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Abstract
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Portable Parents Blog bio picture
Welcome to our Blog!
Welcome to our Blog!
That is us on the left. We are the Lannin's, Sean, Gina, Grant, and
Genevieve (but her friends call her Gigi).
In July 2008 we sold everything we owned and started a new life. We
began by traveling and for the past 8 months we have traveled through
Latin America on an open ended adventure.
We started the blog as a way to let friends and family know what we
were up to, but we have also met many new friends from all over the
world through the blog. We are happy to share our story and adventures
with others, and hope that you enjoy it as well.
We love to hear from you so send us an email at
sean(at)portable-parents(dot)com or use the Contact Us form.
The Lannin's
The End
Saturday, October 10, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks
for visiting!
We all have our favorite blogs that we follow, some of them
religiously... eagerly anticipating the next post to see what
excitement besets the blogger in question.
I was captivated by many family travel blogs during our research and
preparation for our trip and in fact have made new friends exchanging
information and ideas about traveling as a family to different parts of
the world. Most of these families however I knew nothing about, my
only contact or knowledge coming from their daily, weekly, or monthly
blog posts.
When their trips were over the posts would often just stop! No further
information or even much of a build up to the day they stopped
posting. I can understand why this happens...in fact, it is probably
"more normal" than making a formal post about a final post
...but
This post will serve as our last formal post.
We began the blog a year and a half ago - that is a long time to write
about your life let me tell you. Like most things in life there were
highs and lows trying to maintain the blog but there were more bright
moments than not.
What I enjoyed most about writing the blog was the people we met
through it and the process of recording some incredible moments in the
lives of our family. Gina and I are incredibly blessed for having the
opportunity to travel with our kids and having these memories available
to our friends and family to remember is very, very cool and something
I know we will cherish for all of our years.
I think it is appropriate to thank everyone that has participated in
this journey, either by emailing or commenting...or simply by taking
the time from your busy lives to visit our blog.
So Thank You!
We returned to the U.S. 5 weeks ago, visiting Florida, Georgia,
Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. We can say that the
fall in the South East is amazing and recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway
to anyone in the neighborhood...beautiful. Our focus is on finding a
place to "settle down", finding schools for the kids, and plugging back
into life in the U.S..
Our plans have changed from 2 years ago, it won't be Ecuador but some
state in the U.S. that we settle - but the focus to simplify our lives
and spend more time as a family is still at the forefront of our
decision making.
I am guessing that this will not be the last post, just the official
post to let everyone know that our focus has changed, and if updates
are warranted we will get them posted. We will also continue to
receive emails and comments for the foreseeable future.
We have a couple of other blogs in the works that revolve around other
aspects of our lives and as these are finished we will post links for
anyone interested in following these escapades.
So...thanks again for all of your support!
Sean, Gina, Grant, Genevieve (Gigi)
The End
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by Sean
1 comments
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A Creative Life
Monday, September 28, 2009 Posted in Inspiration, Simple Living
I smiled when I read the words...they were SO true!
I happened upon a blog of a man that was describing how when he thinks
he has come up with a new idea, he soon finds that others have beat him
to it. Its kinda like the "new car syndrome" where after you purchase a
new car you suddenly see the same model everywhere when in reality they
have been there all along but you simply had not noticed them before.
Creative Life-
When Gina and I decided to travel with our kids I thought that was an
original idea. Perhaps the approach we are taking is unique (there I go
again) but after some research we found lots of families that had done
the same thing. The Traveling Families section of our website links too
many of them.
Now granted it is not like a majority of the population has suddenly
decided to cash it all in and spend a couple years traveling the globe
with their school aged children, but there were more like minded souls
than I would have originally thought.
When I was younger I would get disappointed when I had what I thought
was a unique idea only to find out that there was already a whole group
of people already interested in the same thing. Nowadays I view the
revelations of not arriving first differently, as a confirmation that I
am heading in the right direction.
During my last day on the job, our Art Director came into my office to
wish me well and talk about the journey we had before us. He told me to
be aware of the signs along the path, that they would tell us if we
were headed in the right direction or not. A smile came to my face when
he said this, because in another couple of weeks Gina's mother was
getting married to a professor of Cultural Studies whose understanding
and support of our trip would make the absence of her daughter for a
year or longer bearable. And in fact we planned and executed a reunion
in Buenos Aires around his speaking engagement a year later.
There have been other signs along the way. I think we are getting
better at recognizing them both through practice but also because our
pace of life allows us the time for observation and reflection. I know
that we are not the first couple/family to change their lifestyle, to
remove themselves from the rat race and create a simpler life for
ourselves. But our interests in Natural Building, Sustainability,
Permaculture, a more rural, simpler lifestyle are somewhat unique for
people with our background.
We were reassured that we were on the right path last week at the Cob
workshop, not only were there a number of "hippies" participating but
there was also a commercial airline pilot that recently decided to
change careers and a corporate IT Project Manager that took the leap
and is now planning to build himself a smaller life on a few acres in
Missouri. Not only are these sign posts that we are heading in the
right direction but they give us strength and resolve to forge
ahead...as one guy said "it is nice to have these conversations and
people not think I am crazy".
Why would someone leave a 6 figure job and the nice cars and houses?
Some would say we are crazy - but a few others in the wilderness we
find ourselves would provide friendship and sustenance along the way
and encourage us to push forward to create something uniquely ours. And
I think that is ultimately what it is all about, not being the first
person with a particular idea but combining different ideas to create
something uniquely yours.
Creativity is often both a conscious and unconscious process.
Creativity includes taking seemingly disparate ideas and combining them
into something new and unique, this is the path we are on and only time
will tell where it ultimately leads...this is our creative life.
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
AffordableCallingCards where he blogs about his life as an expat.
Come by both blogs and share a comment!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: Confirmation, Creative Life, Heading In The Right Direction,
School Aged Children, Signs, Traveling
by Sean
61 comments
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Natural Building
Thursday, September 24, 2009 Posted in Tennessee
We decided to have a little fun and try something different, instead of
just visiting museums or national parks we wanted to really experience
something that none of us had tried before...and for that matter,
generally very few people have ever tried.
about="flickr/photos/neil_b/511541/">
rel="cc:attributionURL" href=
It was very likely that if we purchase property in Ecuador it would be
an adobe home, both Gina and I really liked these buildings and they
were beautiful. All of the adobe bricks were handmade from materials on
the property, and the home was built without the use of power
tools...pretty incredible.
We had done a little reading about different types of alternative
buildings, materials, and were trying to determine for ourselves
exactly what "green building" meant for us.
Some readers of our blog told us about a company in Tennessee that
taught workshops on Natural Building, and specifically how to build a
Cob building. It turns out that they had a workshop around the same
time we were planning on passing through the area, and after reading
more about it and discussing the idea with Gina we decided to sign up.
Natural building is a building philosophy that encourages the use of
natural materials (yes, little in your house is natural), but more than
simply using these materials it encompasses an attitude towards places,
buildings, the environment, and how we live in these buildings. Natural
building observes the way in which nature works and then tries to mimic
this approach.
I don't know what Green Building means! Everyone is using this term to
sell some type of product or service that it really means so many
different things that inevitably it means nothing. A few years ago I
saw T.V. commercial advertising a show about some celebrity building a
green home, curious I stuck around to watch the show, here was a
celebrity that was building a 10,000 sq ft "green home" by throwing in
a few high priced gadgets not many of us could afford (and apparently
getting endorsement money or the products for free for filming the
home) - all the while tearing down the previous 6,000 sq ft house to
make way for the green one!
Our workshop was a little different than this. Set in a remote, rural
community in Tennessee, the workshop taught us all aspects of building
your own Cob building and in fact was a hands on workshop where we had
the opportunity to build a complete building from the ground up!
...Getting very dirty along the way!
For those unfamiliar with the term; Cob is a structural composite of
earth, water, straw, clay, and sand. It is hand sculpted to form the
walls of the building...very similar to making a mud house when you
were a kid...only now your closer to 50 than 40 and at the end of the
day most all of your body is sore.
One of the really cool aspects was the fact that the kids were welcome
and we were even encouraged to attend as a family. I am hard pressed to
identify many workshops where kids are allowed and I seriously doubt
many mainstream construction/building workshops would allow/provide the
opportunity for kids to work side by side with the adults.
The workshop was held in Woodbury, Tennessee by Barefoot Builders and
included a couple of dozen people that were interested in learning how
to build their own home using clay and sand. Everyone was from very
different backgrounds and came from as far away as New York, Texas, and
Canada which resulted in some interesting and fun conversations.
Both of the kids had a good time. There was another 8 year old girl
from Ohio that came with her dad to the workshop so Gigi quickly made a
lifelong friend. They all jumped right in (literally) and started
making cob.
No...we do not have any plans to build a Cob house anytime soon, but
can certainly foresee the possibility of building Gina a small art
studio some day. Not only would a space made from earthen materials
feel wonderful to the artists soul...but knowing that you built it with
your own hands would make it especially rewarding.
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
AffordableCallingCards where he blogs about his life as an expat.
Come by both blogs and share a comment!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: Adobe Bricks, Adobe Home, Building A Cob House, Cob Building,
Ecuador, National Parks, Natural Materials, Nature Works, Philosophy,
Tennessee
by Sean
29 comments
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Sticker Shock
Monday, September 21, 2009 Posted in U.S.
It is easy to get used to feeding a family of 4 for a couple hundred
bucks a month, spending $7.00 including drinks for a Chicken and Rice
dinner for everyone was nice...those days are gone.
nomoney_fs
During our first 3 weeks back in the U.S. our biggest adjustment to
life in the states are the prices of everything, $1.00 lunches, $8.00
shoes, and a bag full of organic veggies for $5.00 are now distant
memories...replaced with $4.00 cups of coffee, $9.00 sandwiches, and a
poor public transportation system.
Where we often went weeks without taking money out of our bank account,
instead using the $100 or so of cash in our pockets to live...now we
are faced with a daily assault on our savings.
It does not help that motel rooms and dining in restaurants are the
norm for us right now, it is expensive to travel in the U.S..
We are trying to combat the high prices by using creativity and
spending time thinking about different ways we can save money. Here are
a few methods we use to save a few bucks everyday.
