Words and Photos by Matt Dursum Rio, a city as alluring as it is intimidating, has always been on my bucket list. From listening to the melodies of Gal Costa to watching scenes of musician Seu Jorge play a bus driver in 2002’s cinematic masterpiece, The City of God, it has enticed me throughout my upbringing. Now, in April 2023, I finally get to experience Rio. Rio de Janeiro, known globally as Rio, is a…
Words by Matt Dursum Photos by Samantha Demangate It’s a drizzly Friday afternoon in Buenos Aires. The rain and breeze offer a brief relief from the searing summer heat. This abnormally cool day is perfect for a craft beer tour. Joining me are my friends from the U.K. and my girlfriend. My Argentine friends wanted nothing to do with this, claiming unanimously that drinking anything but ice cold Vermouth or Fernet and Cola during this…
Words by Matt Dursum Photos by Samantha Demangate Some life events pass by unnoticed, while others cling to our waking memories like starving lampreys. For those of us in Buenos Aires, Argentina during 2022’s FIFA World Cup, time bent out of shape, seemingly standing still for moments until the rushes of cathartic energy and emotion leaked into our brains and the psyche of the entire nation of Argentina. The Buildup Soccer is Argentina’s game. Although…
Words by Matt Dursum Photos by Samantha Demangate Fitness, like overall health, is one of the pillars of a good life, especially while traveling abroad long term. Whether you’re backpacking through villages or riding overnight buses through the wilderness, your body will need to stay strong and healthy to make the most out of the journey. Fortunately, there are easy and creative ways to utilize your body weight, travel gear, and environment to get the…
Words and photos by Matt Dursum Few buildings in downtown Buenos Aires stand out as poignantly as the Department of Social Services building on Avenida 9 de Julio. On its south-facing facade is a jubilant looking image of Evita Peron, facing towards the working-class neighborhoods south of the port area. On its northern side stands an image of Evita speaking intensely into a microphone, as if lecturing the elite in the north and staring directly…