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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

High Altitudes: Life Across Urban and Indigenous Bolivia

I have always been curious about Bolivia as a place where centuries-old traditions persist even as the country becomes more modern.   With altitudes close to 12,000 ft above sea level, you find yourself, at times, both breathless and fatigued. Bolivia has two capital cities which include La Paz. This vibrant city, nestled in a deep canyon, is known for its crowded streets, huge street markets, and strong Indigenous culture. I spent four days touring outside the city to experience the contrasts between the region’s high altitudes (up to 15,000 ft above sea level) and its arid and rugged terrain at the foothills of the country’s dramatic Andean mountains connecting with indigenous villages along the way.  Here is what I learned from a place where tradition endures and progress is gradual….

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

Two Neighbors, Two Cultures: Uruguay and Paraguay Beyond the Tourist Map

During my travels throughout South America, I was interested in visiting Uruguay and Paraguay, less known, small​er countries with similar names yet with unique histories and cultures.  Neither one has a strong tourist infrastructure, although Uruguay has more to offer. I thought writing about the parallels and contrasts between them would make for a more interesting story.   I spent two weeks in each country exploring as much as possible their culture, history and people.   Here is what I have learned about both countries….

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

 Five Days in Córdoba, Argentina: Tracing a Jesuit Legacy

I visited the city of Cordoba for a five-day stay, ending my six-week journey of Argentina as I now move on to other countries.  Cordoba is very much like a smaller version of Buenos Aires, walkable to all its historic sites.  It is a beautiful, well persevered colonial yet modern city, the second largest in Argentina.  Cordoba is known for its many educational and religious institutions, many of which are part of the city’s historical sites.
I am staying near the Barrio Güemes, a bohemian district known for its cultural vibe, galleries, and shopping. Besides its colonial charm, Cordoba originated Cuarteto music and dance, a bit folky similar to Meringue played with an accordion and violin. It is also a city that dines late at night, known for its Cabrito Cordobes (roasted baby goat) and Ajoblanco Cordobes (cold soup made of almond, garlic and bread).  During my short stay here, this is what I learned and liked about this colonial city…

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

Buenos Aires Remembered: Culture, Memory, and the Weight of History”

I stayed in Buenos Aires for a month in the colonial neighborhood of San Telmo, the birthplace of Tango.  I must say I was quite taken by the city’s rich culture, European architecture and its empanadas (much savory than Chile). Buenos Aires is a vast metropolis where one can easily get lost with so many neighborhoods to choose from. The resemblance between New York City and London is uncanny and is why I chose to stay in San Telmo with its bohemian vibe, colonial buildings, gas lanterns and cobblestone streets. Here is what I learned and liked most about living in Buenos Aires…

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

Between Painted Mountains and Waterfalls: A Journey Through Northwest Argentina

A ten-day journey starting in Buenos Aires, traveling through the Northwest countryside of Argentina to experience the roar of the Iguazu waterfalls, the largest in the world, and moving from there to the colonial city of Salta. From here we ascend through valleys and winding roads of dramatic landscapes of rainbow mountains and ancient villages of adobe homes… almost surreal. It’s impossible to really experience Argentina’s history and culture if you only stay in Buenos Aires. On this journey where the air is a bit thinner, you get to explore cactus-dotted deserts, steep canyons, wine-producing farms and mountains of rose, jade, mustard, and violet colors celebrated by its people as Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here’s more on the highlights of this journey and what I learned from this experience…

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

The Misminay Community of Peru: A Legacy of Ancestral Farming

During my stay in Peru, on my way to Machu Picchu, I had the opportunity to visit another indigenous community known as the Misminay situated in the Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley), 12,000 feet above sea level. This primarily agricultural community is known for preserving ancestral customs both in agriculture and in weaving. I spent some time learning their traditional techniques, helping make a sauce for our lunch, and taking part in one of their agricultural rituals.  As expected, the Misminay community is facing a series of challenges as it remains committed to its ancestral traditions.  This story sheds light on who they are, along with their endurance and resilience ….

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

The City of Lima…The Pulse of Peru

After 12 days of traveling through Peru’s countryside from the colonial city of Arequipa to Machu Picchu, I decided to spend several weeks in the City of Lima to both recover and to become acquainted with the other side of Peru widely known as the culinary capital of South America. Lima is the fourth largest city built on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A UNESCO Heritage site known for its colonial architecture with over 9 million inhabitants. Lima serves as Peru’s cultural hub (partly thanks to Machu Picchu, which drives tourism in Peru) as well as the country’s center for business, and manufacturing.  If you have plans to come to Peru, read about my time there…..

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

Three Weeks in Santiago, Chile: Between the Andes and the Sky

I am now staying in the city of Santiago, Chile, a large modern metropolis with a walkable historic center. A blend of modern living surrounded by colonial architecture and the panoramic views of the Andes Mountains.  A country that endured 17 years of a brutal dictatorship led by General Pinochet in the 70s. Today, Chile is known for its stunning vineyards, empanadas, ceviche and pisco sour. Its long stretch of Andes mountains attracts both hikers and skiers worldwide. Its most famous resident, Poet Pablo Neruda has one of three homes in Santiago.  His Love Sonnet XI is best read in Spanish (Tengo hambre de tu boca, de tu voz, de tu pelo) along with a glass of Carmenere, Chile’s most popular wine.  I spent three weeks getting to know the city enjoying its wine and museums. Here is what I can share with you about this cosmopolitan city…

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

The City of Eternal Spring: A Week in Medellin, Colombia

On my way to Peru, I thought I would make a couple of stops through Colombia to visit a friend in Bogota and to spend a week in Medellin. Many folks have suggested visiting this vibrant, transformed city.  After Bogota, Medellin is the second largest city in Colombia. A city nestled in the Andes Mountains that has gradually transformed its troubled, violent past into a city of innovation and culture. Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its year-round Spring weather. I stayed in the Poblado district, an upscale community easy to get to the center of the city yet away from all the congestion and noise.  Here is a week of sightseeing and learning about this city’s past and future….

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture Wanderlust

The Floating Islands: The Enduring World of the Uro People of Peru

Traveling to Peru opens a world of diversity and traditions that are tied to thousands of years of history.  The story of the Uro People represents one of the oldest living cultures in the Andes, and it is quite remarkable.  It is also one in a series of stories on my journey through Peru’ magnificent countryside.  On my fourth day of traveling through Peru’s countryside near the City of Puno, we were promised a boat ride to visit the highest navigable body of water in the world. Lake Titicaca is 12,500 ft above sea level and stands as one of South America’s largest lakes. It’s surreal to see such a gigantic lake nestled in the mountains between Peru and Bolivia.  But the most interesting part of this lake is the 120 floating islands built by the Uro people, the oldest ethnic group in the central Andes dating back to pre-Inca times.  The opportunity to spend some time learning and engaging with Uro families was a priceless experience that inspired one’s faith in humanity.  Here’s a bit more about their resilience, their ability to adapt to change and preserve their way of life….

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