A dark-haired beauty swept through the square led by a handsome partner to the sensuous, pulsating beat of the tango. The emblematic dance which originated here defines the very rhythm of Buenos Aires. The audience claps in time, already captivated by the passion of the Argentine capital. The city is full-on.
The people – the porteños – are warm, welcoming South Americans. The streets have a sense of drama, of theater – from the milongas, the neighborhood dance joints to the parrillas, the glorious steakhouses that fill the air with the scent of grilling beef. Chorizo with chimichurri at La Carnicería in Palermo Soho was meaty magic for a carnivore like me. We stayed at the boutique Home Hotel, a charming oasis at the heart of the Palermo Hollywood hustle.
Museo Evita displays the compelling story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s tragic and iconic First Lady. Her crypt in Recoleta Cemetery is one of Argentina’s most visited sites. As I looked up at the famous balcony of Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, I could almost picture Evita making her impassioned speeches to the masses. It is from this balcony Madonna sang “Don’t Cry for me Argentina” in the film Evita.
Buenos Aires sports another legend, the soccer hero Diego Maradona, who made Argentinians cry with joy with his magnificent skill. Soccer is the city’s other great passion and attending a game at Boca Juniors stadium provides proof of this. If soccer is too hectic, I recommend you take in a game of polo, “the sport of kings” and, Argentina’s other great love affair.
Buenos Aires certainly does not disappoint. No wonder they call it the “Paris of the South.”
The museum faces the River Tay. The façade employs a variety of shadows with changes created by multiple horizontal layers of precast concrete that are meant to express the cliffs of Scotland.
Museo Soumaya
FR-EE, Fernando Romero Enterprise
Mexico City, Mexico
Museo Soumaya Mexico City
The anvil-shaped museum with a windowless façade is composed of hexagonal aluminum tiles and constructed of 28 different sized and shaped curved steel columns creating a distinctive and irregular form.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Architect: Frank Gehry
Paris, France
Constructed on the edge of a water garden created especially for the project, the building comprises an assemblage of white blocks clad in panels of fiber-reinforced concrete, surrounded by twelve immense glass “sails” supported by wooden beams.
Viceroy Los Cabos
Miguel Ángel Aragonés
Los Cabos, Mexico
Viceroy Resort and Viceroy Residences resemble a series of stark white cubes that seem to float in blue reflecting pools. Elevated walkways crisscross the property meeting at Nido, a latticed, nest-like structure where guests dine while gazing at the sea.
Discover more inspiring architecture around the world
Marie Kondo offers amazingly simple universal help to people who have issues with clutter. Kondo’s expertise comes from a love of clutter – that is the love of taking that clutter and reducing it to organized material goods that, as she interestingly coined, provide “spark” in your life.
Marie Kondo started developing her niche business while in college tidying other students’ rooms for cash. Her rise to fame includes the New York Times bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, as well as three other books, where Kondo teaches how proper simplification and organization only need to be done once in a lifetime. Her Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo has taken the The KonMari Method™ across the planet.
Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, Her addictive tidying plan has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, London Times, Vogue, and as well as on more than fifty major Japanese and international television programs including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Ellen Show.
“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.”- Marie Kondo
Revelations with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.
In 2008, a U.S. Congressional resolution designated the Company as “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” that celebrates the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance heritage. When Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon memories of Texas, the blues, spirituals, and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations.
“All performances conclude with Revelations, set to spirituals and gospel, a triumphant hymn to the human spirit, moving from a sense of sorrow to joy-filled life. It’s perhaps now over-familiar, but remains a fine piece, a tribute to the man who made it and to the dancers who perform it with such conviction. Ailey’s shadow looms large.” – The Guardian
The Ailey company has performed for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents – as well as millions more through television broadcasts, films and online platforms.
“You don’t just see an Ailey performance, you FEEL it.” – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages Redefine Luxury Cruising
“Don’t just build a ship, create a yearning for the sea.” — Richard Branson
Photo Courtesy by www.roastbrief.com
When you’ve been out on the ocean often enough, one cruise can seem very much like another. Sunshine and waves, entertainment night and day, an abundance of tempting food, and cocktails to keep you hydrated at any time of day. Well yes, its great, but perhaps a little boring.
For innovator Richard Branson, boredom is never an option. His Virgin Voyages project redefines luxury cruising with two new ships – Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady – combining luxuries one would demand on land with the liberty and ease promised by life on the open ocean. Richard Branson has gathered together the most inspiring partners to build a ship that breaks barriers and demands admiration.
