Happy New Year!! Feliz Año Nuevo!!

Happy Holidays !

  
  ¡Feliz Navidad y un Feliz Año Nuevo a partir de 279 Boutique Bed + Breakfast. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from   279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast.  279ブティックベッドからメリークリスマスとハッピーニューイヤー+朝食。Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr von 279 Boutique Bed + Breakfast. Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo da 279 Boutique Bed + Breakfast. Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος από Bed Boutique 279 + πρωινό. Feliz Natal e um Feliz Ano Novo de 279 Boutique Bed + Breakfast. Merry Christmas na Heri ya Mwaka Mpya kutoka 279 Boutique Bed+ Breakfast .मेरी क्रिसमस और एक नया साल मुबारक + 279 बुटीक बिस्तर से नाश्ता.Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku od 279 Boutique + śniadanie. Joyeux Noël et une Bon Année à partir de 279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast

Happy Holidays from : 

 279 Boutique Bed +Breakfast 
            Lareo + Indiana Jones + Srinivas

An invitation for Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer" to train a Cordobes dog

Here we go again. Another dog bite. Can you believe this is my second dog bite? That makes two bullets that I have taken  for my dog.

 Although in both cases, I would like to be clear and state my dog’s innocence.

The following names of these  teeth grinding  assailants, have been modified to a last name initial  to protect the owner's integrity.

Case#1

Attacker’s name: Rufus G.

Breed: German Sheppard

Sex: Male

Proximity of wound: surrounding area of right knee cap

Wound Healing time: Forever

Attacker’s owner:  Victim's friend’s dog

Victim’s side of the story:

 Victim was leaving friends home after an afternoon chat. Escorting victim out  of the front door of  house, friend forgets to close the door entirely. (Hello..oo , First red flag.)

As the victim walked over to untie her dog against the side of her friends house, the assailant,  Rufus G ,  pushed his nose against the front door and glided in between the front door and it’s frame escaping.  As Rufus G approached the victim’s dog ,  Indiana Jones, a flying fur frenzy of aggression took place. The victim being right smack in the middle,  was knocked down by assailant Rufus G. and in a slow motion, (visual) Chariot of Fire moment, the mandibulas of

Rufus G.,  took a bite perforating the victims favorite low rider  wool pants purchased at “Barneys” of New York, (not that this piece of information is important to this deposition, but still, a painful retail lost), and inserted it’s teeth into the victim’s knee area causing  damage .

End of story.

 

Case #2

Attacker’s name: Clara C.

Accessory to crime: Sophie C.

Breed: little four legged aggressive yapping hot dog and Cocker Spaniel

Sex: both females

Proximity of wound: underneath  right side calve , several inches above left side of ankle area.

Wound healing time: Don’t ask. It’s only day 7.

Attacker’s owner: One of my across the street neighbor’s (not saying which one)

Victim’s side of the story:

 While walking  her dog, Indiana Jones ,  victim's neighbor in typical Argentine oblivion*, was pulling out of her driveway with the gates wide open, (Duh! First red flag) when her two dogs, one Clara C .and Sophie C.(cocker spaniel)  grabbed an opportunity of  freedom from their usual fenced in prison bars and escaped to the street ( Really ?!! , Duh  #2) and like two bats out of hell, pounced on the victims dog.  Victim immediately let go of the leash to distance herself from this violent ménage et toi . As victim stepped back, victim's dog Indiana Jones and Sophie C. continued their dominating dispute.

 Meanwhile, ,  Clara C. remained behind with the victim and for no good reason other than to make the victims life miserable, took a chunk of the victims Cuban /American leg meat for a quick snack.

End of story.

My spritual seeking question is:

Where is the “Dog Whisperer” when you need him?

I openly challenge  the dog guru himself, the maestro of dog trainers,the honorable Cesar  Millan to train a Cordobes dog. Of course, with complimentary accommodations at 279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast. How about it Cesar?!!!

*you mean , other people besides me exist?

Fiesta de Gauchos (Argentine Cowboy Gathering) in Alta Gracia

   Far away from the center of town, driving through one of those out of the way , dusty, graveled  roads, a desolate field  surrounded by trees, shrubs, and blue skies  awaits us.  Local Gauchos ,"Los Serranos" from Alta Gracia gather for another “Fiesta de Gauchos” event.

