Protest at Plaza de Mayo

El jueves pasado, I left Spanish class and heard rhythmic protesting, and occasional kabams! (the norm in Argentina)  Careful curiosity drew me near...  

Plaza De Mayo was the site of the revolution in May 1810, and subsequent Argentinean independence.  The Plaza sits right in front of the President’s House: Casa Rosada.    (Equivalent to the U.S. White House)

I approached slowly.  On high alert, head on a swivel.  Wanting to get some snaps, but not wanting to intrude.  Or, be jacked.  Kept a safe distance, and surveyed the scene. Muchos protesters banging on the fence of Casa Rosada with small bats & bottles.  Women, elderly & even children banging on the fence.  Kicking it.  

Away from the fence, the crowd was tame.  Somewhat jovial.  Women wearing Argentinean flags.  People taking pics.  Kids playing.  Choripan vendors servin’ ‘em up.  Almost like a tailgate for a big game.  The energy was strong but not scary at all.  

Argentineans are passionate people.  The country is divided right now.  The gist: former President Kirchner was just replaced in December.  She and her family were very corrupt and proof has come to light.  But, the new President Macri pardoned them.  People are not happy.  More info here.

In the end, I spent about an hour at the protest.  Observing, documenting.  Of course, my head remained on a swivel.  (I do have street smarts) 

And, thankfully, there was a TON of riot police all around.  Glad I stayed.

Live Music: Vintage Wave Sunday

Bethany Saint-Smith

I met the coolest Buenos Aires chica Fernanda, who invited me to a live show on Sunday with her amigos Bruno and Fernando.  The show was at this garage venue El Emergente, and started super early for Buenos Aires (~6pm) because it was Sunday.  (Wait, so they follow SOME laws here?)  

I didn’t know any of the bands, but was excited to experience the local music scene.  It was Vintage Wave night, and the rockabilly vibe was strong.  Bethany Saint-Smith opened up with her bluesy sounds, followed by the Calavers, then a surf-rock band the Lefunders (who Fernanda was most excited to see), and lastly, the psychobilly headliner: Los Cianuros.

Lefunders

The Lefunders were most definitely my fave.  They are an instrumental surf rock group, and made me feel like I was inside Quentin Tarantino's brain.  They could easily do the soundtrack for Kill Bill Vol 7.

Great acoustics for a garage!  Very cool vibes.  Mi amigo Derryl came with.  Had a great time dancing with mi chica Fernanda!  And, loved meeting Bruno (cool musician who speaks English really well and has family in Texas) and Fernando (from Ecuador, but actually lived in New Hampshire for a few years as a kid).  Both are super cool cats!

Los Cianuros

Love meeting locals!  Probably my favorite part of traveling so far.  It's a lil new and scary being the foreigner and wondering if you'll be accepted or rejected.  Think I got the thumbs up.   

I had to miss a cool Remote Year function to attend this show.  But, it was worth it.

Fuerza Bruta!

Fuerza Bruta translated = ‘Brute Force’.  (Probably) the best live show I’ve ever seen!  ~Cirque Du Soleil meets Blue Man Group.  Intense music, performance art and acrobatics.  Most of the show happens in / on top of the crowd.  You can’t help but be a part it.

To all my friends in NYC, you have probably already heard about this.  But, if you don’t know, now you know.  Trust me and click here.  

Here’s a video of one of the opening pieces in Fuerza Bruta.  You can hear the crowd gasping, because the stage was pushing its way through the middle of the crowd.  At the end of the vid, you can hear: "This would never happen in the US!"  Probably not.  But, in Fuerza Bruta, the crowd is part of the show.

I call this the ‘Floating Female Frog Pool’.  This water tank was hanging high above the crowd but, slowly floats down until everyone can touch it.  No words.

I'll be posting a ton of pics to my Facebook, but here are a couple of my faves:

Tacos Al Pastor Por Favor!

I love tacos.  (Main reason I moved to LA)  Al pastor 'til I die!  

Mi amigo (Jeremy) and I have a favorite taco truck in LA.  I miss her sweet trompo.  Córdoba does empanadas really well, but not really tacos.  Before I left for Buenos Aires, Jeremy researched and found: La Fábrica Del Taco.  

Turns out, it’s ~5 blocks from mi apartamento nuevo!  

