by ALCHEMY DMC | Nov 2, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, Tourism News
“THESE GUYS WERE ARGENTINA AT ITS BEST” – by BRIAN WINTER
A tribute to the special Argentine talent for life-long friendships, in the wake of the New York terrorist attack.
I was practically a kid, 22 years old, when I moved to Argentina in 2000 with the crazy idea of making it as a reporter. Shockingly, the Buenos Aires Herald was in no rush to hire a Texan with no experience, and the economy seemed to be in a bit of trouble. I knew only two Argentines – both lovely, but older, with kids and lives of their own. So I spent sweltering days wandering the streets and riding the #60 bus (it crossed the whole city from Constitución to Tigre for under a dollar, and offered a nice breeze) while devouring empanadas, ñoquis and ham sandwiches on a budget of 70 pesos – which then was 70 dollars – per week.
Weekends were most desolate of all. I read Borges, Arlt and Mafalda. I binge-watched the Weather Channel in Spanish, and memorized the lyrics to a Rodrigo song. Finally, after watching the inauguration of Uruguayan President Julio María Sanguinetti on TV from start to finish, I decided I either needed to get a life or go home.
Two things ended up saving me. The first, though a total cliché, was tango lessons – which turned into a nice hobby and, years later, into a book. The second, far more important, was a group of a dozen Argentine guys from Temperley, an old railway suburb of Buenos Aires, whom I met through a common friend back home. They had known each other since high school; they spent weekends playing tennis, making asados and going to 1980s-themed nightclubs until 5 a.m.; they gave each other ridiculous nicknames like Wallet, Wolfman and Boti. They took me in, for reasons I still don’t quite understand, and baptized me “Caruso” – after an Argentine child actor of that era, the only other “Brian” they knew.
I had my own crew back home, but I quickly discovered the Argentine talent for life-long group friendships was in a class of its own. These guys did everything together. They had decade-old running jokes – one guy was always “getting married next spring” – and indecipherable slang. They were also open about their struggles, sometimes shockingly so – girlfriend trouble, job losses and family squabbles were dissected with both humor and subtle compassion. They vacationed together: Villa Gesell, Bariloche, the glaciers. I tagged along several times, awed by the strength of their bonds, convinced – correctly, as it turned out – that this group would stay together over the years, even after marriage, kids and careers began to take root.
I thought of those guys last night, in the wake of the terrible terrorist attack in New York City, where I now reside. Among the eight fatalities were five Argentine men, high school friends on a group trip to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation – exactly the sort of thing my Temperley crew would have done. When I saw the photo of them (above) gathered at the Buenos Aires airport, wearing T-shirts that said “FREE,” I instantly understood what this trip meant to them. Sure, they were “free” for a weekend from the middle-aged pressures of jobs and family, but I reckon that was secondary. Above all, this was an opportunity to maintain those bonds, to re-up on those three-decade-old jokes, and laugh until 5 a.m.
According to Argentine press reports, Ariel Erlij, 48, had a successful career as a steel executive in Rosario, where the group had studied. He helped pay for his friends’ tickets – no small thing in a country just emerging from a nasty recession. They landed in New York, then made a quick side trip to Boston, where another member of the group now lives. Upon returning to the Big Apple yesterday, they decided to go on a bike ride in Lower Manhattan. Erlij and four others – Hernán Diego Mendoza, Diego Enrique Angelini, Alejandro Damián Pagnucco and Hernán Ferruchi – lost their lives. One of the survivors’ wives told La Nación: “They’d been waiting for this trip for so long. I can’t believe it ended this way.”
I have lived in other Latin American countries in the years since, and social bonds are tight there, too. But – I insist – there’s something special about Argentina. So much else has gone wrong over the years: the brutal dictatorship of the 1970s, the hyperinflation of the 1980s, and the devastating 2001-02 economic crisis, which I experienced firsthand (and eventually covered in my first reporting job). Why hasn’t everybody just abandoned the country? Well, many did. But those Argentines who remained will almost universally tell you it was because of those bonds – family, yes, but also their crew from high school or college. The national talent for lifelong camaraderie is surely Argentina at its very best. To see it now at the epicenter of an international tragedy, in the city where I live – I’m so sorry. It just breaks my heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Winter is editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly magazine and the vice president for policy at Americas Society/Council of the Americas. A best-selling author and columnist, Brian is a leading expert on Latin America and a frequent speaker for international media and events.
Source: http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/these-guys-were-argentina-its-best
by ALCHEMY DMC | Oct 31, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, ALCHEMY DMC News, Outdoors, Tourism News
This is a rare opportunity to directly visit some great organic vineyards, and meet the people
behind them. With beautiful countryside, great food and good humor on hand, you can
ensure that you’ll be well looked after, and return with stories to tell, and a heightened
enthusiasm to discover more about the world of organic wine in Mendoza.
