Friday, September 29, 2006

Snakes on a Plane Theatrical Trailer (Best version on Google Video, of course)

The trailer for the movie "Snakes on a Plane".
WATCH IT!!!
My 1st Parrillada Mixta

Chico and I went to a very nice restaurant last night where I had my very first Argentine parrillada mixta. Not for those with a weak stomach, I found it more appetizing with a couple bottles of wine.

The mixed grill is a combination of various cuts of beef, pork, sausages, sweetbreads, and internal organs. It was brought to our table on a portable grill and looked incredible. I started with asado and chorizo which were familiar and good to me. I tried blood sausage and was pleasantly surprised. Then I tried the small intestines. I will not try the small intestines again. The texture itself was enough to make me want to run to el bano but the taste was horrendous. Then I tried a bottle of wine. I took a slice of brain onto my plate. I quite liked the taste of the brain- although the presentation threw me a bit. But the wine helped me get over that part.

I think this experience will go down as a success... I left the restaurant happy and full and without the embarrassment of getting sick.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

WISH LIST Part 1

1) Any kind of ground coffee without sugar automatically added to it.
2) Swiffer Sweeper Wet/Dry Cleaning kit
3) Mr. Clean Magic Scrubbing sponges
4) Peanut butter
5) Tampax Tampons
6) Advil, Aspirin, Tylenol

Sunday, September 24, 2006

FIRST NEGATIVE POST

Napkins. Why such little, teeny tiny napkins with no absorption properties? Let me take this 1 step further...they actually repel liquid. This is somewhat irritating.
And while I am ranting, let me voice 1 more. Coffee. In a country which is notorious for having the biggest and loudest EVERYTHING, why do they only serve little, 1-sip, cups of coffee???

Saturday, September 23, 2006


THE MAGICAL BAKER WHO LIVES DOWN THE LANE

There is a man I am in love with. His name is Jorge and he is probably old enough to be my grandfather. He is also married with children. This is not a deterrent. I love him. He bakes empanadas, tortillas, cheesecake, tortas, etc. which all have magical properties (trust me... when I was down with a sore throat last week, the cheesecake actually cured me). The one bad thing about Jorge is that he only opens his bakery from Friday to Sunday. 2 visits in 1 day is not enough anymore- I'm feigning for his culinary art!
There is an empanada in the kitchen...and Terry is in the shower...maybe he won't notice...

Thursday, September 21, 2006


CATS IN CEMETERIES

Yesterday we decided to venture into the Recoleta barrio to visit the Cementerio de la Recoleta (this is where Eva Peron is laid to rest). One thing I noticed when I first arrived, is that the streets of Buenos Aires are overrun with stray dogs and yet not one cat is to be found. I learned this is because all the stray cats of South America live in the cemetery.

The narrow corridors and high walls are absolutely breathtaking. Some of the mausoleums were nicely kept up, others were in complete disarray. After the economic crisis a few years ago, families who once had the money to maintain their family plots now find themselves unable to handle the upkeep.

Cementerio de la Recoleta is beautiful but it warrants another trip to take in everything it offers.

Friday, September 15, 2006



This is me trying Mate for the 1st time. Yum Yum!
JINXING MYSELF AND MARGARITAS

I spoke too soon when I said I had not caught any illnesses from the 12 hours of recycled air on the plane from Chicago to Buenos Aires. I came down with a sore throat yesterday.

Note to any travelers coming into BA: Do not order Margaritas. Margarita is synonymous with warm, watery tequila. This could have been the origin of my sore throat.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

¡Finalmente lo hice!

I finally made it to Buenos Aires! With minimal jet-lag and no illnesses picked up from the airplane as a complete bonus! I arrived early Tuesday morning and have already been to the Buenos Aires post office 3 times (note to family and friends: If you really, truly love me, you will never mail packages to me here). We had an absolutely amazing dinner last night (at 11PM which is going to take me awhile to get used to) which I honestly have to say was the best meal of my entire life. I am not a meat-lover, but this steak was incredible.
And on the agenda today? There is a rumor that Hooter's has a restaurant in town. A hot wings and beer lunch for these Americans...

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Phase II of THE MOVE.

After leaving San Diego, I decided to spend a few quiet days in Illinois with my family. I had planned on arriving on Wednesday and then leaving for Buenos Aires the following Sunday. This was Labor Day weekend though, and American's were flocking to Washington DC (where my layover just happened to be). 4 days is quickly turning into 13. Not that this hasn't been fun. Quite the contrary. I have had much needed father/daughter bonding time. I have taught my mother how to do shots of Jameson. I played "Dark Crystal" pool with my sister.