As the Cultural Ambassador of the US Department of State.
I had the time of my life in Argentina as the Cultural Ambassador with the US Department of State. We worked with 12 schools to create the Spanish edition of “Falling Uphill: The Secret of Life”. I visited some underprivileged schools, an orphanage for HIV+ children, bicycled through Buenos Aires in their city “bicicleteada” with the Secretary of Transportation, and much more. Rather than write 10,000 words to describe this honor, perhaps it is easier to just watch the movies of my trip below.
The first video is about my trip to the Chaco and Corrientes, back where I got stuck in the mud so long ago. The second video is about the making of the book at a school for deaf children. The third video was one of my favorite days at an extremely poor community known as “Fort Apache”. The fourth video is about the “bicicleteada”. The fifth is a TV interview partially in English. And the last video is my favorite. Don’t miss the embassy delivering the books to the happy and proud kids.
Below, I include descriptions of the video in Spanish and English. Sorry for any errors in translation.
Scott Stoll en Chaco y Corrientes
Scott in Chaco and Corrientes
Español: “Si pudiera hacer cualquier cosa, ¿qué haría?”, una pregunta sencilla que Scott Stoll se hizo a sí mismo y que lo embarcó en la búsqueda de la felicidad y el significado último de la vida. Aunque parezca increíble, Stoll recorrió más de 40.000 kilómetros, 50 países y seis continentes en bicicleta durante cuatro años. Argentina formó parte de la larga travesía. Durante su paso por la provincia de Formosa, una familia de lugareños lo rescató cuando su bicicleta quedó varada en el barro.
Al regreso de su viaje alrededor del mundo, Stoll compiló sus aventuras en un libro titulado “Falling Uphill” (“Cayendo hacia arriba”). El resultado fue un mensaje inspirador que nos enseña sobre el respeto por la diversidad y las diferencias culturales, resaltando la importancia de las relaciones interpersonales para construir puentes entre culturas. Stoll describe en su libro instantes que van desde la pura supervivencia hasta la profunda comprensión del mágico y trascendental misterio de la vida
Con el auspicio de la Embajada de Estados Unidos en Buenos Aires, Stoll visitó la Argentina entre el 17 y el 30 de septiembre, y recorrió escuelas públicas en Buenos Aires y también en las provincias de Chaco y Corrientes.
English: “If I could do anything, what would I do?” was a simple question that Scott Stoll asked himself and that set him on a quest for happiness and the ultimate meaning of life. Although it may seem incredible, Stoll traveled more than 40,000 kilometers, 50 countries and six continents by bicycle over four years. Argentina was part of the long journey. During his trip through the province of Formosa, a family of locals rescued him when his bicycle got stuck in the mud.
Upon returning from his trip around the world, Stoll compiled his adventures in a book entitled “Falling Uphill.” The result was an inspiring message that teaches us about respect for diversity and cultural differences, highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships to build bridges between cultures. In his book, Stoll describes moments that range from pure survival to a deep understanding of the magical and transcendental mystery of life.
With the sponsorship of the United States Embassy in Buenos Aires, Stoll visited Argentina between September 17 and 30, and visited public schools in Buenos Aires and also in the provinces of Chaco and Corrientes.
Scott Stoll en Argentina 2011 Parte 2 – Esc. Públicas Ciudad de Bs. As.
Scott in Argentina part 2. The public schools of Buenos Aires.
Español: Asimismo, el autor visitó en Buenos Aires la Escuela Pública para Niños Sordos Osvaldo Magnasco, que estará iniciando su muestra de arte infantil anual llamada “Mañolo”. Además de otras escuelas públicas en Chaco y Corrientes, la Embajada también llevó al autor a visitar el “Club de Jóvenes de Saavedra”, organización perteneciente al Gobierno de la Ciudad, varias ONG como la Fundación COR y Jóvenes Embajadores.
English: The author also visited the Osvaldo Magnasco Public School for Deaf Children in Buenos Aires, which will be launching its annual children’s art exhibition called “Mañolo.” In addition to other public schools in Chaco and Corrientes, the Embassy also took the author to visit the “Saavedra Youth Club,” an organization belonging to the City Government, several NGOs such as the COR Foundation and Young Ambassadors.