Think Green… get ready for an amazing tour in Uco Valley. The visits will begin in the vineyards where organic farming will be explained and then continues inside the wineries where you will see all the chain of production from the pressing machine to the steel tanks, from the barrels to the filling bottle machine and understand the difference between the organic method and the conventional technique of wine making.
First, you will visit MASI Winery, a heaven for native flora and fauna. Masi has integrated its own techniques into the winery and created an eco-sustainable reality in which important oasis of biodiversity are maintained in the context of organic agriculture. Care and respect for the environment are part of the Masi company culture and philosophy, their wines combine the exuberance of Argentinean nature with the attractive style and elegance of wines from the Veneto, Italy.
On our way to the following estate, we´ll stop for some more scenic views of spectacular vineyards and fruit orchards of the beautiful district of Uco Valley. Once we arrive at The Vines of Mendoza, we will hop onto our bikes and we´ll pedal along the wide dirt roads among the vineyards tracks knowing this wonderful wine resort. Afterwards, you can taste the fantastic products from a beautiful family winery : Super UCO. There we meet one of the Michelini brothers who will explain all the process to make a great biodynamic wine, focused on the pure soul and terroir of the Uco Valley, specifically Gualtallary and Vista Flores districts. This boutique, biodynamic project is the first of its kind in Mendoza with very limited production of top quality, terroir driven wines. The two hectares farm is planted in circles with 360 degrees of exposure to the sun. The different varietals are planted from the center outward, as its vegetative cycle dictates … cutting edge, meticulously crafted argentinian wines
We continue west along the rolling countryside to get to Domaine Bousquet, a highly awarded organic wine producer. The winery is dedicated to farming organically while improving their land’s biodiversity. They really think the healthier the vineyard, the better the fruit and of course the wine. Organic agriculture and production helps to protect and sustain the land and the environment for future generations.
This is the ideal tour when you’re looking for an experience that goes beyond ordinary. On a clear day you really can see forever. Expansive only begins to describe each view which is surpassed only by the next mountain country vista!
by ALCHEMY DMC | Oct 31, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, Outdoors, Tourism News
The new ‘El Impenetrable’ National Park in Chaco, was inaugurated this afternoon in an official ceremony chaired by the cabinet director, Marcos Peña; the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Sergio Bergman; and the governor of Chaco, Domingo Peppo.
“Duplicating the parks surface, as in many other parks in the country, reflects a vision of land development and sustainability. We want to love our country,” said Peña. Also, the governor said that the Chaco National Park is one of the best improvements for this province “to become a tourist spot in the world” so that “whoever comes, would want to come back.”
This all started in 2014, thanks to the relevance of Villavicencio’s marketing campaign (mineral bottled water brand), “Dejá tu Huella: a Reserve for More Reserves”, through which 48 million square meters of endangered Chaco forest were preserved, a law has passed for the creation of this new National Park. This initiative was a historic milestone because it was supported by more than thirty NGOs, companies, the State and the collaboration of civil society.
It is located on 150,000 hectares between the rivers Teuco-Bermejo and Bermejito in the space that was formerly known as Estancia “La Fidelidad”. This project will allow the protection of a great diversity of flora and fauna unique in our country, that includes endangered species like the jaguareté, the tatú carreta and the solitary eagle. In addition, this will open the possibility of tours and visits to get to know its nature and to appreciate the Qom, Wichì and Criolla cultures.
by ALCHEMY DMC | Oct 31, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, Tourism News
Once again, Peru’s capital city of Lima was ranked among the 10 most visited destinations in Latin America, a report by Mastercard revealed last Tuesday.
The recently-published Mastercard Destination Cities Index affirmed the Peruvian capital was the third most visited metropolis in the region in 2016, with 2.68 million arrivals, after Punta Cana (3.43 million) and Mexico City (3.01 million).
In this sense, Peru’s most important city was followed by Sao Paulo (2.25 million) and Buenos Aires (1.85 million).
Likewise, Punta Cana topped the Overnight International Visitor Spending in Latin America ranking with revenue worth USD 3.83 billion. Lima ranked second (USD 2.82 billion), ahead of Mexico City (USD 2.48 billion) and Buenos Aires (USD 1.80 billion).
Additionally, the Inca country’s capital became the Fastest Growing Destination City by International Overnight Visitors in Latin America (15.2%) between 2009 and 2016.
It was followed by Bogota (9.0%), Punta Cana (8.8%) and Rio de Janeiro (7.4%), among others.
About
Around the world, tourism is driving the economic engines of growth and development.
Since 2009, international travel and spending by overnight visitors to cities have grown faster than real GDP.
To help cities understand key drivers and unlock the value of tourism, Mastercard released its annual Mastercard Destination Cities Index.
