Harmonica Tango Legend

Last night I attended the most unforgettable concert I've been to since arriving in Argentina--and I saw U2 here!--Tango Harmonica legend Franco Luciani with Tango singer Cardenal Dominguez, Live at the CAFF April 23, 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you like it you can hear more on Franco Luciani's myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/francoluciani

Podcast Launches! - Malena Canta el Tango

I'm launching my very own podcast!

"Malena Canta el Tango:
Music, Stories, and Musings from South America and Beyond"

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"Malena canta el tango como ninguna

y en cada verso pone su corazón."

~

“Malena sings the tango like no other

and into every single verse she pours her heart.”

I cannot introduce myself quietly in Argentina. Every time I tell someone my name, I get the same enthusiastic response: “Ah, Malena canta el tango!” Sometimes I get a smile, as wistful look off into the distance. If I’m lucky, I’ll get a serenade. Malena is a famous tango song from the 1940s, and while I may not live up to the first line (I have yet to master the art of singing tango), the second is most certainly true: if I am going to commit myself to something, I’m going to go all out. This podcast is my attempt to share the things I’m pouring my heart into these days, and the experiences that have left an imprint on my heart and soul.

Farmers struggle in Argentina

Today I attended a talk by delegates of the the National Indigenous and Farmer Movement who traveled from communities across Argentina to participate in events leading up to the International Day for Farmers' Struggle. Across Argentina, from the provinces of Jujuy, to Mendoza, to Santiago del Estero, farmers are dealing with displacement, land grabs and appropriation, lack of access to water, genetic engineering, lack of food sovereignty, and health and environmental damages due to mining contamination. This interview (in Spanish) highlights the struggles of one Mendoza farmers.

A photostory to honor Monica

With the recent passing of my Aunt Monica, I thought I would share this photo story that I shared with her a few weeks ago, when she first arrived at her hospice center. With my little tale, I was hoping to transport her for a few minutes, to bring her in to my world and hold her close. My mom read her the illustrated story and a letter I had written. Monica and I were able to video skype during her final days, so she could see my wrapping my arms around her in love.

Here's to you Monica, my inspiration forever.

(if you click on the album it will take you to the picasa page with the story written in as captions.)

Baklavah and Barbed Wire: A Bittersweet Holy Land

Israel and Palestine: Jerusalem and Bethlehem

I've been wanting to share some of these photos for a while. It was an amazing experience visiting the West Bank for the first time.