A Tale of Two Cities

The "feels like" temperature (counting the wind) in Minneapolis this morning is 30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit; the temperature in Montevideo, Uruguay, counting humidity, is 87 degrees F (about -34 Celsius and +30 Celsius, respectively).

That's 117 degrees Fahrenheit difference between the two places.

[Interesting fact: The two temperature scales converge at about -40 degrees briefly, something that would be fun to see--Uruguayans and Minnesotans could then more easily relate to just how cold it is.]

Meeting Muhammed Ali & the serendipity of travel

Picking up a scrawny 7-year-old (that would be me) was no effort for legendary boxer Muhammed Ali in 1976.

"Muhammed Ali's on the plane!"

News like that spreads fast--especially in 1976 near the prime of his career. Muhammed Ali, one of America's greatest sports legends, turns 70 today.

I was only 7 when our paths crossed. He picked me up while greeting passengers on the way to Hawaii. We were moving to Oahu for a year, a rather magical one that meant being the only white kid in the entire third grade and included posing with Jack Lord, star of the original "Hawaii 5-0," on the way to school one morning.

Never knowing who you will meet ranks among the greatest joys of travel. It can be a sports legend such as Muhammed Ali or serendipitous small-world reunions of old friends in unexpected places. I also love the joy getting to know strangers, who open your eyes to lives you'd never imagine, whether it's a bonsai salesperson from Japan or archaeology professor from Africa.

It was pure luck that Muhammed Ali was one of the first people I ever met while traveling. I hope to someday soon make it to Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to learn more about his remarkable career as well as his extensive humanitarian work at the Muhammed Ali Center. 

Here's wishing you the joy of good connections as you travel--not just making your plane on time--but celebrating the human experience along the way.

 --Lisa Meyers McClintick

Join us on Feb 2 for a seminar on visas for foreign investors

Minnesota-Uruguay Partners is pleased to co-sponsor a seminar exploring how the EB-5 visa program can help serve both foreign investors and Minnesota companies.

The seminar, which is being organized by the American-Israel chamber of commerce and numerous supporting organizations, will take place on February 2 in Minneapolis.

A Seminar on the EB-5 Visa Program
Thursday, February 2, 2012
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Doubletree Hotel (near I-394 and MN 100)
1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416
Cost: $15, payable via check at the door to the American Israel Chamber of MN

The discussion promises to highlight ways to mobilize investment capital for the benefit of entrepreneurs across borders. Featured speakers include Robert Aronson, Laura Danielson, George Maxwell and Eric Wille, all top experts in the field.

Moore family video II

Quick update! The Moore Family's fun video about Montevideo has gone viral in Uruguay, with more than 30,000 hits thus far. It's been picked up by El Observador, a national paper, and Anna Moore has done a television interview over skype about the video, Patrick informs us. The West Central Tribune picked up the story, as did LaRed21, a site in Uruguay. Congratulations all!

Watch trumpeter swans in Park Rapids, Minnesota

No snow needed for winter birdwatching
It may be winter, but Minnesota claims excellent bird-watching with the comeback of trumpeter swans. The biggest flock of trumpeters gathers in Monticello along the Mississippi River, but you also can get close to this flock in Park Rapids which is closer to summer nesting areas. 

Take a look at this YouTube video to hear the brassy honks for which they are known and to admire the synchronized swimming of pairs that mate for life.

Check our last year's swan feature for more photos and information on these elegant swans.

Winter also is the best time to spot bald eagles soaring through the air.

Fun video from the Moore Family about Montevideo

The Moore Family made a fun video about Montevideo this weekend to share with friends in Uruguay. Looks great everyone!

Member produces album on the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings label

This just in... José Curbelo, a member of Minnesota Uruguay Partners, has co-produced the latest album release on the Smithsonian Institution's Smithsonian Folkways Recordings label.

"Los Gauchos de Roldán: Button Accordion and Bandoneón Music from Northern Uruguay," will be released in the United States on Jan. 31, 2012.

Congratulations José!

Listen to "Como mi suegra" (Like My Mother-in-Law)
Watch a mini-documentary about Los Gauchos de Roldán