The Index is more than just a ranking of the 132 top destination cities of today and tomorrow.
Two Peruvian hotels among the world’s top 30
The renowned digital magazine Condé Nast Traveler included two Peruvian guesthouses among the Best Hotels in the World, part of the Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.
Inkaterra La Casona (Cusco) and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel are among ‘The Best Hotels in the World’ in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. The only Peruvian hotels in the Top 50 list, the Inkaterra properties are listed in 14th and 15th position, respectively. Inkaterra La Casona and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel also achieved second and third place in the ‘Top Hotels in South America’ category, confirming both are perceived as the best hotels in Peru by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
Additionally, three Inkaterra hotels are mentioned in the ‘Top Resorts in South America’ list––Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Sacred Valley, Cusco), Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción (Madre de Dios).
“Conde Nast Traveler´s Readers honor us” stated José Koechlin, Inkaterra founder and chairman. “Having five of our properties among winners in such a prestigious contest is a celebration to ecotourism as a means for sustainable development, a concept pioneered 42 years ago when we opened our first lodge in the Peruvian Amazon.”
Having catered to over 200,000 guests in 2016, Inkaterra showcases Peru’s natural and cultural virtues through authentic experiential travel. Working under a holistic approach, the brand funds scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation, education and the wellbeing of local communities. Established amid the pristine nature of the Amazon rainforest of Madre de Dios, the Machu Picchu cloud forest, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the city of Cusco, Inkaterra seeks inspiration from local cultures when designing its hotels, all built and decorated with native materials in harmony with their environment.
Since 1978, Inkaterra produces flora and fauna inventories to measure its own long-term impact over natural areas. 903 bird species (equivalent to Costa Rica’s total bird diversity) and 372 native orchid species (the world’s largest collection in its habitat, according to the American Orchid Society) have been registered in its grounds, while 29 new species have been recorded by NGO Inkaterra Asociación. More than 4000 team members born and raised in local communities have been trained in hospitality and ecotourism.
The 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards are the result of the votes of 300,000 magazine readers who submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments, sharing their recent travel experiences of the world’s cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and airports—good or bad. All winners will be celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, as well as online at www.cntraveler.com/rca.
by ALCHEMY DMC | Oct 31, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, ALCHEMY DMC News, Outdoors, Tourism News
Uman Lodge at Futaleufú – North Chilean Patagonia
Resting, experiences and adventures combined with a luxurious accommodation, gourmet kitchen, marvelous nature environment and outdoor activities.
This exclusive lodge is complimented by a 500 hectare piece of land, known as “La Confluencia” farm. The hotel was built on top of a rock offering incredible interior and exterior space where you can cherish the valley guiding to the Futaleufu and Espolón rivers. The modern and warm architecture facilitates the integration of the scenery with help of the hotel’s large windows.
Uman Lodge was transformed into a friendly refuge with its spacios decoration of indigenous wood and local designs which creates the lodge’s charm. It is a perfect combination of relaxing and adrenaline sensations where you can enjoy and contemplate the delightful silence of the Patagonia region.
You can equally decide to take part in the innumerable activities while breathing the fresh air in the offered by the environment of this unique region of Chile.
“La Confluencia” farm, is one of the most beautiful farms in the region. Purchased to the well known ecologist Douglas Tompkins in 2007, it has become the first farm in Patagonia with a luxurious hotel within its limits. The farm has 5 kilometers (3,12 miles) of river plus the confluences of Espolón River and Futaleufú River. 100 hectares have been dedicated to the agricultural in a careful scale and the other 400 hectares are destined to protect and conserve the native forest. Also sand beaches at the rivers border are part of this magnificent environment along with two lagoons .
ACTIVITIES
-Kayaking
-Rafting
-Floats
-Fly Fishing
-Trekking, Mountain Trekking
-Bike, Mountain Bike
-Horseback Riding
-Birds & Deers Observation
MICE
In a majestic environment of the Andean Patagonia, Uman Lodge offers companies the opportunity to try out professional activities required to enjoy leisure time, doing corporate business meeting more enjoyable and productive. Uman Lodge offers all services needed for successful corporate events.
Our broadband connection will allow, if necessary stay connected. With its suites and spacious, Uman Lodge offers excellent infrastructure accompanied an exclusive and personalized service. Coordinated and tailor-made, those events can be made at any time of year, always subject to availability and with a commitment to ensure that all our guests and visitors are always comfortable. With various power options and a proposal for custom programs, Uman Lodge offers a unique alternative for meetings and mid events in Patagonia.
by ALCHEMY DMC | Sep 28, 2017 | ALCHEMY DMC News, Tourism News
Our team was exploring the welsh patagonia in Gaiman and Trevelin, preparing for next season when welsh people visit the only place in the world where their language is spoken outside of Wales.
Our special host was the well-known Margarita Green.