Many hotels offer significant discounts through advertisements in Hotel
Discount Guides. Rest stops along the interstates often provide tourist
information and provide lots of free info and hotel guides. In some
cases we saved $30.00 per nite using coupons over the hotel rack rates.
To combat the high cost of eating in restaurants while on the road we
often share meals. We actually began this practice years ago to try and
reduce both waste and the expense of eating out. Most portions served
in restaurants are more than 1 person could/should eat and leftovers
usually get pushed to the back of the fridge and thrown out weeks
later. We rarely order Gigi a meal of her own - she is just not a big
eater and her meals always end up coming home with us.
Gina and I often share a meal - we occasionally run into a place that
will want to charge you a "sharing charge" but we have decided we will
simply NOT pay these and will get up and leave if they instist. Grant
has the biggest appetite these days, but there are times when he may
not be as hungry and share a meal with one of us.
Another great way to save money is to simply not order drinks. For the
four of us this saves between $8.00 to $12.00 a meal! Besides saving
money we avoid sugary sodas or other less healthy choices.
Gina and I both enjoy a cup of coffee but paying $2.50 for a cup is
just a bit ridiculous to us. To get our "fix" we make sure to take
advantage of the "free" coffee available. First, the hotel room usually
has a pot where you can make a few cups to just start your day.
Most/many places we stay offer a continental breakfast that includes
coffee - we make sure we get our daily quota at these coffee stations.
If things get desperate and we have to splurge for a cup of coffee we
have 2 strategies.
1) If we purchase coffee in a restaurant we will bend the rules by
ordering 1 cup of coffee and sharing the re-fills. We try not to abuse
this service and justify it in our heads by drinking less than we would
normally if we had paid for 2 cups.
2) 7-11 offers very good coffee with free flavorings. You can get about
any type of coffee that you want and save yourself $2.00 to $3.00 for a
cup. They have flavored creamers and Italian syrups, and you can even
make yourself a mocha.
Everyone likes snacks to nibble on during a long car ride, the kids
especially seem to be bottomless pits. Instead of tossing down handfuls
of expensive and unhealthy junk food we have found a couple of ways to
increase the health and decrease the cost of our snacking.
Our family loves popcorn but without access to a stove it is not
possible to make up a batch. An alternative is to purchase microwave
popcorn in the grocery store and use the microwave in the motel room
and throw it into a big bag for the car ride. While it is not as
healthy as raw popped corn - there are many choices on the grocery
store shelves that are fairly healthy and certainly a better choice
than chips.
Another great snack for long car rides are peanuts. While they are a
little messy...they are healthy and if purchased in the shells are
fairly inexpensive. There is something about having to shell your own
peanuts that make you eat less I think.
So, as we adjust to life back in the states, and specifically the
extreme differences in costs of similar items between Latin America and
the U.S., we are biting the bullet a bit and looking for ways to save a
few bucks along the way. Bouncing around the U.S. is certainly not a
long term solution but we are using this time to research different
parts of the country for possible relocation and meeting wonderful
people along the way.
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
AffordableCallingCards where he blogs about his life as an expat.
Come by both blogs and share a comment!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: Chicken And Rice, Coming Home, Couple Hundred, Different Ways,
Distant Memories, Fridge, Hotel Discount, Hotel Guides, Hotel Rack
Rates, Interstates, Leftovers, Motel Rooms, Organic Veggies, Public
Transportation System, Rest Stops, Rice Dinner, Sandwiches, Share
Meals, Spending Time, Sticker Shock
by Sean
2 comments
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The Best Homeschool Day Ever
Sunday, September 6, 2009 Posted in Florida
Gigi has looked forward to our return to the states probably more than
all of us (maybe combined), looking forward to swimming, playing at the
beach, and for the past several months Gigi has counted down the days
until she was going to swim with the dolphins. Somewhere along the way
we agreed to a trip to Disney World as well...so for an 8 year old girl
Florida is next door to heaven.
Dolphin Tricks-
Dolphin Tricks
We all look forward to "Field Trips", substituting getting out and
seeing, touch, and exploring sights instead of reading about them in a
book or studying other not as fun subjects. To this end we were all
looking forward to our Dolphin Field Trip, a chance to learn about
these amazing creatures and get a firsthand experience with them.
There are a number of places that you can swim with the dolphins in
Florida, we chose the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key Florida,
about 45 minutes South of Key Largo. The DRC is a non-profit education
and research facility whose mission is to
"promote peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between
marine mammals, humans and the environment"
While not much to look at from the front, inside the gates is an
incredible sanctuary for dolphins, with some 20 dolphins housed in
coral pools in the Gulf of Mexico with fencing to protect the dolphins
from large predators...including people. At the same time the dolphins
can easily jump the fencing and get out, but as most of the dolphins
have actually been born at the DRC this is their home and open water is
a scary proposition. We were told that one of the boy dolphins
frequently "escapes" and swims around to the other side of the lagoon
and jumps back over the fence to be with the females.
Gigi and Gina-
Gigi and Gina
The facility is organized around individual lagoons with between 2 and
4 dolphins in each lagoon. A nice covered (read shady) boardwalk runs
through the middle of the lagoons with benches available for sitting
and observing (and talking to) the dolphins. Each lagoon has a display
with the dolphins pictures, bio, and some facts about the DRC facility.
Every ½ hour there is an opportunity to watch the researchers/trainers
interact with the dolphins and learn something about their behavior and
abilities, ask questions, and really have a great time being
entertained by these amazing creatures.
While most groups are between 6 and 16 people, Gigi and Gina had an
opportunity to get into the water with only themselves, the trainer,
and 2 of the dolphins. This gave them a bunch of hands on time with
the dolphins and Gigi was able to pet and pet and pet the dolphins for
the entier 1/2 hour. She had a blast, and as the smile on Gina's face
can attest...so did she.
You can find out much more from the Dolphin Research Center website as
well as make reservations for one of their many dolphin programs.
The day was a hit, and the kids proclaimed the day the best homeschool
day ever!
Click on the above photos to see ALL of the Dolphin Photos...
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Tags: Amazing Creatures, Array, Disney World, Dolphin Field, Dolphin
Research Center, Dolphins, Dolphins In Florida, Drc, Field Trip, Field
Trips, Grassy Key Florida, Gulf Of Mexico, Homeschool, Key Largo,
Lagoons, Marine Mammals, Open Water, Peaceful Coexistence, Profit
Education, Scary Proposition, Swim Dolphins, Swim With The Dolphins
by Sean
50 comments
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The Story of Stuff
Friday, August 21, 2009 Posted in Activism, Portable Parents, Simple
Living, Travel with Kids
Here is another case where those of you that read our blog for the
travel stories will wonder what this post has to do with anything
travel related, well, the short answer is that it doesn't - but it has
a lot to do with the changes we made in our personal li
storyofstuff- ves that led to our decision to spend time
traveling.
I first ran across The Story of Stuff some time ago and thought that it
was just great, taking very complex political, economic, and social
issues and presenting an overview that was suitable for many different
age groups. What is this video all about? Taken from their website:
"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff
in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of
this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute,
fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and
consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections
between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls
us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach
you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way
you look at all the stuff in your life forever"
This is the type of piece that usually creates divides among those that
watch it...left v.s. right, liberal v.s. conservative, socialists v.s.
capitalists or any other labels that are conveniently used to
marginalize differing opinions - how about mainstream from contrarian?
To this end, what I like most about this information is that you can
find a whole host of resource materials that were used for the making
of the video, including a reading list and a list of NGO's that are
currently involved in many of the issues discussed in the piece. I
love to read about these types of issues to educate myself on what we
(yes you) are doing to our planet and ourselves, and appreciate having
such a comprehensive reading list as a starting point.
So, what does this have to do with our "travel blog"?
In effect we have chosen to opt-out of what is described as the
"materials economy" in the video. Our decision to sell our stuff and
leave the rat race is a statement that we are no longer interested in
participating in this linear, unsustainable system in the same way we
did before. Besides having a lot of fun, seeing new places, spending
time as a family, and all of the other cool stuff that traveling
involves we are also trying to determine how our lives will be shaped
in the future by these decisions.
There are issues that the video did not raise that are more important
to us than some others depicted in the video. For example, there is no
discussion about the impact this system has on families and communities
other than portrayed by the man moving from Work to T.V. to Shopping -
but it is our opinion that this "busyness" in our way of life leads to
many social ills AND now we can speak from experience of the
differences between spending a few minutes a day as a family compared
to spending every minute together as a family. We favor the latter!
When we started our journey we questioned many things about our lives.
We questioned the importance (or sanity) of many things that all of us
take for granted, both of aspects that were in our lives as well as
those that we not in our lives at the time. Ultimately the answers to
these questions resulted in a complete liquidation of all of our stuff
and a desire to permanently change the old relationships we had with a
lifestyle that we deemed as unsustainable. Whether you agree with this
or not (or whether you were hoping for a travel story) I think The
Story of Stuff has something in its message for all of us and "just may
change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
AffordableCallingCards where he blogs about his life as an expat.
Come by both blogs and share a comment!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: Age Groups, Array, Blog, Capitalists, Conservative, Consumption
Patterns, Labels, Led, Li Ves, Mainstream, Ngo, Personal, Reading List,
Resource Materials, Resources Materials, Short Answer, Social Issues,
Socialists, Travel Stories
by Sean
22 comments
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The Eagle has Landed
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Posted in Argentina, Buenos Aires, Family
and Friends
After much anticipation the Grandma has landed in Buenos Aires!
Really the plan to meet up with Barbara and Giles was drafted more than
a year ago when we found out that Giles had the opportunity to speak at
a conference in BA - we have all tentatively planned on meeting up in
the city, and things worked according to pla gang-in-buenos-aires n.
Gigi started her personal countdown 4 months out. Each morning she
would let us know, 120 days dad. 119 days mommy...
This past week she has been bouncing off the walls and floors
(literally) in anticipation of seeing her Grandma! As the days grew
closer the spins and whirls and leaps became more frenzied until the
day before she was supposed to arrive I thought for sure that she would
explode.