    My friend John,  an honorary “Gringo Gaucho”, is always one up on these events and is my “In” connection to this underground world of what I would call the real McCoy's of Argentine cowboys. Arriving to one of these events, always feels like a secret out of the way gathering, that is only for a select breed of participants and spectators. These Gauchos, many of them entire families , are dressed in their best and ready to compete for prizes and a show of honor.

The first event of the afternoon is “La Lanca”, a sort of modern day version of jousting. The competing gaucho runs his horse at full gallop with one hand on the reins and the other hand holding a lance in air and aiming for a barely visible target, a small ring that dangles from an extended pole. Talk about coordination, precision and focus! This is really a very impressive event to witness. These gauchos have trained since a young age and have reached a level of coordination that surpasses anything that you can imagine. The events continue with little bucking ponies which at first, seem like innocent miniature creatures , that is until the young gauchos  bravely mount them and are released into a frenzy of uncontrollable bucking .

As I watch this event, I am convinced that this is the  “Rite of Passage” for these young Argentine gauchos to prove their manhood. As they fly off these ponies and hit the hard ground, they quickly get up, brush themselves off and as tradition goes,  after wards, they  mount a larger horse while handed the Argentine Flag to proudly wave  as they circle the arena of spectators. And on goes the events with bucking mules and bucking horses to follow.

Of course what is a gaucho fiesta without the traditional Choripan sandwich (sausage), locro (corn stew) and the  famous Argentine empanadas , all this, while being accompanied by an extra large plastic cup of Quilmes beer as the announcer is heard in the background reciting Gaucho poetry while the participants are being prepped for their moment of glory.

If you are lucky enough to witness one of these events, you will go back home with memories of a true representation of Argentina’s culture and heritage .

When I first moved to Alta Gracia more than 6 years ago, one of the enticing attractions that the city of Alta Gracia had to offer, was an Aero Club  only 15 minutes away. As far back as I can remember, I have always loved to fly.

 The idea of gliding  in the air,  surrounded by clouds and witnessing unimaginable views from up above, has always been a great pleasure and privilege .

When I  had purchased my house ,  I  enthusiastically thought  that I would be able to  put  aside part of the loan that was intended for  the remodeling project for  279   Boutique Bed+Breakfast  and take flying lessons.

Well , as many of you home owners know,  when one is remodeling a house , money tends to disappear quickly with unforeseen spending.

 So needless to say , my plans for flying lessons, unfortunately,  never came to fruition. Recently as a birthday gift from a close friend, I was presented with an incredibly generous incentive , my first 10 flying lessons.

After having completed my Physio-Psych examinations at the Aeronautic Military University in the city of Cordoba, I finally received  word from the director of  the flying school,  that I  had passed all  my exams and was now  eligible to obtain my private pilots license.

Yesterday, was my first official flying lesson which was recorded in the flight log. 
With the help of my english speaking flying instructor, Franco, I hope to  earn a private pilots license and fly the friendly skies of Alta Gracia.

For those of  you who  have an interest in flying lessons or obtaining any type of pilots license, you can get in touch with the :

Alas Escuela de  vuelo                                           Owner/Director: 

Eduardo Daniel Alvarez

e-mail: eduardotala@hotmail.com

Remember that the Alas Escuela de vuelo has english speaking instructors and it is only 15 minutes from the center of  Alta Gracia.

Beautiful skies , clean air and  the Sierra mountains  await you!

 For  flying  packages  +  accommodations , feel free to contact 279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast for more details.

Wish me luck!

Lareo
279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast

Silvio Rodriguez

El trovador Cubano , Silvio Rodriguez, toca en el Orfeo en Cordoba

 

     After missing a disappointing amount of talented singers who have played in El Orfeo, Cordoba’s premier concert stadium, I knew that this time, I would walk across a desert  to get tickets to hear the Cuban trovador, Silvio Rodriguez play in concert.  Always late purchasing, with “Sold Out“ concerts as a constant deterrent , I decided  that this time, as the saying goes, “ Where there is a will, there is a way”.

Fortunately , "the way" , happened to be my friend Monica and her credit card ! I gave up those little heroin addicted plastic credit cards years ago, but this time , Mr Feelgood Plastic, represented  a last minute  quick solution to long ticket lines  and a saved bus ride into the city of Cordoba .

  Et Voila !, finally , 2 tickets waiting for us at the ticket booth at  El Orfeo for tonight’s concert. A concert that no doubt , will be unforgettable!