Tuesday night, I went to check it out.  Hard to explain my glee!  2 pastor tacos, 1 chicken taco (Mistake) and a watermelon agua fresca.  (My favorite drink not named Sprite)  

They brought out their salsa arsenal.  The boring one, your typical salsa verde, and la salsa rojo.  I told Lucas behind the bar that I really like spice and then, they brought out the big gun!  Which was really not that spicy.  

Side note: Most people think all of South America likes spice, which is FALSE.  Mexico, and northern South America share the love, but central and southern Argentineans say, "No mas".  

The Al Pastor was delicious!  So, I ordered "Dos mas pastor".  :P

Lucas behind the bar then asked me if I preferred flour or corn tortillas.  I said corn, but "I'll try them next time".  

A few minutes later, he brought me 1 more pastor taco on a corn tortilla: en la casa.

6 tacos & 2 watermelon agua frescas down the gullet.  

One happy Americano!

One hour later, stomach not so happy.  

I don’t blame La Fábrica Del Taco.  I blame Córdoba for their lack of spice.  My digestive system was not ready for the 6 pack.  I'll probably stick to 5 next time.  

La Fábrica Del Taco, I’ll see you soon, mi amor!

Folk You Monday - Open Mic Night

On Remote Year, there are events ~every night.  We arrived in Buenos Aires late Sunday, and on Monday, there was an open mic night called “Folk You Monday” at this cool little artsy venue.  4 of my travel mates got on the list and performed live!  

Kudos to Travis, Kirsten, Tanya and Mike for stepping up and absolutely killing it!  Incredibly proud and impressed by all of them.  I’m traveling with incredibly talented, multi-dimensional people from around the world.

Travis is from Wisconsin; Kirsten is from Ottawa, Canada; Tanya is from Australia and Mike is from Toronto, Canada.  Love the diversity.

Some snaps:

This guy is not part of Remote Year but I thought this snap was worth sharing.  

Córdoba City Recap: 7-in-One!

My last post about lovely lady Córdoba.  A little sad.  But, time to move on!  I’ve already got plenty to write about for Buenos Aires.  Here are the 7 best blog posts I never got around to writing.

A rare 7-in-one!  (Dad, this is even better than a 5-in-one!)

Fire Juggling

I previously posted about street performers, like Eillen the juggler.

But, the mic was dropped when I saw fire jugglers.  Look at how high he’s hurlin’ ‘em!  He would often drop them though.  Nothin’ like a little fire near fuel!  Oh well, more danger, more pesos, I s’pose.    

He had a dancing fire partner too.  

Night Photography with the Nocturnal

I love shooting at night, especially from great heights.  My roof was 13 stories up, and kinda sorta had 360 view of Nueva Córdoba.  I loved the city at sunset.  And I loved laughing at the crazy college kids stumbling in the streets after midnight.

One night I realized I was not alone up there.  I recognized the flying patterns.  Then, of course, the sounds.  Bats.  Lots of them.  I suspect they perched right under the soffit of the building.  I could only see them when they would dart out, and swoop near me.  But, we had a respectful relationship.  They didn't bother me and they added to the weird ambience up there.  

Milo Lockett

A trendy restaurant / bar with awesome illustrative decor and stunning, affordable dishes.  Also, the site of our Farewell Party, After-Party.   

Derryl Carter, this guy can dunk a basketball and take some serious snaps!

Lightning Storms

This topic deserves a whole blog post, but maybe I’ll post more pics to my Facebook later.  

The last two nights in Córdoba, there were crazy lightning storms.  But, they were far enough away and there was only a slight drizzle where I was at.  Seemed unlikely I'd be zapped.

Shooting lightning is like fishing, or shooting meteors.  You rarely ever get the big one.  But, you never stop trying.

Multiple times, I was 2 seconds away from capturing Zeus’ best, but was either cleaning my lens, or resetting the exposure.  It was an epic storm that I’ll remember my whole life.

Waffles One Love

Mmmm...gracias a mi profesora espanol Vicki for this recommendation!  Waffles One Love: waffle sandwiches.  Que rico!  Once I learned how to convey “no mayonesa”, I was in heaven.  “Dos One Loves, no salsa de verdeo, para llevar.”  

I was meant to fall in love with this place.  I even have a waffles 'remera azul claro'!  Vicki would be proud.

Running

My peaceful place was Parque Sarmiento.  Music made me feel at home again.  Argentineans are pretty fit people and on any given night, you’d find 50-100 runners and walkers at the Parque.

Fun little mental game to play while running: Translating song lyrics into Spanish.  My marathoners, you may want to add this to your list.  It might get you through 20 - 26!