We tracked their plane on the internet, checking flight status, but
also enjoying watching them chart the same course that we traveled only
months prior. Flying over Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and the border
of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile where we spent a couple of cold nights on
the Salt Flats of Bolivia. Finally on to Buenos Aires...
Two subways and 20 blocks of walking and we arrived at their hotel just
in time to see their luggage head up the elevator. We made our way up
to their room and hugs and smiles and tears filled the room as family
that had not seen each other in more than a year said their hello's.
The moment made the year absense and the anticipation worth it, and the
pent up energy was visible releasing from inside Gigi.
After spending time getting caught up we headed to a small cafe for
lunch and spent time walking the streets of the city. Gigi and Grandma
walked arm in arm for more than an hour, talking and window shopping as
they went.
Grant now has shoes! Grandparents being grandparents they were not
going to let a little thing like price stand in the way of their
grandson having a pair of shoes - and we were able to find a "cool"
pair that also fit (size 13's!) for our little 13 year old. Grant said
"dad, my shoes size is always my age", very true, and we can only guess
at what his feet will look like at 18 years of age.
Tango Dancing
Tango Dancing
What is a little window shopping in Buenos Aires without some Tango
dancing?
Buenos Aires Tango
Buenos Aires Tango
We strolled back to the hotel and spent more time catching up and
planning the next days activities. They will be in town for 10 days,
and then we fly out to Miami a few days later. Gigi has a list of
everything she wants to do and show her Grandma in the city, we know
that she has the energy to see it all...not sure if the rest of us do.
We visit for a couple hours more but it is getting late and everyone is
tired, long flights and lots of energy was spent her today. But as we
say our goodbyes and head out I think to myself that it was a good day.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: 4 Months, Absense, Arm In Arm, Array, Bouncing Off The Walls,
Cold Nights, Flight Status, Gigi, Giles, Hugs And Smiles, Leaps,
Personal Countdown, Salt Flats, Shoes Size, Size 13, Spending Time,
Streets Of The City, Subways, Walking The Streets, Whirls, Window
Shopping
by Sean
20 comments
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Buenos Aires Zoo
Friday, August 14, 2009 Posted in Argentina, Buenos Aires, Travel with
Kids
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
The Buenos Aires Zoo, or Jardin Zoológico is located in the Palermo
district of Buenos Aires. For us it is only a hop, skip, and a jump
from our apartment in Palermo Viejo or about 10 blocks. In fact, we
walk by the zoo most days looking to catch a city bus or a subway ride.
The city location is pretty unique for zoo's, but considering it was
built almost 135 years ago it is better described as the city of Buenos
Aires having built up around it. It sits on 44 acres but feels much
smaller and is easily walked in only a few hours. We visited with Gigi
on a weekday in Winter and their were a fair amount of people visiting,
I would guess that it gets very crowded during warmer Spring and Summer
months.
Patagonian Mara-
Patagonian Mara
I am not a big rodent fan, but these little guys were pretty cute. The
Patagonian Mara lives in Central and Southern Argentina and apparently
in zoo's, and usually inhabit the dry grasslands and scrub desert.
They live underground in burrows, and were docile and not afraid of
humans...probably because all of the kiddies were giving them food.
If you click on the picture you can see more of the photos we took of
the animals at the zoo.
Monkey-
One of the really cool things about this zoo is that you can feed the
animals, everyone but the cats (lions and tigers) and the giraffe.
There are kiosks all through the park where you can purchase "approved
food" for the animals and then lots of opportunities to feed all kinds
of animals. Besides being a lot of fun, giving the animals food means
that you can get much closer to zoo animals than is the case in most
zoo's.
Feeding Elephant-
Feeding Elephant
The elephants were only a few feet away from us, picking up the food
that kids were throwing over the fence.
Gigi Feeding Sheep-
Gigi Feeding Sheep
In some cases the animals would eat out of your hands.
Nutria Eating-
Nutria Eating
Even this little guy, a Nutria that lived in the lake, would be your
friend long enough to get a little food from you. See his webbed foot?
Our favorite animal, and one that we had never seen before, was the
Panda Rojo or Red Panda. These little guys were awful cute.
Red Panda - Panda Rojo-
Red Panda - Panda Rojo
Gigi wanted to take one home with her, and every other animal as well,
but we did not think that the Panda would like living in her suitcase.
Gigi and Hello Kitty-
Gigi and Hello Kitty
We had a great time at the zoo and because it is so close to where we
live in Buenos Aires we will probably go again. Grant stayed home...he
was too cool for the zoo, but after hearing what a great time Gigi had
he wants to go and take a look at all of the animals for himself.
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Tags: All Kinds Of Animals, Animals At The Zoo, Animals Lions,
Apartment In Palermo, Bears, Burrows, City Bus, City Location, City Of
Buenos Aires, Cool Things, Dry Grasslands, Feeding Sheep, Gigi,
Giraffe, Jardin, Kiddies, Lions And Tigers, Little Guys, Palermo Viejo,
Patagonian Mara, Rodent, Southern Argentina, Spring And Summer, Subway,
Weekday, Zoo, Zoo Animals
by Sean
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Education or Schooling?
Sunday, August 9, 2009 Posted in Homeschooling
gigi and baby llama- The Homeschool Alternative
When we decided to live and travel in South America Homeschooling was a
natural alternative for us, we obviously did not have the "luxury" of
public school and since we were not planning on being in one place for
more than a couple of months enrolling the kids in a local school was
not possible either.
However, besides the practical considerations of the trip there were
other considerations as well. We began looking at alternatives years
ago for a host of reasons.
The debate surrounding our public schools continues to rage on. With
each new presidential administration comes the next new "fix", and in
my opinion the next nail in the coffin of a completely dysfunctional
system.
Many people never question whether they should send their kids to the
public school system. They are told they have to and they do it. For
others the available options do not meet their needs, and for some they
have discovered the homeschool option.
For our family, we began looking into option other than public schools
early in our first childs education. We were naïve and did not
understand a lot of things, but we knew that this
portable-parents/blog/2008/05/portable-parents/drugs-are-not
-the-answer/ was no way to treat kids...AND certainly not our kid.
We now understand the issues facing the public school system in our
country, we have educated ourselves about the history of public
education, and we took steps to get our kids an education that
respected them as individuals. For the past 3 years Gina has
volunteered at both the kids' schools, racking up the top volunteer
hours at both schools. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of
overworked teachers, underfunded programs, and a system that rewards
compliance over creativity.
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
My primary reasons for recommending homeschool as an alternative is
that it allows students to learn naturally, it encourages creativity
and free thinking, and that it treats them with respect and dignity.
These are severely lacking in our current public school system.
Homeshooling is legal in all states. Homeschooling is growing and
according to the National Center for Edcuational Statistics (ominous
sounding agency) there were 1.3 million homeschoolers in 2003. My sense
is that it is growing at a faster pace than ever before, and that what
once was a cottage/religious based movement is now mainstream and
picking up energy.
Homeschooling quite obviously fits our current lifestyle, both in
providing the portability we need for our travel schedule but also
allowing the kids experiences to facilitate learning. They are learning
many lessons from touching and walking and talking and seeing and
experiencing, and not from simply reading it in a textbook in a
classroom.
Current State of Affairs
A couple of weeks ago when we announced the Big News that we were
returning to the U.S., I answered a number of questions that we had
received from readers of the blog and one of these was I thought we
could have done a better job with our homeschool efforts.
The grandparents apparently took this to mean that my comments meant
the kids received NO EDUCATION, won't receive any again next year...and
are surely to suffer at the hands of their parents unless we rush them
into public school - or some such thoughts. After emails and skype
calls on this topic...what better way to explain ourselves than turn it
into a blog post :)
Before I discuss our experiences, and perhaps more clearly articulate
what has and hasn't worked for us this past year, I thought we could
look at the state of the current public school system a little to find
out what we are missing...sounds like fun to me!
Well I have not been in the U.S. for a year but understand that there
are problems with a few budgets...like ALL of them. We have many
friends that are school teachers thankfully many of them still have
jobs...but in our hometown many others have lost theirs. This will
result in few teachers per student and I believe require more parent
participation.
For those of you that have not been in a public school classroom lately
- the functional schools are completely supported by parent volunteers
and I would contend would not be able to provide much education at all
if not for these parents.
We happen to have a college professor in the family now...and I have
heard about the stresses he is under, not only personally having to
take a reduction in pay and do more with less, but also as a result of
the broader impact the devastating cuts are having on his university
and his friends and peers lives. Not easy to deal with I imagine.
Budget cuts devastate California higher education and similar headlines
dominate the news...simply insert your state of choice.
Canby, Oregon - our hometown - probably has it better than many school
districts, Los Angeles schools are not faring well;
The Los Angeles public schools are facing a huge budget deficit. The
Board of Education voted Tuesday to cut thousands of jobs over the
coming year -- everything from teachers to janitors.
Angry teachers, holding picket signs and mock pink slips, chanted
outside the doors of the downtown Los Angeles school board offices.
Inside the packed board chambers, fifth-grade teacher Araceli Castro
pleaded with school board members not to fire her.
Let's not fool ourselves into thinking that these issues will not
affect our children. That the pressures and stresses teachers, parents,
and communities face as a result of these fiscal crises won't also
weigh on the shoulders of our kids as well. These pressures combined
with typical peer pressure, drug use, violence, drinking, sex and a
host of other social problems are also there to greet our children
every morning.
A vocal advocate of school reform, John Taylor Gatto wrote an article
years ago titled "The Six-Lesson Schoolteacher" where he gave an
account of the lessons he taught to his students each day as directed
by the school board. These lessons were:
1. Stay in the class where you belong
2. Turn on and off like a light switch
3. Surrender your will to a pre-destined chain of command
4. Only I determine what curriculum you will study
5. Your self respect should depend on an observers measure of your
worth
6. You are being watched
I am not convinced that the kids are missing out on all that much truth
be told!
The Lesson of Experience
Ok, so what exactly have our experiences been this year? What went
right and what could be improved?
We began the year with a formal curriculum, in fact, we added a 5^th
suitcase to our gear that stored nothing but books and school supplies.
For the first 5 months we used these books and curriculum to varying
degrees. In Costa Rica we read every night out loud to the kids, and
each school day they completed their assignments as outlined in the
curriculum.
