Argentinian Gaucho, Juan Carlos, at La Lipela preparing the fire for a traditional Asado barbecue. An Asado is a lengthy, sociable event and many ingredients areprepared and cooked over the open fire for all to enjoy. Ingredients include, meat, sausages, sweetbread, kidneys, small intestines, blood sausages, etc. An Asado is complete when there is abundant bread, a good salad, chimichurri and a good Argentinian vino tinto. Delicious!
A view out over Patagonian steppe from the base of Fragua Roca. The shot was taken while conducting a sweep of the base of this Condorera for Condor feathers, pellets and anything else of significance for local Argentinian scientists.
Here's a rundown of LPs that are doing it for me right now. All offerings from American artists. The US alternative scene just seems to agree with my ear drums more!
Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective. As experimental and ethereal as per usual, Animal Collective have produced an awesome album here. Full of dreamy reverbed vocals and awash with mad electronic synth sounds. A delight from start to finish!
Rain Machine by Rain Machine. Rain Machine is the solo incarnation of Kyp Malone, of TV On The Radio Fame. Not shying too far from the TVOTR sound, but a treat all the same. An album of varying styles and brilliant flow.
Embryonic by The Flaming Lips. I've been a long time fan of The Flaming Lips and I never cease to be amazed at their output. Another blinding album from Wayne Coyne and Co. Although not as immediate as past releases the zany electronic pulses, vocal effects, and solid beats on this release are well worth spending time over.
Bitte Orca by Dirty projectors. This is the first LP by Dirty Projecters that I have ever listened to and I doubt it'll be the last. Very hard to pigeonhole into any genre and a challenge to describe. It flits from eccentric guitar lines to folky melodies in the bat of an eyelid and is laden with fitting male and female vocals that compliment one another well. A beautiful album that will remain close to the CD player for a while to come. (Yes, I still buy CD albums....Old School).
Julian Plenti is... Skyscraper by Julian Plenti. Julian Plenti (AKA Paul Banks of Interpol) has put out a selection of works that he has been writing an playing for well over 10 years, before his days fronting Interpol. While the vocal delivery is that instantly recognisable Paul Banks baritone, the instumentation on the other hand is not. Another varied release with nice changes of pace and mood. A must for any die hard Interpol fan, but fear not, if you don't even dig Interpol, give this try. You'll be in for a treat.
I just finished reading this great title. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. For those with an interest in taking time out to travel for a longer period of time and just going with the flow, wandering, taking your time. Packed full of wisdom and advice for would-be vagabonds. Give it a whirl.
If one were ever looking for enlightenment and wisdom in this crazy world we live in they need look no further than 'The School Of Life'. Based in London, not far from Russell Square, the school offers small classes on the big issues in life, conversation meals for sociable strangers and even holidays, amoungst other services. Something different I'm sure you'll agree. I intend to take a class at some point and see what it's all about. To find out more hit their website.
OK, I'm going to kick off my blogging debut with a series of photos that I took while on a volunteer expedition in Patagonia, Argentina, between September and December '09. These are the best of the best. I was very lucky to have spent such a good stretch of time in such a beautiful wilderness. It makes for great photography!
Above is a view from Cerro Campanario, west of San Carlos de Bariloche. It overlooks Lago El Trébol, Lago Moreno Oeste and the Península Llao Llao.
Free spirited, full of wanderlust and a strong penchant for adventure. Ever the music aficionado and always striving to seek out and explore the best that the alternative side of life has to offer. I dedicate this blog to anything and everything that inspires me in life. People, places, photography, music, literature. I hope it will inspire you too. Enjoy!
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