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

One block away from my apartment, on the corner of Belgrano and Laprida is a restaurant / bar called “Don't Worry”.  

And, on my block (the corner of Belgrano and San Luis) is a restaurant / bar called “Be Happy”.

Are they related?  Is Bobby McFerrin a part owner of these fine establishments?  

Do they even realize the cultural significance!?!?!

Or, is this just a Córdobean cultural coincidence?

Unsolved Mysteries: Argentinean Edition.

Bus to Buenos Aires: Into the Wild

The first thing I do on a long bus, train or plane ride is pop on my headphones and listen to the “Into the Wild” soundtrack by Eddie Vedder.  All the way through.  

Fascinated by the foreign landscape...

Reflecting on what’s happened...

Imagining what may happen next...  

Highly recommend this movie and album.  It's based on a true story about a young man who rejects societal norms; donates all his money; burns his belongings and sets off to explore North America and truly live in the wild in Alaska.  

This movie had a profound impact on me.  Of course, the main character’s sense of adventure was appealing.  But, what I appreciated more were the relationships he formed along his journey.  Unfortunately, these relationships were fleeting.  But, they were incredibly meaningful nonetheless.

I felt a special connection with several Córdobeans.  Like Marcela, from the gas station who helped me with my Spanish.  Fernando, at the local lavanderia.  Giselle, at la panaderia.  Santiago & Elvia at the kiosco next to my apartment.  Sebastian, from Casa Criolla.  Euge, an amazing woman who inspired me and showed me how hard-working Córdobeans live.  And, Alemendra, the passionate Patagonian, who made me think deeper about myself.  

Elvia, from the Kiosco; Marcela at the gas station; Giselle at la panaderia.

I wish I got snaps with all the magnificent people I met.  But, I did not.  And that's life.  Memories will have to suffice.  And, maybe I will see them again.  But, the reality is, I may not.  

And, that’s where music comes in.  Music brings memories back to life.  I will see my marvelous Córdobeans again when I close my eyes and listen to Into the Wild.  

Tango Show, WHOA!

Thursday night was our Farewell Dinner Party for Córdoba.  We had dinner at ‘El Arrabal’, featuring a brilliant Tango Dance show by beautiful dancers!!  

I’ll let this video speak for itself.  Es muy caliente!

And, some party pics!

Sarah and I.

Our lovely leaders, Travis &  Samantha, aka Tramantha

Patrick...it's great to see this guy finally loosen up.

"They're matching!"

Some of our group who took tango lessons while in town.

Mike & Jess, who I would say earned Best Dressed!

Lisa & Abe!

Kelly & Tom!

And, the birthday girl, Samantha!

Duolingo App: 30 Day Review

According to my cousin, the dress is blue and black.

I have an 11 day streak on Duolingo and am now (supposedly) ~4% fluent in Spanish. (I should have a 33 day streak but they got me on a technicality: past midnight. Days here end at 3am!)  

I highly recommend this aplicación to anyone who wants to learn Spanish or another language.  But, we need to talk about some improvements.

1. Stop reinforcing words that are practically, if not identical to English words.  Eg. Refrigerador, Actor, Televisión, Teléfono.  Once is enough.  Trust me, I got these.  

2. Stop teaching me ridiculous phrases that I’ll never use.  Mi caballo bebe leche.  No, my horse does not drink milk.  How many people even own a horse?  Tu quieres un león.  Nooo, I’d venture to say you do NOT want a lion.  How about: “El león quiere comer usted”?

3. I’ve got a great handle on the word ‘manzana’.  I was pretty set on it in Lesson 1.  Stop forcing apples down my throat.  Also, escribo, carta, bebe, come.  Got ‘em.

4. More funny phrases, Easter eggs and humor!  Segun mi primo, el vestido es azul y negro.  (According to my cousin, the dress is blue and black) When I read this, I burst out laughing.  MORE OF THIS.  

5. The Adjectives section (Adject. 1) needed to come WAY sooner.  It is 16 sections in and took me ~30 days to get to.  But, you taught me how to say crab in Section 5.  I really need to know how to describe things as tall, short, first, last, etc.  I haven’t seen ‘cangrejo’ on any menu yet.  Also, in Section 3: Basics 2, you hammer home diario (newspaper) and cartas (letters).  Newspapers and letters are practically extinct.  I’m ~30 days in and i have yet to see email, computer, or cell phone.  Time for an update, people.

Duolingo es una buena aplicacion!  Pero, siempre hay margen de mejora.