Look at that...
Look at that...
It became apparent the not all of the information was interesting to
them, and a big struggle is that we have 2 very different kids and no
single program will satisfy both of them. In Ecuador we began using the
internet much more for a variety of different subjects, which also
helped us find resources more suited to each kid.
Gigi was enrolled in a local Spanish school for part of the time we
lived in Ecuador, so had homework that Gina helped her complete. Grant
used a combination of our formal curriculum, online math and science,
and writing when we could get him to cooperate.
When we got "thrown out" of Ecuador we decided to leave the suitcase
full of books behind. At this point the kids were not using them,
having moved to more internet based work, and it is a huge deal trying
to lug 50+ pounds of books around. We did not know what the future held
and the thought of dragging this suitcase all over was not appealing.
Once in Peru the kids continued using the internet as a primary source
of classes. Grant had gone through a math CD program we brought with us
from the states and that we had ordered a new one while in Ecuador but
we missed it - we spent months trying to get it shipped to us in Peru.
While the kids were doing schoolwork the tension over getting them to
do it increased. Gigi is the most stubborn little thing on the planet
and when she chooses not to do something there is no changing her mind
(reminds me of some parent/teacher conferences we had). Grant continued
his studies, substituting online math for the missing CD.
For 8 weeks we traveled from Trujillo Peru to Salta Argentina and we
moved a lot in that period of time, seeing southern Peru, Lima, Machu
Piccchu, Boliva, and finally crossing the border into Argentina. The
kids read a little and Gigi used the time on the bus to work on her
math books - but for the most part the formal schooling took a back
seat to getting around.
I mentioned that we "degraded" into unschooling, meaning we went from a
formal curriculum to an informal. Unschooling does not use a fixed
curriculum, and is interest driven, child-led, natural, organic,
eclectic, or self-directed learning.
The "issue" for Gina and I is that this was not part of the original
plan AND unschooling is very difficult to get your head around...both
of us having come from a very traditional approach to our education,
ie, a public school system.
So, the long and short of it is that the kids did get a good education
this year, some of which was structured either from the suitcase full
of books that we drug with us or from a small private school in
Cotacachi Ecuador or from workbooks and CD's or from a host of visits
to museums and other cultural activities and adventures. In addition,
they learned about a lot of other countries, cultures, animals, etc.,
that they would not have had a chance to learn about in their public
schools back home.
Schooling v.s. Education
But, for me there is a much bigger issue or questions that we need to
ask ourselves. One of these is "are the lessons kids need to learn
inside a classroom or outside?" and "is what is being taught in our
classrooms true?"
The plight of indigenous peoples is a lesson that the kids would not
get from a textbook...at least not the true story. We made friends with
a indigenous family in Ecuador and learned about their way of life and
shared some of our foods and customs. Ecuador's indigenous population
is greater than 80%, in the U.S. that number is less than 2%. Estimates
are that 20-40 million Native Americans lived in what is now the
continental US in 1492, what do our history books tell of the
decimation of this population?
I was reflecting the other day that we have spent more than a year
together with our kids 24/7! I get emails from people wondering how we
do it, and I will admit that there are times when we could all use a
break from each other, but this is also an amazing blessing as well.
There are tremendous educational benefits for the kids as a result of
this closeness. While we might have sat down to dinner as a family
once, maybe twice a week, now all of our meals are spent together. The
conversations we have with the kids at the dinner table cover the full
gamut of topics...some more educational than others but all important
to their individual development and the strengthening as a family.
I will have memories of bumping along some road in some country in
South America watching the landscape rush by for the rest of my life.
But these memories also include spending time with Grant and Gigi and
answering the myriad of questions that only 13 year old and 8 year old
minds can think up. Most of the questions I did not have answers to,
but confessing my shortcomings to each of them is educational in its
own right. There is NOTHING taught in the classroom that is more
valuable than these lessons shared looking out the window of a long bus
ride.
Public schools are all about ensuring that everyone "fits" and that as
many as possible revert to the mean. Those that can't keep up or
disturb the process are dealt with, and those that show promise or
interest beyond the rote education are ignored. I think there are
other ways to give our children an education that will actually benefit
their creativity and individuality, and further their understanding of
things that interest them.
So, what is in store the coming year?
The short answer is more of the same.
We will work at improving certain areas...like trying to find ways to
make learning more fun for the kids - and for the time we are in the
U.S. will have the benefit of additional resources (namely a language
they can read) such as libraries and bookstores.
It is unlikely that we go back to the formal curriculum we began with
last year, but will likely incorporate a little more structure than we
had the last few months of the school year. Our research indicated
that it takes time for a family to find their way with homeschooling,
discarding what doesn't work and trying new ideas. We are working our
way through the ups and downs as well.
Grant has indicated that he wants to play High School sports, so if
Gina and I honor this wish Grant will enroll in public school again in
the near future. Our experience with homeschooling has given us ideas
about how we might assist and structure a learning environment for him
that allows him to follow his interests more than is likely provided in
public school.
...and you never know...
As I take a break from writing this book length article to grab a cup
of coffee, Gigi is in the kitchen reading a book to Gina while Grant
sits next to her hugging her and listening (and bugging) to Gigi read
out loud. This is not part of some formal curriculum - but I will take
it just the same!
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Tags: 3 Years, Botanical Garden, Buenos Aires, Childs Education,
Compliance, Creativity, Dignity, Drugs, Free Thinking, Gina, History
Education, Homeschool, Homeschooling, Kids Education, Local School,
Nail In The Coffin, New Presidential Administration, Parents, Public
Education, Public School System, south america, Volunteer Hours
by Sean
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GLUTEN FREE BUENOS AIRES
Saturday, August 8, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized
GLUTEN FREE BUENOS AIRES
breakfast-argentina1
I have been eating gluten free for the past 7 years (this is Gina).
Eating gluten-free in Central and South America has been somewhat more
of a challenge than I anticipated. This has been especially true in
Argentina, with a huge portion of the population descended from Italian
immigrants. Italian dishes such as Milanesa (either beef or chicken
pounded, breaded and fried, usually covered with red sauce and
mozzarella) and pasta have become Argentine staples available on every
menu in every city we have visited. AND every Argentine adult starts
their day with café con leche and medialunas (half-moon shaped crescent
rolls) with dulce de leche; a total wheat-fest, which has left me
hungry in more than one hotel/hostel along the way! But, in my quest
to stay on track and feeling healthy, I have discovered some
gluten-free gems that I thought I would pass on to the next celiac or
wheat-allergic traveler coming to Buenos Aires.
Gluten-Free Empanadas from Celigourmet
Gluten-Free Empanadas from Celigourmet
The most complete gluten-free Mecca I have discovered is Dietetica 100%
Natural in Alto Palermo, located at Bulnes 2042, Buenos Aires, phone
number 4821-1674 (on Bulnes between Santa Fe and Arenales), around the
corner from the Alto Palermo mall. You can take the Subte D line and
the Bulnes stop drops you off almost at their front door (look for
their big red sign)! This shop has the most complete assortment of
prepared gluten-free foods I have seen anywhere in the world! Their
freezer section has breads, pizzas, pizza dough, medialunas (crescent
rolls), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), raviolis and other artisanal
pastas, quiches, tortas, and various other tempting delights, both
savory and sweet. On the shelves you can find locally made budines
("puddings" to the Brits or loaf cakes to us Americans) in various
flavors, and cookies, including another Argentine staple, the alfajor
(shortbread cookie sandwiches, filled with dulce de leche and either
dipped in chocolate, white meringue, or just plain with coconut around
the edge of the dulce de leche). They also have a large selection of
ready-made boxed GF cookies and crackers, rice cakes, GF pastas and a
few packages of mixes to make your own GF bread, cookies or cakes.
Additionally they have a large selection of GF flours to make your own
flour mix for scratch cooking and baking, as well as GF soy sauce and
other sauces. I have not seen Xanthan Gum anywhere in South America,
so for those travelers coming long term, bring some with you! For
all you Americans missing peanut butter, you can also find an organic
brand of peanut butter here (not as tasty as Jif or Skippy, but with
honey or jam hits the spot). There is also a large selection of
organic products, bulk nuts and dried fruits, gourmet oils, sauces,
sushi making supplies, herbs, supplements and essential oils. If you
eat gluten-free, organic, or are just a foodie this is the store for
you! For more information you can call them at 4821-1674 (I believe
they even deliver), email them at 100xcientonatural@fibertel.ar or
try their website at 100xcientonatural.ar.
Within walking distance from our apartment in Palermo Viejo I have
found a few other stores that have a few gluten-free items as well.
gf-rolls2
Celigourmet, located in Palermo at Charcas 4787 (on Charcas between
Godoy Cruz and Fray Justo Sta. Ma. De Oro), phone 4776-5448, is a store
solely dedicated to making gluten-free products. This find was pure
delight! This store has the most complete assortment of baked goods
like muffins, small budines (puddings or loaf cakes), cookies and
ready-made gourmet cakes and tortes, as well as prepared foods such as
pizzas, pizza crusts, empanadas, tartas (a cross between a quiche and a
calzone), crepes, canelones and sandwiches. Their torta menu includes
cheesecake, brownies, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, lemon mousse
cake, and many more. Prices for these range from $38 pesos for the
small (about $10 US) to as high as $85 pesos for a large (just over
$20-something US). They also have small rolls (these are delicious!),
pita breads and small baguettes...alas, no loaf bread! Another find
here was tortilla chips! Celigourmet has another location at Paunero
1927, Martinez, and phone 4798-2990. They are open Monday through
Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You
can also email them at celigourmet@hotmail or visit their website
at celigourmet.ar.
La Esquina de las Flores, located in Palermo at Gurruchaga 1630
(Gurrauchaga and Honduras), Buenos Aires, phone 4228-5000, is a
combination café and health food store that sells 100% organic
certified products. It is located just a few blocks off the rotunda in
Palermo. The selection of gluten-free foods here is limited to GF
pastas, boxed GF cookies/crackers, a few ready-made mixes, plus they
have fresh, locally made loaf bread (pan de molde) on Thursday mornings
at 9am. They also have a large selection of alternative flours such as
bean flour, rice flour, and quinoa flour (although they don't appear to
be certified gluten-free like they are at Dietetica 100% Natural, so
eat at your own risk). If you are looking for cocoa for baking or
peanut butter, this is the place to find it! You can email them at
info@esquinadelasflores.ar or you can visit their website at
esquinadelasflores.ar .
