Archives for: December 2007
PAOLA FORNARI C.V.
Writer, EFL teacher, trainer, and translator, I was born in Tanzania, have lived in a dozen countries over three continents, and describe myself as an ‘expatriate sin patria’. Wherever I go I make it my business to learn the language, get to know the local people and customs, and discover the country’s remotest corners. I became interested in writing in mid-2006, did a short Open University creative writing course and a Writers’ Bureau course, and began getting articles published in 2007.
Christmas at the Hotel Hanna
We're down a few and up a few - 8 now in the Hanna Hotel - if you'd like to have a look at how we've spent our last Christmas in Uruguay, click here
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34468&l=627aa&id=664241054
Happy New Year to everyone!
Maté Mates
First published in 'The Oldie', January 2008
I was delighted to hear from Marit that this article is indeed in the January 2008 edition of 'The Oldie.'
‘Let’s sit on the zaguán,’ my friend Rosa says. The zaguán is the space between her front door and the street. We squeeze out two plastic folding chairs and a table.
I’ve been invited to matear, Uruguayan style.
Maté is a national social pastime here.
Peruvian Flowers: 10
Peruvian Flowers: 9
Peruvian Flowers: 8
Peruvian Flowers: 7
Peruvian Flowers: 6
Peruvian Flowers: 5
Night of the Lights
In Montevideo, tonight is 'La Noche de las Luces' - The Night of the Lights. When the sun begins to set, which is at around nine o'clock at this time of year, hordes of people flock to the Rambla, in their cars, in specially laid on buses, by bike, jogging, roller-blading, walking, carrying their matés, folding chairs and babies, and trailing small children by the hand.
Peruvian Flowers: 4
Peruvian Flowers: 3
Peruvian Flowers: 2
Peruvian Flowers: 1
Shortly after we arrived in Uruguay, we went on a trip to Peru, and walked the 'Wimpy' Inca trail (it was February and the real trail was closed for maintenance - no one in their right mind goes to this area in February - it pours with rain!). Anyway, I was suffering from altitude sickness + a very queasy stomach, so kept my pace slow with the excuse that I was practising taking photos of flowers. Over the next few days, I'll give you a taste...
Jacarandas again
The jacarandas last only about a month, and they are nearly over - the streets are carpeted in mauve blossom, and the air is heady with their scent.
Why I Love Uruguay: The Leather
On Thursday I received an e-mail from the Editor of the Culture and Travel supplement of the Buenos Aires Herald (the closest English language newspaper to here - though it doesn't actually make it over the water).
Why I love Uruguay: The City
Why I Love Uruguay: Quirky stuff
Sometimes you find the craziest things on the beach: this is an offering to the Virgin of Fishermen...