A "unique" wedding alternative in Argentina

Josephine Baker 1929

   Imagine your wedding party  in an old train station built in the 1800’s. Stunning molding and details still intact  as if time stood still. A view of  parked trains peaking out from  just behind the frosted curtain windows in the main ballroom  with a spacious, beautiful ceramic tiled floor, ready to dance the Tango.
                  Welcome to Estacion Mitre.

   The first time I discovered Estacion Mitre, was when I was wandering around  the  Cordoba train station enthralled by the architecture. I poked my head into the entrance way of Estacion Mitre and found an incredible display of sepia toned photographs, depicting the train station in it’s earlier days. I was quite taken with a particular photograph of  the singer Josephine Baker and wondered what she was doing hanging in the entrance lobby of this establishment. Apparently, Ms Baker had paid a visit to Cordoba in the late 20's and a photo was captured of her waving her hand from the train window.

   As I  entered through the lobby and into the ballroom area,  It was as if I had stumbled back into time. It was one of those sentimental  moments  that made you stop and think what things were like back then.

Bar at Estacion Mitre

The spacious ballroom was supported by  several impressive Roman columns and a round  detailed skylight  in the center of the ceiling spilling light onto the shiny polished floor . The huge bar was what impressed me the most, the simplicity  in design in the molding , and the  wood carved  mirrored cabinet,   standing majestically behind the bar reflecting the ballrooms architecture in all five beveled mirrors. Not forgetting, the old cash register and  the multiple coffee dispensing machine, that is prominently displayed on top of the bar and is still working to this day.

 I spoke to Tito, the  affable owner of Estacion Mitre and was delighted when he gave me a tour of  Estacion Mitre and it’s history.  He converted Estacion Mitre into a place for events , catering to  weddings, anniversary’s, retirement party’s , always respecting the  architectural decor of  this landmark establishment. To really get a sense of Estacion Mitre, I highly recommend that you take a look at their website and the wonderful photos that speak for themselves.

Ticket booth  in Cordoba train station

Meanwhile, for accommodations for any of these events, remember that the city of Alta Gracia  is only 45 minutes away from Estacion Mitre. After an all night affair, one can sleep easily and peacefully in the quiet town of Alta Gracia and wake up the next morning to the fresh air and  views of the Sierra mountains.

Estacion Mitre

Bv.Pte-Peron 101

EstacionF.C.Mitre-5000

Cordoba, Arrgentina

Tel/fax 0351 4224989

www.estacionmitre.com.ar

Festejo del dia del Paracaidista Militar

Alta Gracia Aero Club

Military Parachuting and Air Show Event at the Alta Gracia Aero Club

     After an all day and  all night marathon of heavy rain on Saturday, the skies were a brilliant blue for today’s Air Show at the Alta Gracia Aero Club. 

Hot and sunny, with white billowy clouds  floating across the sky,  hundreds of  spectators came out to see the different airplanes, military helicopters,  and antique cars displayed on the fields of the Aero Club.  The riveting demonstration of emergency landing rescue drills by local fire fighters, seemed to be  quite entertaining, as  the large crowd cheered and applauded.

   Booths were set up for parachute jumps, airplane  and hot air balloon rides with discounted rates for this 3 day event.

Arriving early at the Aero Club , I was able to garner  an excellent and up close viewing position of the event . After years of watching helicopters take off in Hollywood films, I was finally able to experience the slow rotation of the helicopter blades whizzing into a frenzy of wind, kicking up a  tornado of dust, as little particles of dirt made it’s way into my eyes. 

 Aside from a short span of discomfort, it was a cool moment to experience.

The event  is organized by ALAS PARA CRECER which is an organization with the common goal of  integrating and celebrating “The day of the Parachuter “ , offering  the public an extraordinary aeronautic  gathering of varied jumping events and air show.  For more information regarding future events you can contact ALAS PARA CRECER at: www.alasparacrecer.com.ar

Another great event in the city of Alta Gracia, home of Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Unesco site.

Alta Gracia's annual procession for La Virgin de la Merced

Virgin de la Merced

  The patron Saint of  Alta Gracia, the protector of the pueblo,  is la Virgin de la Merced.
  A procession takes place every year in honor of this beloved Virgin.