For a quick GF pasta or cookie fix, Diet-Cer, has 3 locations. I have
personally visited the one located in Palermo on Jorge Luis Borges
2433, phone 5786-0257. You can take the Subte D line to Plaza Italia,
then head away from the Plaza on Jorge Luis Borges for this shop. They
have two other locations I have not visited at Ave. Scalabrini Ortiz
2174, phone 4832-2870, or Guemes 3961, phone 4832-7707. They have a
decent selection of GF pasta, boxed cookies/crackers and a few boxes of
bread mix, cake and cookie mixes.
Jumbo supermarkets have a small selection of gluten-free
cookies/crackers and boxed mixes, but no pastas. The Wal-Mart in
Corrientes had a very nice gluten-free and organic section, so I will
go out on a limb and say that the Wal-Mart in Buenos Aires does as
well, but I haven't been there to verify this. They also had a
delicious American-style crunchy peanut butter. Most "dieteticas"
carry at least gluten-free pasta and cookies, so pop into one in your
neighborhood and check it out.
You can find gluten-free rice cakes in almost every supermercado as a
fall back. And, if you are lucky, you can find chipas near where you
are staying in Buenos Aires. Chipas are the Argentine version of
indigenous mantioca-cheese bread. chipa1 You can find variations of
this in many countries in South America (pan de yuca in Ecuador, pao de
quejo in Brazil). I had my first chipa on a bus in Missiones,
Argentina - they are very common bus food in much of Argentina and in
many cases made in a Chiparia, dedicated to making only chipas, which
means, gluten-free! The ingredients in a traditional chipa are
mantioca flour (a version of tapioca/yucca flour), cheese, milk and
butter). They can be round, like a bagel, in sticks or in little
balls. They also sell them as snacks in the movie theaters here in
Buenos Aires! Outside of BA they will cost you $1 peso per chipa,
here in BA they will cost $2-$3 pesos per chipa. My local panaderia
here in Palermo (located next door to the GluHotel on Godoy Cruz and
Honduras) makes them daily but usually sells out by the afternoon.
(Plus, they are made in a regular bakery so celiacs will be contending
with cross-contamination.) Many stores sell a chipa mix in the flour
section in a little blue bag so you can make them yourself, or many of
the above-mentioned outlets sell the raw ingredients and you can google
the recipe.
I hope you have as much fun shopping and eating here as I have! To my
fellow wheat-allergics or celiac friends in Buenos Aires, Buen
Provecho!
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Tags: Alfajor, Alto Palermo, Arenales, Artisanal, Café Con Leche,
Cookie Sandwiches, Crescent Rolls, D Line, Dulce De Leche, Flavors,
Free Gems, Freezer Section, Gluten Free, Gluten Free Buenos Aires, Half
Moon, Italian Dishes, Italian Immigrants, Milanesa, Mozzarella, Pizza
Dough, Puddings, Staples, Subte, Tempting Delights
by Sean
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It was very likely that if we purchase property in Ecuador it would be
an adobe home, both Gina and I really liked these buildings and they
were beautiful. All of the adobe bricks were handmade from materials on
the property, and the home was built without the use of power
tools...pretty incredible.
We had done a little reading about different types of alternative
buildings, materials, and were trying to determine for ourselves
exactly what "green building" meant for us.
Some readers of our blog told us about a company in Tennessee that
taught workshops on Natural Building, and specifically how to build a
Cob building. It turns out that they had a workshop around the same
time we were planning on passing through the area, and after reading
more about it and discussing the idea with Gina we decided to sign up.
Natural building is a building philosophy that encourages the use of
natural materials (yes, little in your house is natural), but more than
simply using these materials it encompasses an attitude towards places,
buildings, the environment, and how we live in these buildings. Natural
building observes the way in which nature works and then tries to mimic
this approach.
I don't know what Green Building means! Everyone is using this term to
sell some type of product or service that it really means so many
different things that inevitably it means nothing. A few years ago I
saw T.V. commercial advertising a show about some celebrity building a
green home, curious I stuck around to watch the show, here was a
celebrity that was building a 10,000 sq ft "green home" by throwing in
a few high priced gadgets not many of us could afford (and apparently
getting endorsement money or the products for free for filming the
home) - all the while tearing down the previous 6,000 sq ft house to
make way for the green one!
Our workshop was a little different than this. Set in a remote, rural
community in Tennessee, the workshop taught us all aspects of building
your own Cob building and in fact was a hands on workshop where we had
the opportunity to build a complete building from the ground up!
...Getting very dirty along the way!
For those unfamiliar with the term; Cob is a structural composite of
earth, water, straw, clay, and sand. It is hand sculpted to form the
walls of the building...very similar to making a mud house when you
were a kid...only now your closer to 50 than 40 and at the end of the
day most all of your body is sore.
One of the really cool aspects was the fact that the kids were welcome
and we were even encouraged to attend as a family. I am hard pressed to
identify many workshops where kids are allowed and I seriously doubt
many mainstream construction/building workshops would allow/provide the
opportunity for kids to work side by side with the adults.
The workshop was held in Woodbury, Tennessee by Barefoot Builders and
included a couple of dozen people that were interested in learning how
to build their own home using clay and sand. Everyone was from very
different backgrounds and came from as far away as New York, Texas, and
Canada which resulted in some interesting and fun conversations.
Both of the kids had a good time. There was another 8 year old girl
from Ohio that came with her dad to the workshop so Gigi quickly made a
lifelong friend. They all jumped right in (literally) and started
making cob.
No...we do not have any plans to build a Cob house anytime soon, but
can certainly foresee the possibility of building Gina a small art
studio some day. Not only would a space made from earthen materials
feel wonderful to the artists soul...but knowing that you built it with
your own hands would make it especially rewarding.
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Tags: Adobe Bricks, Adobe Home, Building A Cob House, Cob Building,
Ecuador, National Parks, Natural Materials, Nature Works, Philosophy,
Tennessee
by Sean
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Sticker Shock
Monday, September 21, 2009 Posted in U.S.
It is easy to get used to feeding a family of 4 for a couple hundred
bucks a month, spending $7.00 including drinks for a Chicken and Rice
dinner for everyone was nice...those days are gone.
nomoney_fs
During our first 3 weeks back in the U.S. our biggest adjustment to
life in the states are the prices of everything, $1.00 lunches, $8.00
shoes, and a bag full of organic veggies for $5.00 are now distant
memories...replaced with $4.00 cups of coffee, $9.00 sandwiches, and a
poor public transportation system.
Where we often went weeks without taking money out of our bank account,
instead using the $100 or so of cash in our pockets to live...now we
are faced with a daily assault on our savings.
It does not help that motel rooms and dining in restaurants are the
norm for us right now, it is expensive to travel in the U.S..
We are trying to combat the high prices by using creativity and
spending time thinking about different ways we can save money. Here are
a few methods we use to save a few bucks everyday.
Many hotels offer significant discounts through advertisements in Hotel
Discount Guides. Rest stops along the interstates often provide tourist
information and provide lots of free info and hotel guides. In some
cases we saved $30.00 per nite using coupons over the hotel rack rates.
To combat the high cost of eating in restaurants while on the road we
often share meals. We actually began this practice years ago to try and
reduce both waste and the expense of eating out. Most portions served
in restaurants are more than 1 person could/should eat and leftovers
usually get pushed to the back of the fridge and thrown out weeks
later. We rarely order Gigi a meal of her own - she is just not a big
eater and her meals always end up coming home with us.
Gina and I often share a meal - we occasionally run into a place that
will want to charge you a "sharing charge" but we have decided we will
simply NOT pay these and will get up and leave if they instist. Grant
has the biggest appetite these days, but there are times when he may
not be as hungry and share a meal with one of us.
Another great way to save money is to simply not order drinks. For the
four of us this saves between $8.00 to $12.00 a meal! Besides saving
money we avoid sugary sodas or other less healthy choices.
Gina and I both enjoy a cup of coffee but paying $2.50 for a cup is
just a bit ridiculous to us. To get our "fix" we make sure to take
advantage of the "free" coffee available. First, the hotel room usually
has a pot where you can make a few cups to just start your day.
Most/many places we stay offer a continental breakfast that includes
coffee - we make sure we get our daily quota at these coffee stations.
If things get desperate and we have to splurge for a cup of coffee we
have 2 strategies.
1) If we purchase coffee in a restaurant we will bend the rules by
ordering 1 cup of coffee and sharing the re-fills. We try not to abuse
this service and justify it in our heads by drinking less than we would
normally if we had paid for 2 cups.
2) 7-11 offers very good coffee with free flavorings. You can get about
any type of coffee that you want and save yourself $2.00 to $3.00 for a
cup. They have flavored creamers and Italian syrups, and you can even
make yourself a mocha.
Everyone likes snacks to nibble on during a long car ride, the kids
especially seem to be bottomless pits. Instead of tossing down handfuls
of expensive and unhealthy junk food we have found a couple of ways to
increase the health and decrease the cost of our snacking.
Our family loves popcorn but without access to a stove it is not
possible to make up a batch. An alternative is to purchase microwave
popcorn in the grocery store and use the microwave in the motel room
and throw it into a big bag for the car ride. While it is not as
healthy as raw popped corn - there are many choices on the grocery
store shelves that are fairly healthy and certainly a better choice
than chips.
Another great snack for long car rides are peanuts. While they are a
little messy...they are healthy and if purchased in the shells are
fairly inexpensive. There is something about having to shell your own
peanuts that make you eat less I think.
So, as we adjust to life back in the states, and specifically the
extreme differences in costs of similar items between Latin America and
the U.S., we are biting the bullet a bit and looking for ways to save a
few bucks along the way. Bouncing around the U.S. is certainly not a
long term solution but we are using this time to research different
parts of the country for possible relocation and meeting wonderful
people along the way.
