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.
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.

Bar at Estacion Mitre

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