I'm as guilty as one can be about sneaking a peek of work-related email whenever I get a chance on vacation. A two week vacation without checking in seems impossible for me, but four days... I can manage four days.

Rule 1: Make it rural. We went to Candonga

No Man's Land: The Rise of Reeker trailer , a pueblo about 50 kilometers outside of Cordoba, Argentina. As you can see from the pictures, there is nothing, nada, zilch. Well, there is a Jesuit Church, animals, mountains, a river, and a very nice family that attends to filling your tummy with their homemade goodies four times a day from their farm and organic garden at the Posada Las Perdices. Not having a WIFI signal makes disconnecting much easier.

Thick as Thieves hd

Rule 2: Bring books, but only fiction or non-fiction that have nothing to do with business. As much as I love activity, adventure-filled vacations, I find I truly recharge when I'm not pressured to be somewhere or do something. Losing myself in a book for a few hours a day gives me something else to think about.

Rule 3: Bring the walking shoes and the yoga mat. Keeping up with my daily exercise is important even on vacation. Exercise gives me the energy I need to get through the day. Have you ever regretted a workout after actually completing it? It's easy to incorporate into your mini-vacation even without the fancy gym machines.

Where are you going on your next mini-vacation?

Photos: Matias Dutto

My husband, Matías, and I are off to Córdoba, Argentina which lies about 700 kilometers from Buenos Aires to spend a few days hiking and lounging in the Sierras. Complete disconnect. You won't be seeing much from me on the blog until I get back, but stay tuned. I'll be back to regular posting next week.

Occasionally you'll find a post here that has nothing to do with career advice or job search. Believe it or not, I do have other interests! Despite the economy crashing and everything coming to a jolting halt in 2009, I decided to take the mini-vacation I've been talking about for the past four years I've lived in Argentina. Hey, everyone needs a break once in awhile.

So I finally went on a four day trip to El Calafate and the glaciers in the south of Argentina. El Calafate offers a spectacular landscapes and a ton of activities for people of all ages. The most memorable excursion of this trip was trekking on Perito Moreno glacier - not the type of adventure you can find in just any place in the world.

All the credit for the photos goes to my husband, Matias Dutto. Without his eye and passion for photography, I'd have nothing to share.

Some tips for those of you considering a trip to Argentina and the glaciers (from Matias's blog):

• Don't miss the Patagonia lamb dinner at the restaurant "La Tablita." It's one of the most recommended in town for reason, so ask your hotel or call for reservations in advance.
• Consider stay at Robles Sur Gone with the Wind full movie . Our friend, Oscar "Colores" Di Pietro, is the ultimate adventure host in Patagonia. If you're a photographer, if you're looking for an exclusive adventure, if you like serene places to stay, if you want to entire joy an authentic Italian cafe or if you're interested in climbing, this is the place you have to stay.
• Renting a car to see the area is always the best option (and cheaper in most cases).
• March is a perfect month to go because it is the end of high season and the weather is still very nice.

It will be quiet around here for the next week or so. I'm going on short, but overdue vacation. See you sometime next week.

Photo credit: Marina & Enrique The Watcher divx

Photo by: Matias Dutto

I love Buenos Aires. I made the move here in 2005 and haven't looked back since. I can count hundreds of reasons why I love my life here, but one of the highlights is the access to all of the excellent Argentine wines. It's good stuff and I think most who have had the opportunity to travel through the region would agree.

I know this has nothing to do with recruiting, but I wanted to share one of my pleasures since I know it might interest some of you who enjoy wine.

Private Wine Tastings in New York, Los Angeles, and Portland by Anuva Vinos.

My friend, Daniel Karlin, recently started an exclusive wine club called Anuva that sources micro-production wines from Argentina for its members. They will be doing private wine tastings to introduce the club in select US cities on the following dates:

New York, NY: October 27-November 9
Los Angeles, CA: November 9-November 27
Portland, OR: November 27-January 6, 2009

Tasting groups for 6-10 people (12 max) will be led by Daniel and Lourdes. Each group tasting costs $175 total (not per person) and includes:

• 6 different wines guaranteed to please. All limited production and exclusive.
• Glassware
• Set-up/clean-up
• Witty banter (he is very charismatic and gives a great presentation)

A host would need to invite and ensure guest attendance, provide the space, and contribute optional food items.

Larger groups can be accommodated upon request.

Contact: Just Add Water divx

Daniel Karlin
Founder, Anuva Vinos
email: daniel@anuvavinos.com
phone: 310-601-8279 (U.S. landline in Buenos Aires)