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
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Tags: Chicken And Rice, Coming Home, Couple Hundred, Different Ways,
Distant Memories, Fridge, Hotel Discount, Hotel Guides, Hotel Rack
Rates, Interstates, Leftovers, Motel Rooms, Organic Veggies, Public
Transportation System, Rest Stops, Rice Dinner, Sandwiches, Share
Meals, Spending Time, Sticker Shock
by Sean
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The Best Homeschool Day Ever
Sunday, September 6, 2009 Posted in Florida
Gigi has looked forward to our return to the states probably more than
all of us (maybe combined), looking forward to swimming, playing at the
beach, and for the past several months Gigi has counted down the days
until she was going to swim with the dolphins. Somewhere along the way
we agreed to a trip to Disney World as well...so for an 8 year old girl
Florida is next door to heaven.
Dolphin Tricks-
Dolphin Tricks
We all look forward to "Field Trips", substituting getting out and
seeing, touch, and exploring sights instead of reading about them in a
book or studying other not as fun subjects. To this end we were all
looking forward to our Dolphin Field Trip, a chance to learn about
these amazing creatures and get a firsthand experience with them.
There are a number of places that you can swim with the dolphins in
Florida, we chose the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key Florida,
about 45 minutes South of Key Largo. The DRC is a non-profit education
and research facility whose mission is to
"promote peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between
marine mammals, humans and the environment"
While not much to look at from the front, inside the gates is an
incredible sanctuary for dolphins, with some 20 dolphins housed in
coral pools in the Gulf of Mexico with fencing to protect the dolphins
from large predators...including people. At the same time the dolphins
can easily jump the fencing and get out, but as most of the dolphins
have actually been born at the DRC this is their home and open water is
a scary proposition. We were told that one of the boy dolphins
frequently "escapes" and swims around to the other side of the lagoon
and jumps back over the fence to be with the females.
Gigi and Gina-
Gigi and Gina
The facility is organized around individual lagoons with between 2 and
4 dolphins in each lagoon. A nice covered (read shady) boardwalk runs
through the middle of the lagoons with benches available for sitting
and observing (and talking to) the dolphins. Each lagoon has a display
with the dolphins pictures, bio, and some facts about the DRC facility.
Every ½ hour there is an opportunity to watch the researchers/trainers
interact with the dolphins and learn something about their behavior and
abilities, ask questions, and really have a great time being
entertained by these amazing creatures.
While most groups are between 6 and 16 people, Gigi and Gina had an
opportunity to get into the water with only themselves, the trainer,
and 2 of the dolphins. This gave them a bunch of hands on time with
the dolphins and Gigi was able to pet and pet and pet the dolphins for
the entier 1/2 hour. She had a blast, and as the smile on Gina's face
can attest...so did she.
You can find out much more from the Dolphin Research Center website as
well as make reservations for one of their many dolphin programs.
The day was a hit, and the kids proclaimed the day the best homeschool
day ever!
Click on the above photos to see ALL of the Dolphin Photos...
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Tags: Amazing Creatures, Array, Disney World, Dolphin Field, Dolphin
Research Center, Dolphins, Dolphins In Florida, Drc, Field Trip, Field
Trips, Grassy Key Florida, Gulf Of Mexico, Homeschool, Key Largo,
Lagoons, Marine Mammals, Open Water, Peaceful Coexistence, Profit
Education, Scary Proposition, Swim Dolphins, Swim With The Dolphins
by Sean
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The Story of Stuff
Friday, August 21, 2009 Posted in Activism, Portable Parents, Simple
Living, Travel with Kids
Here is another case where those of you that read our blog for the
travel stories will wonder what this post has to do with anything
travel related, well, the short answer is that it doesn't - but it has
a lot to do with the changes we made in our personal li
storyofstuff- ves that led to our decision to spend time
traveling.
I first ran across The Story of Stuff some time ago and thought that it
was just great, taking very complex political, economic, and social
issues and presenting an overview that was suitable for many different
age groups. What is this video all about? Taken from their website:
"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff
in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of
this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute,
fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and
consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections
between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls
us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach
you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way
you look at all the stuff in your life forever"
This is the type of piece that usually creates divides among those that
watch it...left v.s. right, liberal v.s. conservative, socialists v.s.
capitalists or any other labels that are conveniently used to
marginalize differing opinions - how about mainstream from contrarian?
To this end, what I like most about this information is that you can
find a whole host of resource materials that were used for the making
of the video, including a reading list and a list of NGO's that are
currently involved in many of the issues discussed in the piece. I
love to read about these types of issues to educate myself on what we
(yes you) are doing to our planet and ourselves, and appreciate having
such a comprehensive reading list as a starting point.
So, what does this have to do with our "travel blog"?
In effect we have chosen to opt-out of what is described as the
"materials economy" in the video. Our decision to sell our stuff and
leave the rat race is a statement that we are no longer interested in
participating in this linear, unsustainable system in the same way we
did before. Besides having a lot of fun, seeing new places, spending
time as a family, and all of the other cool stuff that traveling
involves we are also trying to determine how our lives will be shaped
in the future by these decisions.
There are issues that the video did not raise that are more important
to us than some others depicted in the video. For example, there is no
discussion about the impact this system has on families and communities
other than portrayed by the man moving from Work to T.V. to Shopping -
but it is our opinion that this "busyness" in our way of life leads to
many social ills AND now we can speak from experience of the
differences between spending a few minutes a day as a family compared
to spending every minute together as a family. We favor the latter!
When we started our journey we questioned many things about our lives.
We questioned the importance (or sanity) of many things that all of us
take for granted, both of aspects that were in our lives as well as
those that we not in our lives at the time. Ultimately the answers to
these questions resulted in a complete liquidation of all of our stuff
and a desire to permanently change the old relationships we had with a
lifestyle that we deemed as unsustainable. Whether you agree with this
or not (or whether you were hoping for a travel story) I think The
Story of Stuff has something in its message for all of us and "just may
change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."
Want to read more from Sean? He also writes for
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Tags: Age Groups, Array, Blog, Capitalists, Conservative, Consumption
Patterns, Labels, Led, Li Ves, Mainstream, Ngo, Personal, Reading List,
Resource Materials, Resources Materials, Short Answer, Social Issues,
Socialists, Travel Stories
by Sean
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The Eagle has Landed
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Posted in Argentina, Buenos Aires, Family
and Friends
After much anticipation the Grandma has landed in Buenos Aires!
Really the plan to meet up with Barbara and Giles was drafted more than
a year ago when we found out that Giles had the opportunity to speak at
a conference in BA - we have all tentatively planned on meeting up in
the city, and things worked according to pla gang-in-buenos-aires n.
Gigi started her personal countdown 4 months out. Each morning she
would let us know, 120 days dad. 119 days mommy...
This past week she has been bouncing off the walls and floors
(literally) in anticipation of seeing her Grandma! As the days grew
closer the spins and whirls and leaps became more frenzied until the
day before she was supposed to arrive I thought for sure that she would
explode.
We tracked their plane on the internet, checking flight status, but
also enjoying watching them chart the same course that we traveled only
months prior. Flying over Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and the border
of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile where we spent a couple of cold nights on
the Salt Flats of Bolivia. Finally on to Buenos Aires...
Two subways and 20 blocks of walking and we arrived at their hotel just
in time to see their luggage head up the elevator. We made our way up
to their room and hugs and smiles and tears filled the room as family
that had not seen each other in more than a year said their hello's.
The moment made the year absense and the anticipation worth it, and the
pent up energy was visible releasing from inside Gigi.
After spending time getting caught up we headed to a small cafe for
lunch and spent time walking the streets of the city. Gigi and Grandma
walked arm in arm for more than an hour, talking and window shopping as
they went.
Grant now has shoes! Grandparents being grandparents they were not
going to let a little thing like price stand in the way of their
grandson having a pair of shoes - and we were able to find a "cool"
pair that also fit (size 13's!) for our little 13 year old. Grant said
"dad, my shoes size is always my age", very true, and we can only guess
at what his feet will look like at 18 years of age.
Tango Dancing
Tango Dancing
What is a little window shopping in Buenos Aires without some Tango
dancing?
Buenos Aires Tango
Buenos Aires Tango
We strolled back to the hotel and spent more time catching up and
planning the next days activities. They will be in town for 10 days,
and then we fly out to Miami a few days later. Gigi has a list of
everything she wants to do and show her Grandma in the city, we know
that she has the energy to see it all...not sure if the rest of us do.
We visit for a couple hours more but it is getting late and everyone is
tired, long flights and lots of energy was spent her today. But as we
say our goodbyes and head out I think to myself that it was a good day.
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Tags: 4 Months, Absense, Arm In Arm, Array, Bouncing Off The Walls,
Cold Nights, Flight Status, Gigi, Giles, Hugs And Smiles, Leaps,
Personal Countdown, Salt Flats, Shoes Size, Size 13, Spending Time,
Streets Of The City, Subways, Walking The Streets, Whirls, Window
Shopping
by Sean
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Buenos Aires Zoo
Friday, August 14, 2009 Posted in Argentina, Buenos Aires, Travel with
Kids
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
The Buenos Aires Zoo, or Jardin Zoológico is located in the Palermo
district of Buenos Aires. For us it is only a hop, skip, and a jump
from our apartment in Palermo Viejo or about 10 blocks. In fact, we
walk by the zoo most days looking to catch a city bus or a subway ride.
The city location is pretty unique for zoo's, but considering it was
built almost 135 years ago it is better described as the city of Buenos
Aires having built up around it. It sits on 44 acres but feels much
smaller and is easily walked in only a few hours. We visited with Gigi
on a weekday in Winter and their were a fair amount of people visiting,
I would guess that it gets very crowded during warmer Spring and Summer
months.
Patagonian Mara-
Patagonian Mara
I am not a big rodent fan, but these little guys were pretty cute. The
Patagonian Mara lives in Central and Southern Argentina and apparently
in zoo's, and usually inhabit the dry grasslands and scrub desert.
They live underground in burrows, and were docile and not afraid of
humans...probably because all of the kiddies were giving them food.
If you click on the picture you can see more of the photos we took of
the animals at the zoo.
Monkey-
One of the really cool things about this zoo is that you can feed the
animals, everyone but the cats (lions and tigers) and the giraffe.