Scott Stoll en Argentina Parte 3 – Esc Prov de Bs As
Scott in Argentina part 3. More schools and organizations.
Español: El autor visitó en Buenos Aires la Escuela Pública para Niños Sordos Osvaldo Magnasco, que estará iniciando su muestra de arte infantil anual llamada “Mañolo”. Además de otras escuelas públicas en Chaco y Corrientes, la Embajada también llevó al autor a visitar el “Club de Jóvenes de la Matanza”, organización perteneciente al Gobierno de la Ciudad, varias ONG como la Fundación COR.
English: The author visited the Osvaldo Magnasco Public School for Deaf Children in Buenos Aires, which will be launching its annual children’s art exhibition called “Mañolo.” In addition to other public schools in Chaco and Corrientes, the Embassy also took the author to visit the “Club de Jóvenes de la Matanza,” an organization belonging to the City Government and several NGOs such as the COR Foundation.
El escritor Scott Stoll en Argentina
The author Scott Stoll in Argentina
Español: Bajo el auspicio de la Embajada de Estados Unidos en Buenos Aires, Stoll visitó la Argentina entre el 17 y el 30 de septiembre. Durante su estadía, el autor recorrió escuelas públicas en Buenos Aires y también en las provincias de Chaco y Corrientes. Stoll y funcionarios de la Embajada participarón de la “bicicleteada” que se realizaró el 18 de septiembre organizada por el Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
English: Under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Stoll visited Argentina from September 17 to 30. During his stay, the author visited public schools in Buenos Aires and also in the provinces of Chaco and Corrientes. Stoll and Embassy officials participated in the “bike ride” that took place on September 18, which was organized by the Government of the City of Buenos Aires.
CN 23 entrevista al escritor Scott Stoll
Channel CN 23 interviews the author Scott Stoll
Español: El viernes 23/9 el escritor Scott Stoll fue entrevistado en el espléndido marco que ofrece el Rosedal de Palermo.
English: On Friday 23/9 the writer Scott Stoll was interviewed in the splendid setting offered by the Palermo Rose Garden.
Entrega de Libros Cayendo hacia Arriba en Argentina
My favorite video of the books being delivered to the kids
Above is the fifth and final and my favorite video from my trip to Argentina as the Cultural Ambassador. Here we have the real Ambassador to Argentina, Vilma Martinez, and the Deputy Ambassador, Jefferson Brown, along with the women who made it all happen, Shannon Farrell, Press Attaché, distributing the books to all the kids in 12 schools. The embassy gave away about 2000 books to kids who have never owned a book.
I love minute 1:44. I would have never imagined that my cultural exchange program would involve cheeseheads. The Argentina children called me: “the man with the head of cheese”. Also notable is minute 0:24 which shows the books coming off the printing press.
Español: La Embajadora de los Estados Unidos, Vilma S. Martínez participó de una actividad junto a alumnos de una escuela en Fuerte Apache con el objetivo de promover el desarrollo personal y profesional de chicos que viven en contextos vulnerables. Con motivo de la entrega del libro de Scott Stoll, “Cayendo Hacia Arriba,” el cual cuenta con ilustraciones de chicos de Buenos Aires, Chaco y Corrientes, la Embajadora visitó la Escuela No 3, Arturo Marasso, en Fuerte Apache, Partido de Tres de Febrero. Los alumnos de la Escuela No 26, Dardo Rocha y de la Escuela 13, Armada Argentina también participaron del evento.
English: The United States Ambassador, Vilma S. Martínez, participated in an activity with students from a school in Fuerte Apache with the objective of promoting the personal and professional development of children who live in vulnerable contexts. On the occasion of the presentation of Scott Stoll’s book, “Falling Up,” which has illustrations by children from Buenos Aires, Chaco and Corrientes, the Ambassador visited School No. 3, Arturo Marasso, in Fuerte Apache, Tres de Febrero District. Students from School No. 26, Dardo Rocha and School 13, Argentine Navy, also participated in the event.
