Latin America

Rudy Maxa's DVDs about his visits to the Latin American countries of Argentina and Mexico.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The style and verve of one of South America’s most beautiful capitals is the focus of this episode that highlights Argentina’s national dance, the tango, as well as the energy that its diverse population brings to the urban landscape. The HD lens brings to the fore the graceful and classic architecture of Buenos Aires, exemplified by the San Telmo neighborhood whose Sunday market is traditionally closed at sunset by an impromptu street band that marches through the streets, collecting dancers and revelers with its insistent drumbeats. At local tango parlors called milongas, Buenos Aires residents, known as portenos, lend an air of authenticity to the dance that grew up in the working class neighborhoods of the city. We wander the famous Recoleta cemetery in downtown Buenos Aires, where incredible monuments to the departed, including Eva Peron, feature winged angels and other fantastically decorated crypts. Meet a 70-year-old ice cream maker from Sicily who never misses a day’s work. And explore the underground art scene that’s finding a home in BA.

Mendoza, Argentina: The heart of Argentine wine country is nestled in a valley beneath the snow-capped Andes whose iconic summit, Aconcagua, is the highest in the Western hemisphere. Glacial runoff from the mountain range feeds the miles of vineyards that, along with fruit and vegetable farms, blanket the lowlands. Rudy drives into the thin air of the Andes, visiting the graveyard of those who died trying to summit Aconcagua. His choice for high-altitude adventure: getting soaked while whitewater rafting. Back at sea level, he meets winemakers whose well-priced and elegant Malbecs are shaking up the world’s wine market. A lunch of grilled meats prepared by gauchos in the middle of a vineyard is a reminder that the cowboy life is very much alive in this stunning region.

Two half-hour shows featuring:

Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Guadalajara is alive with the music of mariachis, flowers, colonial architecture, and passionate artists. Rudy explores the rich history and culture of “The Most Mexican of Cities.” Art and artists are an important part of Guadalajara and Rudy takes it all in from the papier-mâché piñatas to the dramatic murals of Orozco. Rudy tours a tequila factory, learns about margaritas and samples the best of traditional Mexican cooking. Then it’s an easy hop to the coast where Puerto Vallarta’s traditional charm still survives next to its new resorts.

Mexico City & Ixtapa, Mexico: Mexico City, the world’s largest metropolis, is modern, crowded, cosmopolitan, and steeped in tradition. Rudy begins with Mexico’s ancient roots just outside the city at pre-Aztec Teotihuacán. The superb National Museum of Anthropology provides more insights into ancient Mexico. For modern day excitement, we hang out at the Zocolo, the world’s second largest square and the center of national life since the Aztec era. Finally we head beach-ward to the resorts of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on the Mexican Riviera.
Tips on getting around and water sports.