There are kiosks all through the park where you can purchase "approved
food" for the animals and then lots of opportunities to feed all kinds
of animals. Besides being a lot of fun, giving the animals food means
that you can get much closer to zoo animals than is the case in most
zoo's.
Feeding Elephant-
Feeding Elephant
The elephants were only a few feet away from us, picking up the food
that kids were throwing over the fence.
Gigi Feeding Sheep-
Gigi Feeding Sheep
In some cases the animals would eat out of your hands.
Nutria Eating-
Nutria Eating
Even this little guy, a Nutria that lived in the lake, would be your
friend long enough to get a little food from you. See his webbed foot?
Our favorite animal, and one that we had never seen before, was the
Panda Rojo or Red Panda. These little guys were awful cute.
Red Panda - Panda Rojo-
Red Panda - Panda Rojo
Gigi wanted to take one home with her, and every other animal as well,
but we did not think that the Panda would like living in her suitcase.
Gigi and Hello Kitty-
Gigi and Hello Kitty
We had a great time at the zoo and because it is so close to where we
live in Buenos Aires we will probably go again. Grant stayed home...he
was too cool for the zoo, but after hearing what a great time Gigi had
he wants to go and take a look at all of the animals for himself.
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Tags: All Kinds Of Animals, Animals At The Zoo, Animals Lions,
Apartment In Palermo, Bears, Burrows, City Bus, City Location, City Of
Buenos Aires, Cool Things, Dry Grasslands, Feeding Sheep, Gigi,
Giraffe, Jardin, Kiddies, Lions And Tigers, Little Guys, Palermo Viejo,
Patagonian Mara, Rodent, Southern Argentina, Spring And Summer, Subway,
Weekday, Zoo, Zoo Animals
by Sean
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Education or Schooling?
Sunday, August 9, 2009 Posted in Homeschooling
gigi and baby llama- The Homeschool Alternative
When we decided to live and travel in South America Homeschooling was a
natural alternative for us, we obviously did not have the "luxury" of
public school and since we were not planning on being in one place for
more than a couple of months enrolling the kids in a local school was
not possible either.
However, besides the practical considerations of the trip there were
other considerations as well. We began looking at alternatives years
ago for a host of reasons.
The debate surrounding our public schools continues to rage on. With
each new presidential administration comes the next new "fix", and in
my opinion the next nail in the coffin of a completely dysfunctional
system.
Many people never question whether they should send their kids to the
public school system. They are told they have to and they do it. For
others the available options do not meet their needs, and for some they
have discovered the homeschool option.
For our family, we began looking into option other than public schools
early in our first childs education. We were naïve and did not
understand a lot of things, but we knew that this
portable-parents/blog/2008/05/portable-parents/drugs-are-not
-the-answer/ was no way to treat kids...AND certainly not our kid.
We now understand the issues facing the public school system in our
country, we have educated ourselves about the history of public
education, and we took steps to get our kids an education that
respected them as individuals. For the past 3 years Gina has
volunteered at both the kids' schools, racking up the top volunteer
hours at both schools. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of
overworked teachers, underfunded programs, and a system that rewards
compliance over creativity.
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
My primary reasons for recommending homeschool as an alternative is
that it allows students to learn naturally, it encourages creativity
and free thinking, and that it treats them with respect and dignity.
These are severely lacking in our current public school system.
Homeshooling is legal in all states. Homeschooling is growing and
according to the National Center for Edcuational Statistics (ominous
sounding agency) there were 1.3 million homeschoolers in 2003. My sense
is that it is growing at a faster pace than ever before, and that what
once was a cottage/religious based movement is now mainstream and
picking up energy.
Homeschooling quite obviously fits our current lifestyle, both in
providing the portability we need for our travel schedule but also
allowing the kids experiences to facilitate learning. They are learning
many lessons from touching and walking and talking and seeing and
experiencing, and not from simply reading it in a textbook in a
classroom.
Current State of Affairs
A couple of weeks ago when we announced the Big News that we were
returning to the U.S., I answered a number of questions that we had
received from readers of the blog and one of these was I thought we
could have done a better job with our homeschool efforts.
The grandparents apparently took this to mean that my comments meant
the kids received NO EDUCATION, won't receive any again next year...and
are surely to suffer at the hands of their parents unless we rush them
into public school - or some such thoughts. After emails and skype
calls on this topic...what better way to explain ourselves than turn it
into a blog post :)
Before I discuss our experiences, and perhaps more clearly articulate
what has and hasn't worked for us this past year, I thought we could
look at the state of the current public school system a little to find
out what we are missing...sounds like fun to me!
Well I have not been in the U.S. for a year but understand that there
are problems with a few budgets...like ALL of them. We have many
friends that are school teachers thankfully many of them still have
jobs...but in our hometown many others have lost theirs. This will
result in few teachers per student and I believe require more parent
participation.
For those of you that have not been in a public school classroom lately
- the functional schools are completely supported by parent volunteers
and I would contend would not be able to provide much education at all
if not for these parents.
We happen to have a college professor in the family now...and I have
heard about the stresses he is under, not only personally having to
take a reduction in pay and do more with less, but also as a result of
the broader impact the devastating cuts are having on his university
and his friends and peers lives. Not easy to deal with I imagine.
Budget cuts devastate California higher education and similar headlines
dominate the news...simply insert your state of choice.
Canby, Oregon - our hometown - probably has it better than many school
districts, Los Angeles schools are not faring well;
The Los Angeles public schools are facing a huge budget deficit. The
Board of Education voted Tuesday to cut thousands of jobs over the
coming year -- everything from teachers to janitors.
Angry teachers, holding picket signs and mock pink slips, chanted
outside the doors of the downtown Los Angeles school board offices.
Inside the packed board chambers, fifth-grade teacher Araceli Castro
pleaded with school board members not to fire her.
Let's not fool ourselves into thinking that these issues will not
affect our children. That the pressures and stresses teachers, parents,
and communities face as a result of these fiscal crises won't also
weigh on the shoulders of our kids as well. These pressures combined
with typical peer pressure, drug use, violence, drinking, sex and a
host of other social problems are also there to greet our children
every morning.
A vocal advocate of school reform, John Taylor Gatto wrote an article
years ago titled "The Six-Lesson Schoolteacher" where he gave an
account of the lessons he taught to his students each day as directed
by the school board. These lessons were:
1. Stay in the class where you belong
2. Turn on and off like a light switch
3. Surrender your will to a pre-destined chain of command
4. Only I determine what curriculum you will study
5. Your self respect should depend on an observers measure of your
worth
6. You are being watched
I am not convinced that the kids are missing out on all that much truth
be told!
The Lesson of Experience
Ok, so what exactly have our experiences been this year? What went
right and what could be improved?
We began the year with a formal curriculum, in fact, we added a 5^th
suitcase to our gear that stored nothing but books and school supplies.
For the first 5 months we used these books and curriculum to varying
degrees. In Costa Rica we read every night out loud to the kids, and
each school day they completed their assignments as outlined in the
curriculum.
Look at that...
Look at that...
It became apparent the not all of the information was interesting to
them, and a big struggle is that we have 2 very different kids and no
single program will satisfy both of them. In Ecuador we began using the
internet much more for a variety of different subjects, which also
helped us find resources more suited to each kid.
Gigi was enrolled in a local Spanish school for part of the time we
lived in Ecuador, so had homework that Gina helped her complete. Grant
used a combination of our formal curriculum, online math and science,
and writing when we could get him to cooperate.
When we got "thrown out" of Ecuador we decided to leave the suitcase
full of books behind. At this point the kids were not using them,
having moved to more internet based work, and it is a huge deal trying
to lug 50+ pounds of books around. We did not know what the future held
and the thought of dragging this suitcase all over was not appealing.
Once in Peru the kids continued using the internet as a primary source
of classes. Grant had gone through a math CD program we brought with us
from the states and that we had ordered a new one while in Ecuador but
we missed it - we spent months trying to get it shipped to us in Peru.
While the kids were doing schoolwork the tension over getting them to
do it increased. Gigi is the most stubborn little thing on the planet
and when she chooses not to do something there is no changing her mind
(reminds me of some parent/teacher conferences we had). Grant continued
his studies, substituting online math for the missing CD.
For 8 weeks we traveled from Trujillo Peru to Salta Argentina and we
moved a lot in that period of time, seeing southern Peru, Lima, Machu
Piccchu, Boliva, and finally crossing the border into Argentina. The
kids read a little and Gigi used the time on the bus to work on her
math books - but for the most part the formal schooling took a back
seat to getting around.
I mentioned that we "degraded" into unschooling, meaning we went from a
formal curriculum to an informal. Unschooling does not use a fixed
curriculum, and is interest driven, child-led, natural, organic,
eclectic, or self-directed learning.
The "issue" for Gina and I is that this was not part of the original
plan AND unschooling is very difficult to get your head around...both
of us having come from a very traditional approach to our education,
ie, a public school system.
So, the long and short of it is that the kids did get a good education
this year, some of which was structured either from the suitcase full
of books that we drug with us or from a small private school in
Cotacachi Ecuador or from workbooks and CD's or from a host of visits
to museums and other cultural activities and adventures. In addition,
they learned about a lot of other countries, cultures, animals, etc.,
that they would not have had a chance to learn about in their public
schools back home.
Schooling v.s. Education
But, for me there is a much bigger issue or questions that we need to
ask ourselves. One of these is "are the lessons kids need to learn
inside a classroom or outside?" and "is what is being taught in our
classrooms true?"
The plight of indigenous peoples is a lesson that the kids would not
get from a textbook...at least not the true story. We made friends with
a indigenous family in Ecuador and learned about their way of life and
shared some of our foods and customs. Ecuador's indigenous population
is greater than 80%, in the U.S. that number is less than 2%. Estimates
are that 20-40 million Native Americans lived in what is now the
continental US in 1492, what do our history books tell of the
decimation of this population?
I was reflecting the other day that we have spent more than a year
together with our kids 24/7! I get emails from people wondering how we
do it, and I will admit that there are times when we could all use a
break from each other, but this is also an amazing blessing as well.