 This is  an event that gives foreigners an idea of Argentine culture, especially when experienced in the town of Alta Gracia. The  procession begins with several statues of the  Virgin de la Merced held high and proud by locals walking down  la calle Libertador,  the main street entering the city of Alta Gracia. This is followed by  gauchos (Argentine cowboys) men, women and children on horse, dressed in their traditional costumes paying homage to Alta Gracia's most revered Virgin. Both gaucho and horse are dressed  in their best and it is truly a photographic feast for the eye.

This event takes place every year during the month of September. It is probably best to check with the Alta Gracia tourist board  in case of a change in schedule or you can contact 279 Boutique Bed+ Breakfast for the schedule of events.  The procession for  the Virgin de la Merced in Alta Gracia  should definitely be  high on your list when visiting the Province of Cordoba, Argentina .











Remember to reserve your accommodations ahead of time and don't forget your camera!!

Lareo
279 Boutique Bed +Breakfast
www.279altagracia.com

Arte en Cordoba

Leonardo Kilstein

Marcela Moujan

Del 15 de septiembre al 24 de noviembre

Puedes ver las obras de Marcela Moujan , Leonardo Kilstein , Esteban Pastorino, Pablo Demonte, Manuel Quiroga , Oscar Paez y los Premios Arnet 2011 en el

Museo Emiliano Caraffa en la ciudad de Cordoba.

La edicion 2011 del  Premio Arnet a Cielo Abrierto es la tercera consecutiva que realiza la banda ancha de Telecom, para promover el desarollo de esculturas e instalaciones con el fin de enriquecer el patrimonio cultural de la nacion. Por lo menos, sabemos, que los aumentos descontrolados de Arnet/Telecom lo estan usando para el crecimiento del arte.

Si tienen el tiempo a visitar este  museo, son obras  e ideas interesantes que seguro,  te inspiran.

Recuerdas que los Miercoles, las entradas a los museos son gratis.

Lareo
279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast

Photo Exhibit at El Museo de la Estancia Jesuitica de Alta Gracia

     The city of Alta Gracia invites you to the  photography exhibition of world renowned, Wikipidea listed, “ Small World” elite club member , National Geographic and United Nations photographer, Mr Ricardo Preve. 

Did I miss anything Ricardo??

On display at The Museo de la Estancia Jesuitica de Alta Gracia , Ricardo’s beautiful, colorful , large scale photographs of African Rituals , were captured in Haiti, Cuba, Brazil and Uruguay. 

Transporting  the viewer to" moments of time"  that are  sacred, the viewer senses  a certain
exclusivity , entering in a world, that is seen by very  few.
This is a photography exhibition, not to be missed. 

Harley Davidson's roar into Alta Gracia.

I have a confession to make.

I have always wanted to be a biker chic, you know the girl that you see riding on the back of a Harley Davidson, with her arms wrapped around a muscular, sleeveless shirt, overly tattooed, bald , bandanna sporting biker with a hook earring. Yep!! That’s pretty much the description. Although if I had my choice, I would go more with the Sam Elliot look.

 I can’t for the life of me explain the attraction that I have for this particular group  of  characters that caravan from town to town,  arms and legs stretched out long, with their very intimidating engines ,  and an effortlessly cool look that clings like static, making  pit stops at local bars , just to take off again into the wild blue yonder.

    What is it about a Harley Davidson that makes people look and listen?  Is it the unmistakable sound of a Harley engine?  Or is it the cowboy -ish  name “Harley Davidson” that invokes a certain coolness?

 Perhaps, it’s the sleek chromed design of each bike , or maybe  it’s the Harley Davidson lifestyle?

 It could be just that which  attracts many, including myself , to the Harley Davidson mystique, the lifestyle and it’s mantra  “Live to ride”. Can’t get any clearer than that!

By the way, what do these bikers do for a living? Do they work? Tattoos are not cheap and neither is chrome polish! 

An e-mail  arrived from the Alta Gracia Tourist Board announcing the arrival of 150 Harley Davidson bikers in our main plaza.

Of course I immediately ironed my official  Harley Davidson  “tres cool” T-shirt, charged the battery in my camera, and took off with my dog Indiana Jones to welcome the bikers.

Now, personally speaking, I don’t think that you have lived, until you have witnessed  the  thunderous roar of 150 Harley Davidson bikers driving through the main street of a small town.

There is only one word that could best describe this event, "AWESOME".

