Hola mi amigos y amigas! Greetings from Buenos Aires!

May 25, 2010, Tuesday – I’m blessed and fortunate on my timely, first time visit in this capital city of Argentina.  The entire country celebrates the 200th anniversary of its revolution with lavish parades and numerous visiting heads of state and dignitaries – a perfect welcome for new and frequent visitors.

World famous Teatro Colon

The Argentina Bicentennial Celebrations began last Friday with millions of people in attendance, making it the biggest outdoor party Argentina has seen since it celebrated its return to democratic rule in 1983. With its revolution of May 25, 1810, Argentina began shedding colonial rule from Spain leading to the independence of Chile and Peru and to that of Argentina itself. (Excerpt from AFP.)

Accompanied by my new found-friend Dr. Jerns Jernal and his assistant Amado, I arrived there late Monday, May 24, in front of Teatro Colon – when the world-famous Opera House was re-inaugurated after five years of repair. 2,700 guests were invited to attend this international symbol’s memorable re-inauguration. A giant screen showed the proceedings inside the opera on the street outside.  The heart warming Argentinian National Anthem was then played at the start and at the end, followed by spectacular fireworks. Then another party begins. A fine dinner hosted by Dr. Jerns. The steak was mucho deliciouso! (no offense to vegetarian friends). It was pure bliss and magical moments.

We were then in front of the Obelisk together with thousands of expectators when the Teatro Colon concert hall opened late Monday. You can imagine the streets lined up of ocean of people. The energy was invigorating! Argentinians knows how to celebrate and to party!

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires

And what a universal timing it is! How often does a 200 year liberation celebration like this happens? Never mind that it took me four hours to find my way back to my hotel earlier that evening of May 25. Add to that, this happened to be a last minute decision or shall I say spontaneous decision to pass by Buenos Aires on my way to Brazil – the Amazon. It was all meant to be.

A 200-year Historical Lesson

Freedom – this is what it is all about. The freedom to experience life to its fullest, to fight, and strive for something better and higher. Every where around the globe and since the start of human history, man when in bondage, fought for freedom and they fought it with their lives. This is what the Argentina history and every nation’s history remind us of. Good thing is at this day, we no longer need to shed blood to be free. We are free to become who we want to be. And that in itself is a great privilege.

I have four more exciting days in Buenos Aires before I head to Rio de Janeiro and I wonder what else would beat the May 25 Bi-Centennial celebration? Well I have yet to have a Tango experience. Will keep you posted.  Meantime, please do check out some of the video footages I took at http://www.youtube.com/jhetvanruyvenchannel

Live your life to the fullest from moment to moment.

Live a life of gratitude, abundance and purpose