There are tremendous educational benefits for the kids as a result of
this closeness. While we might have sat down to dinner as a family
once, maybe twice a week, now all of our meals are spent together. The
conversations we have with the kids at the dinner table cover the full
gamut of topics...some more educational than others but all important
to their individual development and the strengthening as a family.
I will have memories of bumping along some road in some country in
South America watching the landscape rush by for the rest of my life.
But these memories also include spending time with Grant and Gigi and
answering the myriad of questions that only 13 year old and 8 year old
minds can think up. Most of the questions I did not have answers to,
but confessing my shortcomings to each of them is educational in its
own right. There is NOTHING taught in the classroom that is more
valuable than these lessons shared looking out the window of a long bus
ride.
Public schools are all about ensuring that everyone "fits" and that as
many as possible revert to the mean. Those that can't keep up or
disturb the process are dealt with, and those that show promise or
interest beyond the rote education are ignored. I think there are
other ways to give our children an education that will actually benefit
their creativity and individuality, and further their understanding of
things that interest them.
So, what is in store the coming year?
The short answer is more of the same.
We will work at improving certain areas...like trying to find ways to
make learning more fun for the kids - and for the time we are in the
U.S. will have the benefit of additional resources (namely a language
they can read) such as libraries and bookstores.
It is unlikely that we go back to the formal curriculum we began with
last year, but will likely incorporate a little more structure than we
had the last few months of the school year. Our research indicated
that it takes time for a family to find their way with homeschooling,
discarding what doesn't work and trying new ideas. We are working our
way through the ups and downs as well.
Grant has indicated that he wants to play High School sports, so if
Gina and I honor this wish Grant will enroll in public school again in
the near future. Our experience with homeschooling has given us ideas
about how we might assist and structure a learning environment for him
that allows him to follow his interests more than is likely provided in
public school.
...and you never know...
As I take a break from writing this book length article to grab a cup
of coffee, Gigi is in the kitchen reading a book to Gina while Grant
sits next to her hugging her and listening (and bugging) to Gigi read
out loud. This is not part of some formal curriculum - but I will take
it just the same!
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Tags: 3 Years, Botanical Garden, Buenos Aires, Childs Education,
Compliance, Creativity, Dignity, Drugs, Free Thinking, Gina, History
Education, Homeschool, Homeschooling, Kids Education, Local School,
Nail In The Coffin, New Presidential Administration, Parents, Public
Education, Public School System, south america, Volunteer Hours
by Sean
96 comments
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GLUTEN FREE BUENOS AIRES
Saturday, August 8, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized
GLUTEN FREE BUENOS AIRES
breakfast-argentina1
I have been eating gluten free for the past 7 years (this is Gina).
Eating gluten-free in Central and South America has been somewhat more
of a challenge than I anticipated. This has been especially true in
Argentina, with a huge portion of the population descended from Italian
immigrants. Italian dishes such as Milanesa (either beef or chicken
pounded, breaded and fried, usually covered with red sauce and
mozzarella) and pasta have become Argentine staples available on every
menu in every city we have visited. AND every Argentine adult starts
their day with café con leche and medialunas (half-moon shaped crescent
rolls) with dulce de leche; a total wheat-fest, which has left me
hungry in more than one hotel/hostel along the way! But, in my quest
to stay on track and feeling healthy, I have discovered some
gluten-free gems that I thought I would pass on to the next celiac or
wheat-allergic traveler coming to Buenos Aires.
Gluten-Free Empanadas from Celigourmet
Gluten-Free Empanadas from Celigourmet
The most complete gluten-free Mecca I have discovered is Dietetica 100%
Natural in Alto Palermo, located at Bulnes 2042, Buenos Aires, phone
number 4821-1674 (on Bulnes between Santa Fe and Arenales), around the
corner from the Alto Palermo mall. You can take the Subte D line and
the Bulnes stop drops you off almost at their front door (look for
their big red sign)! This shop has the most complete assortment of
prepared gluten-free foods I have seen anywhere in the world! Their
freezer section has breads, pizzas, pizza dough, medialunas (crescent
rolls), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), raviolis and other artisanal
pastas, quiches, tortas, and various other tempting delights, both
savory and sweet. On the shelves you can find locally made budines
("puddings" to the Brits or loaf cakes to us Americans) in various
flavors, and cookies, including another Argentine staple, the alfajor
(shortbread cookie sandwiches, filled with dulce de leche and either
dipped in chocolate, white meringue, or just plain with coconut around
the edge of the dulce de leche). They also have a large selection of
ready-made boxed GF cookies and crackers, rice cakes, GF pastas and a
few packages of mixes to make your own GF bread, cookies or cakes.
Additionally they have a large selection of GF flours to make your own
flour mix for scratch cooking and baking, as well as GF soy sauce and
other sauces. I have not seen Xanthan Gum anywhere in South America,
so for those travelers coming long term, bring some with you! For
all you Americans missing peanut butter, you can also find an organic
brand of peanut butter here (not as tasty as Jif or Skippy, but with
honey or jam hits the spot). There is also a large selection of
organic products, bulk nuts and dried fruits, gourmet oils, sauces,
sushi making supplies, herbs, supplements and essential oils. If you
eat gluten-free, organic, or are just a foodie this is the store for
you! For more information you can call them at 4821-1674 (I believe
they even deliver), email them at 100xcientonatural@fibertel.ar or
try their website at 100xcientonatural.ar.
Within walking distance from our apartment in Palermo Viejo I have
found a few other stores that have a few gluten-free items as well.
gf-rolls2
Celigourmet, located in Palermo at Charcas 4787 (on Charcas between
Godoy Cruz and Fray Justo Sta. Ma. De Oro), phone 4776-5448, is a store
solely dedicated to making gluten-free products. This find was pure
delight! This store has the most complete assortment of baked goods
like muffins, small budines (puddings or loaf cakes), cookies and
ready-made gourmet cakes and tortes, as well as prepared foods such as
pizzas, pizza crusts, empanadas, tartas (a cross between a quiche and a
calzone), crepes, canelones and sandwiches. Their torta menu includes
cheesecake, brownies, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, lemon mousse
cake, and many more. Prices for these range from $38 pesos for the
small (about $10 US) to as high as $85 pesos for a large (just over
$20-something US). They also have small rolls (these are delicious!),
pita breads and small baguettes...alas, no loaf bread! Another find
here was tortilla chips! Celigourmet has another location at Paunero
1927, Martinez, and phone 4798-2990. They are open Monday through
Friday 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You
can also email them at celigourmet@hotmail or visit their website
at celigourmet.ar.
La Esquina de las Flores, located in Palermo at Gurruchaga 1630
(Gurrauchaga and Honduras), Buenos Aires, phone 4228-5000, is a
combination café and health food store that sells 100% organic
certified products. It is located just a few blocks off the rotunda in
Palermo. The selection of gluten-free foods here is limited to GF
pastas, boxed GF cookies/crackers, a few ready-made mixes, plus they
have fresh, locally made loaf bread (pan de molde) on Thursday mornings
at 9am. They also have a large selection of alternative flours such as
bean flour, rice flour, and quinoa flour (although they don't appear to
be certified gluten-free like they are at Dietetica 100% Natural, so
eat at your own risk). If you are looking for cocoa for baking or
peanut butter, this is the place to find it! You can email them at
info@esquinadelasflores.ar or you can visit their website at
esquinadelasflores.ar .
For a quick GF pasta or cookie fix, Diet-Cer, has 3 locations. I have
personally visited the one located in Palermo on Jorge Luis Borges
2433, phone 5786-0257. You can take the Subte D line to Plaza Italia,
then head away from the Plaza on Jorge Luis Borges for this shop. They
have two other locations I have not visited at Ave. Scalabrini Ortiz
2174, phone 4832-2870, or Guemes 3961, phone 4832-7707. They have a
decent selection of GF pasta, boxed cookies/crackers and a few boxes of
bread mix, cake and cookie mixes.
Jumbo supermarkets have a small selection of gluten-free
cookies/crackers and boxed mixes, but no pastas. The Wal-Mart in
Corrientes had a very nice gluten-free and organic section, so I will
go out on a limb and say that the Wal-Mart in Buenos Aires does as
well, but I haven't been there to verify this. They also had a
delicious American-style crunchy peanut butter. Most "dieteticas"
carry at least gluten-free pasta and cookies, so pop into one in your
neighborhood and check it out.
You can find gluten-free rice cakes in almost every supermercado as a
fall back. And, if you are lucky, you can find chipas near where you
are staying in Buenos Aires. Chipas are the Argentine version of
indigenous mantioca-cheese bread. chipa1 You can find variations of
this in many countries in South America (pan de yuca in Ecuador, pao de
quejo in Brazil). I had my first chipa on a bus in Missiones,
Argentina - they are very common bus food in much of Argentina and in
many cases made in a Chiparia, dedicated to making only chipas, which
means, gluten-free! The ingredients in a traditional chipa are
mantioca flour (a version of tapioca/yucca flour), cheese, milk and
butter). They can be round, like a bagel, in sticks or in little
balls. They also sell them as snacks in the movie theaters here in
Buenos Aires! Outside of BA they will cost you $1 peso per chipa,
here in BA they will cost $2-$3 pesos per chipa. My local panaderia
here in Palermo (located next door to the GluHotel on Godoy Cruz and
Honduras) makes them daily but usually sells out by the afternoon.
(Plus, they are made in a regular bakery so celiacs will be contending
with cross-contamination.) Many stores sell a chipa mix in the flour
section in a little blue bag so you can make them yourself, or many of
the above-mentioned outlets sell the raw ingredients and you can google
the recipe.
I hope you have as much fun shopping and eating here as I have! To my
fellow wheat-allergics or celiac friends in Buenos Aires, Buen
Provecho!
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Tags: Alfajor, Alto Palermo, Arenales, Artisanal, Café Con Leche,
Cookie Sandwiches, Crescent Rolls, D Line, Dulce De Leche, Flavors,
Free Gems, Freezer Section, Gluten Free, Gluten Free Buenos Aires, Half
Moon, Italian Dishes, Italian Immigrants, Milanesa, Mozzarella, Pizza
Dough, Puddings, Staples, Subte, Tempting Delights
by Sean
74 comments
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