So, exactly what can you expect when cruising like Branson?
Photo Courtesy by www.worldofcruising.co.uk
Curated Destinations
All itineraries include late stays and overnights, bringing you real experiences with real people in your favorite ports.
Rediscover the magic of the Caribbean on Scarlet Lady. Built in Italy in partnership with ship-building powerhouse Fincantieri, Scarlet Lady with her 17 decks will afford you a new perspective of the Jewels of the Caribbean. Set sail from Miami to Key West, Costa Maya or Puerto Plata. Find your fire in San Juan, gaze in wonder at Cozumel’s coral reefs, escape to Tulum and Playa del Carmen. A stop at Virgin’s exclusive Beach Club in the Bahamas features a dramatic bonfire on the beach.
Valiant Lady will carry you to the heart of the Mediterranean, with three European itineraries planned from her home port of Barcelona to enticing destinations that include Marseille, Monaco and Marina di Carrara. The call of the Mediterranean Islands will lead you to Corsica, Mallorca and Sardinia. Ibiza, home of the iconic Beach Club, will serve as an overnight stop on all itineraries.
Sweet Suites
Inspired by mega-yacht aesthetics and infused with intuitive technology, these accommodations offer so much more than just a place to rest after an action-packed day at sea. Mood-lighting, roomy Rainshowers, and configurable beds are a few of the innovative ideas that make Mr Branson’s cabins unique.
Photo Courtesy by www.virginvoyages.com
Mega RockStar Suites cater for discerning guests who are accustomed to life at the top. Exclusive, top-tier luxury living, prime access, 24/7 agent attention, and personal riders are yours. Tom Dixon-designed suites feature spacious marbled bathrooms with all your expected comforts; hand-woven hammocks on the terrace; and outdoor Peek-a-View showers. And of course, membership to Richard’s Rooftop sundeck.
Photo Courtesy by www.virginvoyages.com
Eat, drink and be merry!
With a selection of over 20 eateries on board, you’ll be forgiven for over-indulging. Fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors unite in truly mind-blowing food, created in partnership with respected cuisine connoisseurs from NYC to London. While you won’t find a traditional cruise-style buffet on a Virgin Voyage, you will be spoilt for choice! From a nostalgic steakhouse vibe at The Wake, to grab-and-go food-truck inspired The Galley – there’s a food scene for every mood you can possibly swing. Think Upscale Mexican, Creative Vegetarian, or Lively Korean. Still got room for more? Lick Me Till Ice Cream will astound you with seasonal, artisanal flavors. Thoughtfully-sourced coffee, draught beer on tap, champagne for days … Virgin Voyages has you covered, no matter your thirst.
Photo Courtesy by www.virginvoyages.com
Just Breathe …
There’s no need to let yourself go (unless you want to, of course). With a fully equipped B-Complex Gym, Athletic Club, Redemption Spa, outdoor yoga on The Perch, and The Runway (an iconic Virgin-red running track), choose your level of glow-inducing wellness. Return home with body art from the talented crew at Squid Ink Tattoo Studio, an enduring reminder of a life-changing sea-adventure!
Photo Courtesy by www.thrillist.com
Make it Last …
“There is nothing more important in this world than our oceans, and we’re on a mission to protect them and set an example. Success needn’t compromise sustainability.” — Richard Branson
Underlining the entire Virgin Voyages experience is a commitment to the ocean and the life it supports. Branson’s primary aim is to minimize environmental impacts. Materials and products used are sourced with sustainability in mind. From repurposed ocean plastic and upcycled materials in Virgin’s retail collection, to luxurious, green skincare products and reef-safe sunscreen. Unnecessary single use plastics including straws, food packaging, takeaway cups and more are all banned from the ships. Design choices such as tinted windows, LED lighting, and room sensors help in the quest to use less energy. Innovative technologies transform heat from the ship’s engines into clean energy, and purify wastewater for re-use.
Photo Courtesy by www.porthole.com
Don’t wait!
Plan your Caribbean* vacation on Scarlet Lady now by visiting virginvoyages.com/book, and find out what its really like to cruise like Richard Branson.