Lareo
279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast

Arte Contemporaneo en las calles de Cordoba

Llega una muestra de color, fuerza y expresion, con una meta fundamental: ACERCAR EL ARTE CONTEMPORANEO A LA GENTE.  30  obras de artistas argentinos se instalan en el Centro Historico de Cordoba, formando parte de la vida de la ciudad. Una verdadera intervencion del Patrimonio Arquitectonico y Cultural, con la frescura de las expresiones actuales.

Un homenaje a cinco grandes maestros

El concurso tuvo un espiritu de "homenaje" a cinco referentes del Arte Contemporaneo: Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Friedensreich Hundertwasser,Xul Solar y el cordobes Ernesto Soniera. Asi, los artistas se inspiraron en estos grandes maestros que abrieron nuevos espacios dentro del arte.

Del 18 al 26 de Agosto de 2011 en la Plazoleta del Fundador.
27 de Abril y Obispo Trejo en el Cabildo, Monumento Historico Nacional. Cordoba, Argentina

The Fab3

Last week, I decided to treat myself to the pampering services of the Fab3, as I like to call them.

After several years of  trial and error, I finally found  three dedicated  professionals who love what they do and have become 279 Boutique Bed + Breakfast’s favorite !

Maria del Carmen is  279’s  exclusive masseuse . She arrives with her table , music and oils and her scrub outfit nicely starched. Her small frame and soft voice are  deceiving but  her hands  tell another story.  They are strong , yet sensitive, as they  massage their way through your body, seeking out  and working through , the knots and contractions  hidden deep within.

Her massages usually last around 2 hours as you fall into a deep relaxation , enjoying the “California” technique she takes pride in exercising. As you finally wake up , your body feels like it is floating on air  or better yet, as  if you  were walking on clouds.

                                                                                        


When Vilma arrives with her equipment bag on wheels and her white lab coat, the  only thing  missing is a team of nurses behind her.   She gets to work immediately setting up her sander,  sterilized scraping knife and  lights.  The first hour of your pedicure, Vilma methodically works on your heals and every toe as she carefully slices away calluses , dead skin and whatever else gets in the way of her razor. As you stare at your lizard skin feet , you can’t help but wonder if a miracle can actually be performed. After a long period of concentration and  the sound of  non stop scraping , the end is near as she whips out her sander  and starts to smooth the rough edges. She gently  adds lotion and  massages your feet for the final touch.

Et Voila! Indeed a miracle has taken place. Your feet have now been transformed to the unbelievably soft skin of a baby. No more lizard skin!!

    Raquel always greets you with her smiling eyes and a friendly hello as you enter her immaculate facial room with her impressive machines and high end products prominently displayed. As she places a blanket over your body to keep you warm and a hair band to prep your face, you instantly feel relaxed. Raquel, takes her job very seriously and is very informative about the products she is using on your face and her technique to remove  facial impurities. Her facials are what I would call a full no nonsense facial. Aside from the usual masks and scrubs, Raquel , extracts black heads , and uses a suction machine to really penetrate the second layer of skin. Her protein masks which are full of vitamins are accompanied by a cotton cloth outlining your face, to help  absorb the vitamins.

After one of Raquel’s facials, you walk out with a fully hydrated face and a wonderful healthy glow.

ANOTHER FACELIFT ?!!!

  There are some women  who just can't grasp the idea, that less is more....not the case with this lady, Nuestra Senora de la Merced de Alta Gracia.

       After her first face lift several years ago which withstood several unpredictable seasons of sun, wind, rain, snow and hale, her architects recently decided that a little retouch was in order.

   Her serum is not botox, but a coat of weatherproof  liquid coating  that will preserve her outer layer from mother nature's forces for several more years to come.  Meanwhile, her majesty still peers out from her iron bandages so that we can still enjoy her beauty .

Kate Hepurn in the house!

 

I recently had the great pleasure of  hosting the lovely and divine Ms. Marion Hulett and her witty companion Mr. Philip Matsumura. Their fashion sense, grace and style were an added  breath of fresh air here at 279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast. I just wanted to share this wonderful photo of them  taken at a friends campo during their stay in Alta Gracia.  We wish them the best  and hope that our paths will cross again!

Sincerely,
Silvia Lareo-Vazquez

P.S.
Hi mom!!

Fasten your seatbelts ... 279 has a new service!

279 is happy to announce it's complimentary pick up service to and from the Alta Gracia Bus Terminal.
Hope you like air conditioning !!

Lareo
279 Boutique Bed+Breakfast