

Que pan tan bello!!*



Bandeja Paisa

 The ice on the streets is melting (yes!) …..and it is going to refreeze later (dang!). This means that anything to be done outside, needs to be done during the day. That is exactly what we did. Lunch out - one of our very necessary errands - was at El Portal today.

I discovered El Portal some time ago (maybe a year?) through a Venezuelan coworker. Ironic it wasn’t through a Colombian person, wasn’t it? After knowing there was a Colombian “panadería” here in the Metroplex, I immediately made time to go and buy some bread. We were beyond happy with what I got: an assortment of roscón, pan aliñado, and almojabanas. There has been no turning back since then.



Sopa de Costilla.  Served with rice, avocado and patacon.



This place offers more than bread, however. If you are hungry, try some of the dishes they offer. What you see in the pictures are a “Bandeja Paisa”, a combination of steak, chorizo, rice, beans and an arepa. It is a very traditional Colombian dish. The other is a “Sopa de Costilla” (Rib Soup). The latter was the lunch special for just $6.99, and an excellent choice to keep warm. What are you waiting for? Come with a friend or your family and taste Colombia. We dare you not to love it!

Visit El Portal on Facebook or their website.

Their physical address is 2810 E. trinity mills #191

Carrollton, TX 75006

* This is listed as El Portal's Favorite Quote on their FB page.

Juan Valdéz

This is the actual package we got in the mail. Cup not included.


Today is the second day of icy roads.  When the ice lays its sheet on the streets, Texas becomes crazy.  You cannot drive, but slide down the road…. literally!  So I am not going out driving in this weather.  Tomorrow  it seems, will also be an icy day.  I am staying home, warm and cozy drinking my coffee.  It is a small, well-deserved luxury. What better way to start every day than with one of your favorite things?  The aroma, the warmth, the flavor…… Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face!

Anyway, not all coffee smells and tastes the same.  Colombian coffee has no competition in our home.  One of our favorite brands is Juan Valdéz (JV). There are no JV’s stores here in Texas, so we buy our supply online.  Volcán is the variety of our choice, but there are some others with a softer roast.  I invite you to give it a try.  Click here to browse their store and help coffee growers from the mountains of Colombia!