Loungin' at Late

Córdoba is known for nightlife.  Countless cool clubs, restaurants, lounges, etc.  Tonight was my first night at “Late”.  #lovedit  

Late is a pretty big place, but the outdoor back patio is where it’s at.  So many places in Córdoba have phenomenal decor.  It’s effortless.  Yet, exceptional.  And I am so inspired by Argentinean musical taste.  Destroyer: Chinatown?  Brilliant.

Derryl, Danielle, Miranda, Brecht, Patrick, Anhton, Tom, Casey and I had a ton of hearty laughs, ate delicious dishes, played impromptu & inappropriate Pictionary, and stormed the stage and jammed to Michael Jackson.  We were undoubtedly the loudest table at the place. But I think they loved us.  (Nope)

When we were dancing, one guy usurped the DJ table when the DJ left for a minute and turned the music down.  “This is not America, here we throw oranges at this.”  Hmmm...I think he meant throw tomatoes, but I’m still not even sure if he didn’t like the song, or he didn’t like us dancing on stage?

Sorry, but you can’t put MJ on and expect us to NOT DANCE.  You can take the Americans out of America, but you can’t take America out of the Americans. 

Not to mention, we had an Aussie with us.  And a guy from Brussels.  Show some love for Brussels, amigo!

Salt & Vineg--errr, Asado Flavor?

If you know me well, you know that I can take down a big bag of Lay’s Salt & Vinegar Chips in one night. (Right, Dad?  Not proud.)  

When I entered my first supermercado (grocery store) in Córdoba, I noticed a familiar color set.  Classic Lay’s amarillo, Sour Cream & Onion verde, and of course, that powder blue color that makes my mouth water:  Salt & Vinegar azul!  

After looking closer, I noticed something unfamiliar.  No jar of red vinegar or ramekin of salt.  

Instead, a seared steak on a wooden cutting board.  Sabor, Asado.  (~“Flavor, Roast”)

My mouth stopped watering.  Pavlov effect over.  Soul crushed.  

But I figure, maybe this Asado flavor is just as bueno as Salt & Vinegar?  If they’re willing to give it the powder blue color, it must be mouth watering, si?  So, I forked over the 40 pesos and headed home for a taste test.

An Asado in Argentina is a big deal.  It’s pretty much a BBQ...a big get together with tons of grilled meat.  But, the Asado flavor is not like BBQ flavor chips.  The best way to describe the taste is: if you were to grill a steak, trap the juices in a cup, and then pour those juices over classic Lay’s chips.  Steak juice chips!  

I was weirded out at first, and then warmed up to them.  I may not finish an Asado Lay’s bag in one night, but I wouldn't NOT want to eat them in bed while reading.  (Like I'm doing in the pic above)

Don’t judge.  

Junction: International Fusion Event

Our first monthly, big networking event!  Remote Year invites ~50 local business people to join us for a schmoozing night.  First, a cocktail mixer; second, a series of ‘lightning presentations’ (3 min career related speeches by various remotes and locals); and lastly, a sit down dinner.  

Last Thursday was our first Junction and I was asked to be a lightning presenter.  They put me last, which was an honor.  Most of the presenters talked about their specific businesses, but my topic was more motivational: “Find Your Career Zen”.  Master Nomi would be proud!  

Side note: it was ~40 degrees C, aka ~105 degrees F in this small room and everyone was drenched in sweat.  I felt like I played 2-on-2 before speaking.  Below, I'm attempting to strip my soaked shirt off my stomach. 

This was an awesome event!  At my table was one of the other presenters, Marcelo from a local studio MindSmack.  It turns out, Marcelo and I have practically identical resumes!  We hit it off big time, and I know we will keep in touch and maybe even work together in the future.

Loreda, Me, Samantha, Marcelo

Score one for Remote Year!  These Junctions are incredibly valuable networking opportunities.  It's a global market and you can learn a lot from your international counterparts.  #networking

Some pics of the event locale: Paradojas, in the Barrio Guelmes area of Córdoba.

And a rare #selfindulgent #selfie.

Soothing Sounds of Power Saws

It’s fascinating to experience the cultural differences in foreign countries.  

In Cordoba, restaurants don’t open for dinner until ~8:30pm and waiters & waitresses are incredibly lax about bringing the check, or even checking on you.  SO different from the US, where the main goal is to churn you out.

One difference I’ll never get used to is night construction...directly across the street.  The sound of an intermittent power saw from ~midnight to ~5am is not the type of white noise I need to Zzzz.  

