Spring has sprung

The seasons are changing in Buenos Aires. The thunderstorms, chilly nights, and perenial foggy days have just this week given way to warm sunny days and cool nights. The parks are now filled to capacity with Porteños sipping Mate, a tea-like herbal drink that is somewhat of an obsession here, toddlers running after mini-soccer balls, and LOTS of pregnant women. On the weekend, people of all ages walk the boardwalk along the Rio de la Plata, chatting, dancing, eating asado sandwiches and panchos (hotdogs) from sidewalk BBQ stands, taking in the return of outdoor life (and sipping much Mate).

Mau has found an outstanding Spanish tutor and is studying hard while Don reads his illustrated biography of Stephen Hawking (both the spanish and the physics are written at the 6th grade level so it's j-u-u-u-s-s-s-t right). We are enjoying living in a neighborhood, having an apartment, and taking a break from being tourists. BsAs is a sophisticated city and along with taking in the steaks and vino, we have enjoyed the very sexy and violent tango-ballet entitled "Tanguero", and we will see BsAs native musician Juana Molina on friday. She played at Bumbershoot in Seattle last week (Neal, Skinney -- did you see her play?). And the next 2 weeks hosts the International Mixed-Arts Festival which promises some cool street theatre, installations, and other performances from around the globe (including Laurie Anderson's latest.