A quick summary of my trip
Here 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.
I was also invited to lead the ride in Buenos Aires “Mejor en Bici” campaign and their “bicicleteada” this weekend. It was a fun hour on the streets without any cars. I got to meet the Buenos Aires city government to talk about bicycling as a way of life (of course bicycles are the cure to all the evil in the world). So, thanks to Argentina itself. As my friend, who coincidentally just left for an embassy posting in Finland, said: this is a rare opportunity because not all countries would welcome a Cultural Ambassador. And, it has been a rare opportunity.
We inspired thousands of kids. I can’t express how touched I was to see the looks of pure joy on their faces.
Gracias! Argentina!
