My Favorite Expressions

I have found myself using more and more corporate words eventhough I'm in a slacking mode. The one that I seem to use the most is "Pull The Trigger" and "Charge The Hill". I like the notion and action of them both. Since I'm an old Saphir-Whorf disciple I have a strong preference for words and thoughts that feed of each other. You cannot, without having a rich vocabulary, think big thoughts and vice versa. At least that is the simplification and media snippet of the theorem.

Metaphors are powerful and the images that these expressions provide are clear and actionable. They clearly derive from centuries of battle - first about land and then about market share. But I enjoy them in any daily occasion as well since they fend off the sometimes unwanted need of thinking to much.

To Pack For The Perfect Trip

- How do you get all your things to fit in the bag?, the missus said just before we left for BA.

Hmm, I thought. It's time to share one of my deepest secrets; to let her into the most exclusive brotherhood of travelers and reveal centuries of travel experience.

I can only convey what is important for a man to bring. I might add a second version once the missus is fully up to speed. She is darn close.

First - everything needs to fit into a 20" or 22" carry-on bag. Checking-in luggage is a no no. It just increases the time spent at the airport as well as the risk of having anything stolen / delayed / completely lost. Bring a smaller bag for books, computer et cetera. Most airlines allows a carry-one plus a 'personal' bag.

The second advice is all about content and here are a few ideas:
- A blazer that works both during leasure days and dressy nights
- A few dress shirts that do the same
- 2 pair of shoes - one comfortable for the day (yet stylish) and a pair of suave for the nightime
- A few polo shirts always works - they are half shirt and half t-shirt and will get you in anywhere day or night (i.e. avoid t-shirts - not versatile enough)
- A sweater that can go under the blazer for cold spring or fall evenings but also for breezy days
- A sports jacket / coat
- A few pants - from comfortable jeans to dressy slacks
- A pair of swim trunks / shorts
- Colored socks and underwear
- If it's late fall or early spring a nice scarf and a pair of leather gloves are highly recommended
- Possible a light-weight PJ
- Toiletry


That's about it, just a few things that will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the days as well as stylish during the evenings. This is the time to focus on quality and versatility and not quantity. Remember, you can always have the hotel launder you clothes if you'd like to stay longer.

Now over to the ever so important accessories and gadgets:
- Computer / DVD-player
- iPOD (including power cord and USB cable)
- Triband Phone
- Digital Camera (including extra battery, charger and USB cable)
- Cigars but be careful bringing the cutter
- Compact headset for the VoIP
- Airplane charger
- 5-7 favorite DVD movies
- WiFi card (if not built-in)
- A book
- A pair of sunglasses


But what about a couple of shorts, the fanny pack, the florescent PJ's and the "Go Warriors" cap you ask? Hmm, Well, if you are traveling to a football game that is all good but nowhere else.

Finally, it's important these days to bring your own food. Flying is not what it used to be. The recommendation is to prepare a light-weight travel basket with wine, water, good sandwiches, pasta salad, cheese et cetera to ensure a quality meal while the rest of the plane is chewing energy bars and sucking on old buns. A content stomach can face any challenges and sleeps much better. It's also a great pleasure to let the crew know that you prefer food over doggie bits.

Bon Voyage!

Butts And Beer Bellies

We left Buenos Aires last night after more than a week in this wonderful city. My local friend Luis ensured us at our last lunch together that we had been very, very lucky with the weather. Only one day of cold weather (i.e. below 60 F) during more than 8-9 days in the fall proud, sunny capital.

I knew I was going home when I saw all the big butts and beer bellies enter the plane, including the flight attendants. We didn't see any obesity in South America - people seemed so healthy. My guess it's due to the healthy intake of steaks, salads, wine, cheese, coffee, the afternoon walk and the late afternoon siesta. The recipe of a happy and healthy life is so simple. Look at the Mediterranean and Asian cultures - they get it. Why cannot we?

The flight home went very well but I'm already missing the fantastic time we had. But rest assured, it's not the last time. I have already started to scout tickets for our next visit this fall.

Día Nueve: Teatro Colón

The last day and we both feel a little bit sad. We started the day by visiting Teatro Colón on Avenida de 9 de Julio. The guided tour of the building wasn't that intersting and we unfortunately did it in english with all that it brings (weird people from Kansas). Spanish should have been the choice.

We met my collegue Luis at Bar 6 in Palermo Viejo and had a fantastic 2-hour lunch. Palermo Viejo reminds me of Notting Hill in the mid-90's. Still a little unknown but buzzling with ambition and change. Luis answered all the questions we had about Argentina during the past few years - about the sentiment and about the future.

As the sun set we had too take farewell for this time, but not the last. Buenos Aires had during our first stay brought out it's best show and we were both bedazzled and in love. The people - except for that last crazy cab driver - were so friendly, the city glowing and the food radiant. As the Governor used to say: We'll be back!

Día Seis: Brasserie Petanque

Late night. Late morning. We woke up around 9:30am, just in time to make the light breakfast of cafe con leche, croissants and zumo de naranja. The breakfast was follow by a 45 minute workout session to buff the torso and sharpen the guns.

Anyone that voluntarily sweats for 45 minutes deserves a great lunch. So the missus and I headed off to the San Telmo area in a very fall like and windy Buenos Aires. It was the first day for a few weeks that the temperature had ventured below 55 during daytime. We were both cold and eagerly looked for a lunch restaurant where we could host the Sunday feast. Our plan was to check out the flea market in San Telmo and then lunch at Pappa Deus. But the freezing BA got the best of us and we fled into the first restaurant on Calle Defensa. It happen to be a fantastique french brasserie - Brasserie Petanque.

I started with caracoles and the missus with an onion soup. We then attacked the steak frite and the lomo with gratin daphnois. We shared a Crêpes Suzette as the gran final. But no meal is complete without a great wine, in this case a young, fruity Tempranillo.

Two and a half hours later it was time for La Cuenta and the short walk back to our hotel for the daily siesta. It lasted until La Cena.