Photo Courtesy by www.seatradecruise.com
*Virgin Voyages Mediterranean Cruises on Valiant Lady start in May 2021
Photo Courtesy by https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/neri-oxman-material-ecology-moma-exhibition-2020
From February 22 through May 25, 2020, visitors to the Museum of Modern Art will encounter a monographic exhibit featuring the work of Neri Oxman. The presentation, Material Ecology, will highlight eight significant projects that showcase the progression of the research and innovative designs Oxman has conducted throughout her 20-year career.
Photo Courtesy by https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/neri-oxman-material-ecology-moma-exhibition-2020
Before their first meeting, Bill Ackman recounts, two close friends of his both told him about Neri Oxman with words of glowing admiration. They described her as “gorgeous, brilliant, artistic, loving and talented”; and “incredible, warm, wonderful, energetic and intelligent.” The woman who became his wife in January this year is all those things, and so much more. She is an acclaimed designer and artist. Her work merges biology, computing, and materials engineering to build biologically-inspired art that connects architecture and nature.
Photo Courtesy by https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/neri-oxman-material-ecology-moma-exhibition-2020
American–Israeli Neri Oxman is an associate professor at the MIT Media Lab, where she founded and now leads the Mediated Matter research group.
Oxman believes that science, engineering, design, and art should be more actively connected – with the output of each discipline serving as input for another. With this philosophy as a driving force, she has gathered a team specializing in such diverse spheres as architecture, biology, and medicine.
Oxman’s intention is to develop the connection between built, natural, and biological environments by applying design principles inspired and engineered by nature. These connections are then implemented in the invention of innovative design technologies.
3D printing and fabrication techniques lay the foundations for many of Oxman’s projects. Her work often incorporates vividly colored composite materials and textured surfaces, with diversifying color, shape, and hardness over the structure.
Oxman has previously held exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and Boston’s Museum of Science, where some of her works are held in permanent collections.
Photo Courtesy by http://www.designindaba.com
In 2012, Shalom Life ranked her number 1 on its list of “most talented, intelligent, funny, and gorgeous Jewish women in the world.” She has appeared on the covers of Fast Company, Wired UK, ICON, and Surface magazine. Her work is inspirational in changing how materials and structures are designed. Her art is described as “otherworldly — defined by neither time nor place.”
Photo Courtesy by https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/neri-oxman-material-ecology-moma-exhibition-2020
Take a closer look at Oxman’s life and work in an episode of Netflix docu-series Abstract: The Art of Design (season 2, episode 2).
Photo Courtesy by https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/neri-oxman-material-ecology-moma-exhibition-2020
The four-time Grammy® Award winner, musical phenomenon and virtuoso is universally considered to be one of the greatest violinists of modern times. Her artistry embraces everything from tonal richness and consummate technical virtuosity to transcendent expression and profound musicianship.
Born in Germany, she showed signs of exceptional talent at an early age and began to study piano by the age of five, followed by violin under the tutelage of renowned teachers.
Anne-Sophie Mutter, München 2015
In 1976 Herbert von Karajan heard the 13-year-old Mutter in recital at the Lucerne Festival. The legendary conductor subsequently invited the young violinist to make her concerto debut with the Berlin Philharmonic at the 1977 Salzburg Whitsun Festival. Their partnership continued in 1978 when Mutter made her first recording for Deutsche Grammophon: W. A. Mozart: The Violin Concertos.
Mutter also collaborated regularly with Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic to create a landmark series of recordings of violin concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Bruch and Mendelssohn. She is known as an outstanding champion of contemporary music with several works created especially for her by illustrious composers including Sir André Previn, Wolfgang Rihm and John Williams.
The violinist has been awarded the German Grand Order of Merit, the French Medal of the Legion of Honor, the Bavarian Order of Merit, and the Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria, amongst numerous other honors.
Behind-the-Scenes: An Unforgettable 14th Edition of Sabor a Cabo
The 14th edition of Sabor a Cabo by American Express proved once again to be the most spectacular gastronomic festival in Mexico. Ocean Blue World takes you behind-the-scenes to the top moments.
With the lush setting of Club Campestre golf course in San José del Cabo, this exquisite festival marked a true celebration of the gastronomy of beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico. Around 3,000 attendees tasted and savored from 82 wine houses, 40 restaurants, 11 bars, tequila, mezcal, coffee and more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ngyn1pvlW/
“This year the festival presented a series of novelties, one of them a culinary show where five restaurants competed in a fun and relaxing way for the vote of our three international jury chefs. This had not happened before all at the same event in Mexico.” – Giammarco Vela, President of Sabor a Cabo.
