Los Pumas, Argentina’s national rugby team, exceeded all expectations this year by taking the bronze in the 2007 World Cup. Los Pumas is a team that isn’t even technically professional and had no experience playing the top tier teams until recently. They played with heart and skill, and in Argentina they’ve become cult heroes - men who’ve made the nation proud through their hard-won victories.
Argentina has a Hillary and her name is Cristina. And she is everywhere. Cristina is the heavily mascara-ed senator and wife of President Kirchner. Elections are almost upon us and there seems to be no real opposition to the incumbent couple. Though many Argentines express disapproval of the current government - especially in light of recent inflation - it seems there will be no changing of the guard. From talk shows to subway billboards, Cristina is watching you.
Editor’s Note: Umm..yes, we know this isn’t in Argentina. But it’s close to the Lake District.
Remember those days at summer camp where you stepped onto campus and the biggest problem was trying to decide what activity to do first? That is exactly the sensation I got when I first arrived at Aguas Calientes in Puyehue Chile. Right across the border in the lake district of Patagonia this community has been formed for the travelers looking for a way to get into nature, experience a fun and friendly atmosphere with an endless number of activities, and of course relax in the soothing hot springs.
In Buenos Aires, as in any big city, there are skilled pickpockets on the subway and streets. There is the cab driver who will tool you (look out for Radio taxis only) and one hears stories of elaborate muggings involving trips to multiple ATMs for maximum withdrawals. But there is also a special brand of creative robbery on the go. Here, young males are affectionately called “pendejos” and the pendejos who use their motorbikes to steal are known as Motochorros.
Cry Baby Ranch Roxanne Thurman opened her doors in 1990 but moved to the north side ofLarimer Streeta few years ago in order to expand her ???homestead.??? Turning the term ???western wear??? on its ear, this boutique offers cowgirl boots, irreverent tees, outerwear and fabulous accessories. From panorama rawhide lampshades to custom jewelry; designer scarves (created by the family of the ???dickie??? inventor!) to vintage cowgirl home furnishings and bath products, this eclectic shop is a treat for the inner-cowgirl in all of us. Catering toDenver???s more upscale visitors, Cry Baby Ranch also does a bang-up business on line and is a favorite for mail orders from Hotel Teatro???s more high profile guests.
The Caseros Prison in Buenos Aires is not just a regular jail. Used to lock up political prisoners during La Guerra Sucia (Dirty War) of Argentina, it is the cause of much controversy and criticism. Visiting the ‘carcel de Caseros’ is a sobering reminder of the turmoil of Argentina’s not-too-distant past. Caseros prison has long been abandoned, and from outside the formidable but crumbling walls you can see the imposing central tower, which stands like a silent, hollow sentinel.
About a year ago my wife and I went to the movies to distract us from a difficult period in our lives. I had no way of knowing then that one day I would end up in a shoe shop in downtown Buenos Aires wearing a Carlos Gardel hat while strutting the tango snugly against various young Argentine women in tight clothes. And not just with my wife’s permission, but it was her brilliant idea in the first place.
Beauchamp Place This exclusive area is characterised by its high-class fashion shops and a village street ambience. Nestled in the heart of City ofWestminster, home to fine jewellers, boutique and leather goods shops, this historic vicinity is a great place to shop yet a more exclusive experience.
Beauchamp PlaceSW3 Underground: Knightsbridge
Jermyn Streetand St James???s Jermyn Streethas the reputation to be one of the world???s most famous centres for gentlemen???s fashion, especially for tailored suits and bespoke shirts. Traditionally only a men???s haven, now a few shops are also tailoring for women. Great shirt makers, shoemakers, milliners, perfumiers and wineries.