I don’t mind the drunken revelers that oft pass by my place, singing and slurring.  Reminds me of the good ole days!  But, that power saw.  

Funny thing, is that NO ONE EVER YELLS at them.  If this were New York City, the string of obscenities would be entertaining enough to make me take out my ear plugs.  But, people just seem to accept it here.

I guess the show must go on.  Maybe these guys are working under a tight deadline.  (Doubt it)  Or maybe they just like working at night.  (Maybe?)  Or, they just want to get the job done as quick as possible?  (Hmmm)

If only the waiters and waitresses had that same drive.  :]

You just have to accept that things here are different!  Embrace the soothing sounds of power saws at 4am.  Plan for 2 hour meals.  And ask for the check a half hour before you want to go.

Celeb Sighting in Córdoba!

I left LA a little over 3 weeks ago, and didn’t expect to spot a celeb for another 49.  This past Saturday, I went on a wild goose chase down to Plaza San Martin to find a “convertidor de voltaje”.  2+ hours, 6+ miles, 8+ clumsy Spanish convos and no voltage converter.  

BUT, I spotted a huge crowd of ravenous fans, all amped up to get autographs...  

…of...

Ronald McDonald!

This guy is a legend here.  No joke.  They LOVE McDonalds!  “Que rico!”  

Can’t say I blame them.  I love Chicken McNuggets and Fries.  I just don’t like the way it sits in my stomach a half hour later, or the way it makes my car smell when I get into it the next morning.  

But, I don't drive a car anymore.  

And, now I’m totally craving McDonalds!  Who's with me?

Cousteau Clean Up Crew!

Today was the first community service event for Remote Year 3!  

Shortly after we arrived in Argentina, we assembled a positive impact committee to organize events in each city.  Travis and Arestia masterfully spearheaded a Park Clean Up Day, which was a huge success.  Parque Sarmiento is the largest public park in Córdoba, and my favorite running location.  It gets a lot of use by the locals every day, and there are many events there on the weekends.

We were divided into teams of 4.  Heather, Johnson, Kelly and myself tied for 1st place with 8 total bags!  I spent a good amount of time combing the shore of the lake, which was so gross.  I won’t even get into the stuff I came across, but let’s just say, it needed to be done.

Together, we picked up 61 large trash bags full of nasty junk!  We made a big difference.  I hope future Remote Year groups will carry on this tradition and keep Parque Sarmiento clean!

Photo Credit: Gonzalo Martinez

Popty Ping!

Did you know that the Welsh word for microwave is ‘popty ping’?  Es perfecto!

But, what does that have to do with my travels?  

Dos cosas (2 things):  

1: My fellow Remote Elizabeth Garrison, aka Translator Liz, aka @translator.liz, was the one who told me about popty ping.  She lives in Manchester England and speaks several languages.  Translator Liz is awesome and wields a wealth of weird words!

2: I came home the other night, turned on my bedroom light and ‘POPTY PING’!  The light bulb exploded.  Said light was hanging directly over my bed.  Shards of glass sprinkled down on my sheets and floor.  

Buenos tiempos!  

I started picking out shards from my sheets one at a time, largest first.  I could still sleep in the sheets after I swept through, just had to spot the sparklies.  

Hmmm.  Way too many sparklies.  Sleeping would surely result in blood shed.  Plan aborted.  Sheets rolled up.

Thankfully, I had spare sheets in my closet.  Popty ping problem solved!  THANK YOU, Remote Year!!!  

Check out this awesome Popty-Ping video!

And, another video about weird Welsh words: 

The Amazing Race - Córdoba

Dancing in front of Paseo del Buon Pastor; entrance to the Córdoba Cabildo, aka Town Hall.

Our first full Sunday in Cordoba featured a team scavenger hunt called The Amazing Race.  Almost everyone was hungover (not me) and exhausted (me) from the excursion to Villa Carlos Paz the day before, and dancing at el nightclub til 5am anoche (me).  I just wanted a full day off to relax, but #fomo is a real thing and #thestruggleisreal.  

I put on my big boy pants, cuz I’m 38.  My teammates: Patrick (LA), Jacek (Austria), Liz (England) & Kirsten (Canada).  We came in dead last, but we definitely had the most fun!  We got ice cream, rode ponies, played with a box of puppies, saw a children’s clown show, etc.  Btw, none of those things were on the list.