Featured local and international chefs included Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Enrique Tamarindos, Edith Jiménez, Carmen Carbajal, Jacobo Turquie, Alfonso Vázquez, Ulises Méndez, Denis Gabriel, Luis Alvarado, Jorge Viaña, Billy Lagarde and Giammarco Vela.
For the first year together with Baja Wines, Terravino, La Europea, Vinoteca, Crisan Wines, Value Wine, Wine Market, Enoshop and La Negrita, a suggested wine pairing accompanied 39 decadent dishes. Without a doubt, a fantastic addition for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike!
Sabor a Cabo culminated in a memorable night with two concerts, including Maluma and Ana Torroja, that left all the spectators dancing, singing and with a pleasant taste. Ocean Blue World looks forward to next year’s tremendous Sabor a Cabo, not to be missed!
What does it mean to have a luxury experience? We don’t think you can truly know until you’ve visited Los Cabos. For it’s only here — on the edge of the known world — that every moment has a way of grabbing hold of your spirit. Where dramatic coastlines, bold adventures and an elevated style become one.
In Los Cabos, whale watching becomes an art form. The turquoise waters are breeding areas and migratory stops for humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean. You can have your pick of expeditions that will take you to see these majestic creatures dive out of the water. Witness the excitement and beauty of humpback whales in their natural habitat.
The perfect activity for nature lovers and extreme sport enthusiasts is blamping in Los Cabos. Experience the thrills of biking with the luxury of staying in glamping accommodations where you can enjoy Baja’s incredible nights to their fullest. Conquer the rolling hills to marvel at stunning views and then settle in for the night at a luxurious desert ranch.
The nearby town of Todos Santos has been designated as a Pueblo Mágico, or “magic town,” in recognition of its natural beauty, cultural riches and historical relevance. Todos Santos sits on the Pacific coast, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Stepping onto its cobblestone streets, lined with restored colonial architecture, is like stepping back in time. Make your way to the town’s main square to discover a historic temple, the mythical Hotel California and other buildings with stories to tell.
In Los Cabos, no matter which path you choose, all of them lead to extraordinary experiences. That’s The Baja Way.
8th Edition of the Los Cabos International Film Festival
The 8th edition of the Los Cabos International Film Festival showcased cutting-edge, thoughtful and inspiring films of both emerging talents and established filmmakers, promoting creative and socially diverse content, as well as welcoming Robert De Niro and other top stars to Los Cabos, Mexico. Ocean Blue World goes behind-the-scenes at this year’s Los Cabos International Film Festival!
Opening the Festival with The Irishman
Held at the Pabellón Cultural de la República in Cabo San Lucas, Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated crime drama The Irishman opened the 8th edition of the Festival, presented by the acclaimed actor, director and producer, Robert De Niro.
The Festival’s audience was the first in Latin America to watch one of this year’s most anticipated films before its release in theaters in Mexico on November 15 and on Netflix on November 27.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5D7Momp7C-/
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman who worked alongside some of the most notorious figures of the 20th century. Spanning decades, the film chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organized crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream politics.
Scorsese’s new film, a reflection on hidden ties between organized crime and American political elites, was filmed by the Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto who was honored in 2016 with the Festival’s Tribute in recognition of his work in cinematography.
“We are proud to present the Latin American premiere of The Irishman, the recent film from one of the most influential filmmakers in World Cinema and to collaborate with Netflix to have this emblematic work on the Festival’s screens and in Los Cabos. ”– Maru Garzón, Artistic Director & Alejandra Paulín, Executive Director of the Festival.
Fantastic Women | Mujeres Fantásticas
Rethinking the role of women in cinema, the Festival introduced the Mujeres Fantásticas (Fantastic Women) initiative. Featuring Yalitza Aparicio, Gabriela Warkentin and Daniela Vega at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, their conversation highlighted today’s cinema industry, identities and women in film.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5EGC-sJDSD/
Closing Gala
From the red carpet to the incredible screenings, it was an exceptional 8th edition of the Festival!
Ocean Blue World is proud to contribute to the Los Cabos International Film Festival and support an event that gives a voice to the exceptional talent within the film and television industry, all the while advocating Los Cabos, Mexico as a cultural paradise destined to be explored. We are already looking forward to next year!
AMA Foundation, a marine conservation foundation, with the mission to improve, protect and save the seas.
