It takes $60-80 to tango in Argentina

by Iva Skoch on

Argentina is seeing a comeback of tango, according to the International Herald Tribune. The so-called tango economy is growing 25 percent a year, which experts attribute to the jump in tourism to Argentina after a deep economic slowdown in 2002. Because the peso currency plummeted, travel to Argentina suddenly became cheap.

When tourists visit Buenos Aires, they want to see tango. That is the “it” thing to do. The easiest way to do this is by booking a diner table at one of the dinner theaters, such as Esquina Carlos Gardel, and eat steak while watching tango. Most such shows go for $60-80, making the tango business a $450 million a year industry. Industry of primarily observers and dinner-eaters, not dancers, that is.

I guess you’ll have to bring all that passion back to the hotel room if they won’t let you butcher the dance on the floor.

Mission impossible: Scotland in a weekend

by Jerry Guo on

So is it possible to see an entire country in a weekend? And not even a long weekend. My college roommate and I had just Saturday and most of Sunday to see Scotland, and we did!

First, we took an overnight bus from London to Edinburgh, leaving at 11 pm and arriving at 7 am on Saturday. Then we hopped on one of the countless day-trip bus tours around the highlands. Except the one we took bussed us all the way from Edinburgh to the northernmost city in Scotland, Inverness. Along the way, we saw Loch Ness, and plenty of other lochs along the “Great Glen,” and great views of the famous Scottish highlands, including a stop at Glencoe, the site of the 1692 massacre.

The next day, we saw most of Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle and the Queen’s Scottish royal palace. Of course, we didn’t have time to visit any of Scotland’s legendary islands: Shetland, Orkney, Hebrides (divided into the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides). And I definitely plan on going back and enjoying the scenic landscapes of the highlands more thoroughly. But all in all, if you only have a weekend, and you want to desperately see Scotland, it’s doable (just make sure to book a day-trip like we did).

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My week as a Turkish farmer

by Jerry Guo on

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a farmer? That’s what I set to do last summer, albeit on a different continent and in a country whose language was completely alien to me.

Yep, I chose Turkey. Looking back, it was my perfect introduction to the world of Islam (and agriculture). It’s a pretty safe place, the people are at once cosmopolitan and traditional, and there’s just so much history to see and absorb.

For a week, I lived with an incredibly welcoming Turkish family in the countryside outside Baebeski, a small town a few hours drive from Istanbul. My host mother cooked very delicious meals while my host father handled the chaffeuring (by tractor). Here are pictures from that memorable week.

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Mardi Gras the green way: Think recycle

by Jamie Rhein on

When buying up those Mardi Gras beads and trinkets to feel festive with the best of them, look for beads that have been recycled. Every year beads by the bushels (lots and lots and lots of beads) are tossed into the crowd who watch the parade. These cheap plastic baubles from China (see post about bead safety) may be great around a person’s neck but not in a landfill.

The Sierra Club and Arc of Greater New Orleans have a joint effort going to get people to buy recycled beads from them. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re helping these two organizations that are working towards rebuilding New Orleans. The thing is, the beads are sold in 30 pound bags. That’s a lot of beads. They also have other recycled Mardi Gras goods.

To find out how to get these recycle beads and other Mardi Gras trinkets, head to the Sierra Club Delta Chapter Web site. The phone number and email are listed there. While you’re at the site, check out the other efforts being made to help New Orleans ecologically rebuild. The Greater Arc of New Orleans is located at 925 S. Labarre Road. This is an organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities. You can also turn in beads for recycling here. There are two other locations. Call 504/837-5105 for information.

To buy artsy and interesting products made from recycled beads, check out Unique Products. There is a wide selection of night lights like the one pictured. The money from these purchases also goes to aid New Orleans. You can buy on-line.

Mardi Gras Museums: A break from the crowds

by Jamie Rhein on

I’ve been to New Orleans twice, neither time for Mardi Gras, but to absorb the history, aesthetics, Cajun food and music after mornings that began with beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde. The Mardi Gras, although months past, did still hang in the air. Two museums are dedicated to highlighting what makes this historical, rich cultural icon mega party so important and interesting.

At Presbytere, once home to Caspian monks, the span of Mardi Gras history from the 1699 is told in themed exhibits. If you wonder how did all this frivolity start anyway, the answers are here. Floats, costumes, masks, historical background information, and interactive displays are geared for all ages. The museum’s Web site calls this a place that kids of all ages will like. The museum is located at Jackson Square in the heart of the city.

Another Mardi Gras themed museum is, Backstreet Cultural Museum located in the oldest African American neighborhood in the city. The museum used to be a funeral home. Today, among other items such as photographs and vintage films, it boasts the largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes which are elaborate treasures. The Mardi Gras Indians have a history that dates back to the 18th and 19th century when runaway slaves sought safety with the area Indians. The costumes can only be worn the year they were made. I’d be interested in going here because of the unique perspective it offers on both African American history and Native American history. Plus, the costumes in their feathered and beaded glory sound fabulous.

Other exhibits are dedicated to the tradition of Jazz Funerals and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. Gaining perspective on what makes life in New Orleans interesting and the traditions that have made it famous and unique can be had here.