Here are some highlights:

Posing like a boy band in front of the Iglesia Catedral de Córdoba.

Sliding down the cement at the Córdoba Cultural Center!

Praying inside the Capuchin Church.

The Pony Posse; our last stop La Rueda de Eiffel; and me praying inside Capuchin Church.

Stumbled on to a bizarro children's clown show. More on this in a future post... 

Can't resist a box full of puppies!

The event was from 4-7pm.  We came in around 7:15.  When we got to the finish line at the park, we pretended to run in all exhausted-like.  I think they believed us...not really.  

But, the journey IS the destination.  

Enjoy the ride!  Stop and smell the roses.  And, stop and pet the puppies.

The group celebrating in Parque de las Tejas!

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

At the end of my first week in Córdoba, I was physically and mentally exhausted.  The newness had taken its toll and I just wanted a solo supper and a quiet night.  I had eaten empanadas for almost every meal, but noticed the restaurant next door had fajitas!  

First Friday and I’m feelin’ like good ole familiar fajitas!

Went into the restaurant, and ordered up the pollo (chicken) fajitas.  The waitress looked confused, but I pointed to the menu.  No problem, right?

Problem.

The hostess comes over and attempts to explain that the fajitas are for 2 people.  I’m thinking, “No big deal, I’ll have leftovers.”  But, I can’t quite put it into words.  It’s my first Friday, my brain is fried, and oh yeah---I don't speak Spanish.

She points to the “Quesadilla Soho”.  Ok, I can’t read most of these words, but I see camarones --- shrimp.  Pressure mounting.  “Si, bueno.”  I’ll have the shrimp quesadilla.  Hrmph.  

My quesadilla comes out.  It’s shrimp, mussels (mejillones), peppers, onions, and mozzarella in a soggy tortilla with enough mussel broth to make Gordon Ramsey’s head explode.  Good ole familiar shrimp & mussels quesadilla, just like Mom used to make.  At least there was guacamole.  Guac makes everything better.  

Sometimes, you can’t always get what you want.  But, you gotta try sometimes.  

And, you gotta learn Spanish.

Paseo De Las Artes

Every Saturday and Sunday in Nueva Córdoba, they have an art walk.  And, lucky for me, Paseo De Las Artes is only 2 blocks from my place.  

This seems somewhat similar to the Venice Beach Boardwalk, sans the sound of the ocean and the smell of marijuana.  Strolling the street fair is a sweet way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.  

I even bought a couple souvenirs.  15 pesos ($1 USD) for a finger puppet?  

Deal.

"Mate", aka "Yerba Mate" is the drink of the Argentineans.  It is a daily, social ritual, sharing mate with friends is like having a cup of coffee in the States, or an afternoon tea in England.  Mate is drank out of a specific type of gourd, and drunk through a metallic straw.  This guy had some of the best setups Ive seen!

Mihai, fellow Remote from Romania, working a puppet!

Move over Jim Henson!

This guy belongs in Venice Beach!

Very cool style!

Some Remote Year friends, Mihai, Jonathan, Adam, Samantha, and Eric.

El Papagayo - 7 Courses of Scrumptious!

Last Thursday, we went to one of the finest restaurants in town: El Papagayo (The Parrot).  We all chose the 7 course menu, which took about 3.5 hours to roll out.  Gordon Ramsey would be proud of these stunning dishes!  But, I know he would have called an immediate meeting to ream the staff out for the Pork Neck being under seasoned.  Here’s the lineup:

1. Snacks (The amuse bouche was to die for!  I think it was a tuna nicoise with noodles, and some sort of a creamed egg with chives)
2. Beef Carpaccio, Grilled Squid, oyster sauce and pickles
3. Roasted pumpkin, chevre, burnt milk salad with egg yolk and amaretti meringue (Delicioso!)
4. Grilled prawns with romesco and spanish chorizo (My favorite dish!  Seasoned perfectly!)
5. Pork neck, sweet potato, beets and vanilla
6. Mazamorra with peaches (Almost like a sweet creamed corn)
7. Seasonal fruits, white chocolate crumble and verbana ice cream

They put us in this enclosed room overlooking the restaurant, most likely because they knew we would be the obnoxiously loud foreigners, which we definitely lived up to.  

An incredible evening with a diverse group hailing from Luxembourg, England, Germany, the Netherlands, India, Pittsburgh, New York City, Denver and Los Angeles.  All in all, this fine dining experience came out to 580 pesos + tip, which equates to roughly $42 USD.  Well worth it!