AMA FOUNDATION is a marine conservation foundation in Baja California, registered in Mexico and the United States. It was founded by by Sonia Falcone, with the mission to improve, protect and save the seas, as well as creating an ecological environment in Baja California. It financially supports marine conservation partners already in place and spreads awareness as to the crucial work they do. Starting with the waters of the Sea of Cortez where many of the world’s whales migrate annually to reproduce, AMA’s goal is to look after Baja. AMA operates with an ethos of transparency and respect for the oceans, recognising that they provide 99% of the planet’s living space, with an estimated 50-80% of all life on earth found beneath the ocean surface. The word ‘ama’ means ‘Lady in Charge’ and AMA Foundation seeks to represent the status of the ocean as an entity to be respected and cared for, so she in turn can continue to do her own magnificent job.
This past weekend the AMA Foundation hosted it’s first fundraising gala, AMA Ocean Ball, at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, in San José del Cabo. The Chair of the event is the world renowned designer Tamara Ralph and the Co Chair are TTRRHH Prince and Princess of Orleans, duques of Anjou and Cadaval, and former supermodel, Christina Estrada. The event was filled glitter and glamour that sparkled into the evening, with over-the-top entertainment, special guest appearances, and a live auction.
The Ball will be repeated annually with increased guests and fundraising targets. The marine conservation beneficiaries selected will continue their work throughout the year, with boosted resources and potential thanks to AMA’s financial support and awareness campaign that will benefit the whole community.
Sponsors included Louis Xlll, Daniel Espinosa, and the trendsetters for all magnificent tablescapes and event settings – Del Cabo Event Design.
On Heritage Day in South Africa, the residents of Bo-Kaap entertained a pair of extraordinary guests. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped in for tea and sweet pastries. On their recent tour to the region, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explored the Bo-Kaap’s uniquely diverse history. Walking hand in hand, the couple chatted with locals and listened to stories of the Bo-Kaap’s decades-long fight for preservation.
The Bo-Kaap is hidden in central Cape Town, tucked between the buzz and bustle of the city center and towering Signal Hill, you will find this little treasure – an attraction for tourists and holidaymakers. Bo-Kaap is one of the most brilliantly-colored and historically-unique neighborhoods in all of South Africa.
Photo Courtesy by tripsavvy.com
Under the 1950 apartheid law, descendants of mostly Muslim slaves were segregated into this “Cape Muslims only” neighborhood. Originally as part of the celebrations of Eid, these Muslim communities painted their homes and shops in the district with a cheerful rainbow of highly contrasting colors. Also known as the Malay Quarter, the community has a deep-rooted culture built on Malaysian, African, Indian, and Sri Lankan influences. Vibrant one-story and two-story homes, built tightly next to each other with only slivers of open space between them, are interwoven with ancient one-way cobbled streets. The colors overlap and intersect in bright blocks of solid hues – acidic lime green against sky blue; shades of pink amid purples; sunshine yellow interspersed with turquoise.
Photo courtesy of nationalgeographic.com.
In the years since apartheid ended, Bo-Kaap’s neighborhood of exiles has become home to a cross-cultural population and now features some of Cape Town’s hottest real estate as properties have been upgraded and revamped. Activists living in Bo-Kaap have emphasized cultural preservation to counter this gentrification and the subsequent loss of Bo-Kaap’s unique heritage.
In March 2019, the City of Cape Town’s council approved of the inclusion of the Bo-Kaap area in a Heritage Protection Overlay Zone, which will incorporate around 600 privately-owned homes. In May 2019, the South African Minister of Arts and Culture declared 19 sites in the Bo-Kaap area as National Heritage Sites. While high-value renovations and new developments continue, these protections ensure that Bo-Kaap will retain its unique multihued architecture and Muslim-inspired culture.
Photo Courtesy by cometocapetown.com
Things to do in Bo-Kaap:
Join a tour for the most authentic Bo-Kaap experience. Immerse yourself in local history with a visit the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum or stop in at the Auwal Mosque; the oldest mosque in South Africa.
Stroll the streets and pose for Instagram-worthy selfies in front of the brightly painted houses. Sample traditional Bo-Kaap food from street vendors or tiny shops. Bo-Kaap Kombuis is renowned as one of the best Malay restaurants in the Bo-Kaap district, serving flavorful and occasionally spicy classic Cape Malay cuisine. The restaurant’s owners, Yusuf and Nazli Larney, pride themselves on preserving the food traditions and customs of Bo-Kaap’s original citizens.
Photo Courtesy by citysightseeing.co.za
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