Ramblings on my way to Buenos Aires

The year: 1979.

The place: Ventura, California. Buena High School, 7th period, Marvin Stites' drama class.

The event: Buenos Aires, Argentina enters my conscious awareness.

It was a non-descript day. It was 78 degrees outside with low humidity and clear skies. It's always 78 degrees with low humidity and clear skies in Ventura. I was wearing my standard uniform: Levi's, Simples and a velour shirt. I was sitting next to Carolyn Douras. Life was good.

Someone asked Mr. Stites his thoughts about "Evita," the hottest musical appearing at the time at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles. Not willing to admit he had not seen it, or was even familiar with it, he attempted to change the subject to one he was familiar with and dismissed the question by stating, "Oh, I'm really not into ethnic musicals (after all, this was 1979 and there wasn't so much as a Jew at my high school). I remember once seeing Pearl Bailey appear in "Hello Dolly" and the audience ate sunflower seeds throughout the performance..." He trailed off. My mind began to wander. I did that a lot. Twenty years later it has an acroynm: ADD. At the time I was just "Doesn't Pay Attention, Is Easily Distracted, Bothers Others."

Perhaps the synapses connected that very evening. Dinner at our house was always served in front of the 6 o'clock news with Jerry Dunphy and Christine Lund. The report of American Airlines Flight 191's crash upon take-off kiling all 271 on board in Chicago and then a commercial break advertising "Evita" at the Shubert with Patti LuPone singing: "Stand back Buenos Aires! Because you ought to know what'cha gonna get in me. Just a little touch of star quality!" There goes the mind, again, on its Fascinating Journey. The 60 watt bulb lights up over my head.

I could be quite relentless when I want something, even then. I'm sure I threw in worthless assurances of better grades, a cleaner room, etc, but my parents eventually gave in to my begging and pleading. Perhaps it was my uncharacteristic offer to do the dishes without being asked.

My life up to that point climaxed with a trip to the Drive In. Now, I was going to my first musical. Actually, it was the first time I ever saw a live performance. Somehow my sister-in-law ended up coming and we sat in the 3rd to the last row of the theatre. We could have paid for seats on the toilet in the men's room and had a better view. Fortunately, we brought binoculars. Unfortunately, my sister-in-law ended up hoarding them all night. Still, I was seduced. Though I was only 16, at the end of the performance my legs propelled me out of my seat.

I devoured books on Eva Peron and Argentina. Did you know that the average Argentine eats 132 pounds of meat per year! 132 pounds! Did you know that when Juan Peron came to power in 1946, Argentina had a higher literacy rate than did the United States? Did you know that while Eva Peron's body was lying in state in 1952, 16 people were crushed to death and thousands required medical attention.

Buenos Aires has been described as the Paris of South America. In actuality, Buenos Aires resembles a blend of New York City (BA has a population of about 13 million), Paris and Madrid. It has a music and mood all its own. The tango is viewed for its sensuality. Ironically, when observed it is a dance between a couple working out emotions of love and hate, passion and contempt, sensuality and repulsion. Argentine reds complement some of the most amazing meat you will ever enjoy, and enjoy it you must at an authenic Argentine parrillas.

Join me on my journey to Buenos Aires. You'll learn about the city, the culture, the country, the history, the food, the wine, and the people. You'll see Buenos Aires and Argentina from the eyes of an outsider and eventually an insider. You'll learn the benefits of living as an expatriate, and how you can live your dream anywhere you wish. I'll take you on a journey of places I've been, people I've met and experiences I've enjoyed.

Join me on my adventure!