18 April 2020

In November 2019 I returned to Myanmar for the third time for a fortnights holiday. For me to return to a holiday destination within  a year and a half is pretty unusual. On the last visit to Myanmar my guide Thwin showed me photos of this annual balloon festival held in November . Apparently all the surrounding villages compete making balloons out of paper. These are propelled by hot air. There are two types of balloons. During the day there are animal shapes. At night spherical balloons with different images painted on them. These balloons carry cargo consisting of either candles or home made fireworks. The balloons looked amazing and not many Westerners go to this event. So I thought I got to see it before it is stopped or diluted. Also I’m getting too old to carry all that heavy photography gear so I had better do it soon.

Why diluted ? Well how does a stack of home made fireworks , no crowd control, and naked flame  sound? I mean sometimes I think OSH (occupational safety and health) can be a bit over the top, but here we have the other extreme. Apparently it is not uncommon to have accidents and people even dying at these events. Villages have even blown up with the fire works production. The animal balloons are particularly prone to fire because of the odd shapes. You have to create hot air without the flames touching the paper. Hence the term massacre . A lot of animals were destroyed making this movie…… Balloons on fire crash into nearby buildings or even the crowds. Fortunately we didn’t get injured but Thwin was watching my back when I was taking some risky photos with fire everywhere. He was a great wing man. We did get hit by raining ashes and debris from the incinerating balloons in the sky though. As mentioned before no crowd control. This also meant no traffic control. On leaving the festival it took 2 hours to advance 200m! But I got my photos, had my Kindle to read, and great company to share the experience with, so I didn’t mind. Sometimes you have to perservere for a once in a lifetime event! I will let you be the  judge on  whether it was worth it.

1.    9 Nov 2019

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9. Sponsored advertising spot. Want to buy something from her?

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11. Preparing the candles

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18. Crash into the civilian population.

19. Home made fireworks made by each village. Battlestar Galactica.

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24. Raining down  phosphorus and ashes.

30.June 2019

I went to Buenos Aires for a week  with my wife Sally on an Air NZ package deal with 30 other kiwis. I didn’t know what to expect except there will be some Tango and to look after your personal belongings as the strreets aren’t safe.

These apprehensions and mindset  were similiar  going to Barcelona except  you can substitiute tango for flamenco.

Fortunately I didn’t get robbed, and I found the locals very friendly and helpful. If only I knew Spanish. The level of English and number of English speakers is similar in ratio to the number of Spanish speakers in NZ-not many. I also felt reassured walking in the streets as there were police  on nearly every corner  armed to the teeth. I was also surprised at how many female police were around and how attractive they were. I felt like asking to be arrested and those handcuffs were appealing….. I  wonder if they Tango as well?

We had a great group of Kiwis travelling with us and our guide Silvana was probably the best guide we have come across. Knowlegeable , friendly and very attentive. She wanted to make sure we all had a good time. And she had to work very hard as it rained everyday. Her throw away line was “ïts only a little water…” Fortunately Sally and I were prepared as we are from Wellington. We had waterproof coats  and boots so we stayed  dry. At least there was no wind which was a bonus.

The guides said they had the best beef in the world. I would agree as the steaks were fantastic. Unfortunately the rest of the cooking were not to NZ standards. Over cooked greens (if you got any) and very heavy on the sauces. They also seen to love their caramel sauce. My banana pancakes were smothered in sauce.

Visiting restaurants all we saw  were empanadas, chips , steaks and hamburgers. But the wine was very good . I was drinking Malbecs  every night The chardonnay was good as well. The Local Champagne was also very drinkable as I am not normally a fan of sparkling wine. I didn’t  have one bad glass of wine  and the prices were reasoanble as well.

The highlight for me though was the Tango. I always loved Argentine Tango and I have VHS tapes to prove it-yes its been that long ago. Now I was living in the soul of Tango. It’s a bit like Elvis fans going to Graceland. We saw  a great tango show and all around was tango in the streets. Apart from beef this must be one of Argentinas greatest exports.

The people we met were all very hard working trying to survive. Infaltion rate is around 50%.

I saw an article in the Economist a while ago lamenting the fact that for all its potential Argentina is still a basket case economy over the last 30 years. The every day people complain there isn’t any one worth voting for in the upcoming elections as only the rich and influential benefit.

So I wish to make a toast to all you lovely Malbec drinkers with one of my high quality Pinot noirs. You all deserve better and may the future improve for all of you. I really enjoyed the experience and will return for tango lessons!

The title should be Don’t cry for Eva but cry for Argentina.

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2. 16 June 2019   The day of the big power cut affecting Argentina and Uruguay. The worse in Argentinas recent history. The church across the road had Mass by candlelight.

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12.    20 June 2019   The view outside the window leaving Buenos Aires.