Getting High in Buenos Aires

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Photo © Bob Krist

Okay, everybody who read the headline and thought you were getting advice on scoring mind-altering substances (and I’m not talking about yerba mate, either) in Argentina, you can leave now….

Unless your mind gets altered by awesome angles and overviews of cool architecture. MIne does, and to that end I’m fortunate to be working with Bernardo Galmarini as my fixer on this gig.

Bernardo has an awesome collection of images of Buenos Aires, and he’s always researching new angles and talking his way onto new rooftops and overlooks. Like this one.

As I explained in the previous post, National Geographic Traveler doesn’t want me spilling any photos before the story runs, so I can’t show you what we shot.  And this is a fresh viewpoint, so I could tell you where we are and what we’re looking at, but then Bernardo would have to do me in! He worked hard to get us up here.

So, I’m caught between a publisher and a pal, and that means it’s another stealth post from Buenos Aires. I can tell you that the Portenos are among the friendliest big city folk I’ve ever run into. It’s so refreshing, after working in some big cities where nobody wants to cooperate and everybody’s got an angle, to be welcomed by every venue we’re supposed to photograph with open arms, and usually a nice cup of strong coffee.

The strong coffee is key, as Bernardo and I, on our third straight night of shooting tango nightlife, (not to mention days shooting all that other stuff) are in serious sleep deprivation. Our challenge is staying awake in the taxis long so we don’t sleep past our destinations (although, when riding in a BsAs taxi, it’s probably best to keep your eyes closed, and your lips murmuring prayers).

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. I’m green with envy – can’t wait to be back there.
    Hope you are having time to learn some tango …

  2. Really enjoying these interesting posts – shows what life on the location is like; hard work.

    Looking forward to seeing the end results. I was in Buenos Aires two years ago, and found it a fascinating place. Would go back again in a heartbeat.

    Bob- if you have one of those delicious Lomo stakes your probably going to have more trouble staying awake while your body shuts down to digest it 😉

  3. i really like the behind the scenes stuff. Can’t wait to see the finished product…oh and can’t tango a lick.

    1. Mike: Neither can I, but I think I’m going persuade my wife to take some lessons with me when I get home! Bob

  4. Hi Bob
    I see you found a distinguished looking gentleman as a model. he he
    Thanks for the inside look

    1. Arun: Extinguished gentleman is more like it! cheers, Bob

  5. Bob: Is that your Tamron 17-55 2.8 on the camera? Are you holding your point and shoot in your left hand to get this photo? Did you get some new glasses? Your hair seems a bit longer…pretty distinguished. Is that some kind of level device on the hotshoe?

    1. Sharp eyes, Mike! I’m testing the new 17-50mm f/2.8 Tamron with VR. The one handed shot was done with another D90. That’s a bubble level in the hot shoe, because I have a hell of a time keeping verticals vertical (even before dinner!), I desperately need a haircut and the glasses are new.

  6. OK. I’ll see you in Manhattan. I’ll drop (your wife) a quick note to hear if she is preparing for tango. The operative word is you “think” you can persuade her. You know? You just might.
    Tango on…….

  7. Bob.. I always get a great kick out of your posts. Lynn and I spent a couple of days in Buenos Aires a couple of years ago and absolutely loved the vibrance of the city, the architecture and of course, tango in the streets in La Boca!

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