Polo Lifestyles - Haiti November 2018

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POLO LIFESTYLES

iry Tale

MATEO COLES OLYMPIC CHAMPION

IS STYLE GENETIC? PAST FORWARD

JEFF BROWN WINS HAITI'S FIRST GOLD MEDAL 9 YEARS THE MAESTRO WITH TEAM NORTH AMERICA BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE

VEUVE CLICQUOT INDIAN PALACES TURNED POLO CLASSIC INTO LUXURIOUS FIVE-STAR HOTELS

ROLLS-ROYCE AFRICA POLO SEASON

GIVES BACK LAVISHLY INANDA'S NEDBANK INTERNATIONALS JOHANNESBURG'S AFRICA POLOPOLO OPEN EXTRAORDINARY AFRICAN

INANDA'S NEDBANK INTERNATIONALS POLO OPEN IT'SJOHANNESBURG'S ALL IN YOURAFRICA HEAD RECOVER FROM ANY DO MORE THAN HISTORIC RENOVATIONS INJURY SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

WE DROOL OVER

$27.95 USD

ROLLS-ROYCE VEUVE CLICQUOT GIVES BACK LAVISHLY POLO CLASSIC

AN EXLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK

RUDI POLAK THERENOVATIONS MAGIC OF JEFF BROWN WE DROOL OVER SOLOMON ADUFAH TAPAS, TANGO, PASSION & PAINTING

BORGES AND POLO

PERFECTLY PAIRED WITH INNER PEACE & JOY ARGENTINA'S PREMIER WINE MAKER DO MORE THAN SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

VOLUME II / ISSUE XI / NOVEMBER 2018

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POLO LIFESTYLES Haiti M O D E R N LU X U R Y M AG A Z I N E S

L’ÉQUIPE:

Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand Publisher

Brand Representatives Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre - Dubai

Josh Jakobitz

Anton Rodionov - Paris

Editor-in-Chief

Mark Wine

Fitness Columnist

Joey Velez

Wellness Columnist

Kemissa Racine

Fashion & Style Contributor

Hans Ebenman

Travel Contributor

Cezar Kusik

Wine Contributor

Jyoti Paintel

anton@antonrodionov.com

Rudy Volel - New York volel.me@gmail.com

Taaran Deol - Mumbai amsh3369@gmail.com

Contributing Photographers Kaylee Wroe Katerina Morgan Matias Callejo Ron Allen Irina Kazaridi Quirbach Photography Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518

Raphael Dapaah

Copyright © Polo Lifestyles 2018 All Rights Reserved.

For information or to advertise Contact editor@pololifestyles.com

Stanley Pierre-Etienne

Read online at www.pololifestyles.com

Spiritual Guidance Contributor

Art Contributor

Fashion Contributor

Tara Cummins

Fashion Contributor

Jennifer Sims

Style Contributor

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a.isabellesaintpierre@gmail.com

On the cover: Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Team North America: Haiti's Mateo Coles & Panama's Marissa Thompson

ARE YOU GOING?

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Houston Polo Club Delegate's Cup 4-8 Goals New Bridge Polo Club - Aiken, S.C. National Copper Cup 12 Goals Bronze Trophy 12 Goals Commonwealth Polo Club - Paris, KY National Arena Chairman's Cup 9-12 Goals Honolulu Polo Club Hawaiian Islands Circuit Congressional Cup 0-4 Goals General S. Brown 4-6 Goals Grand Champions Polo Club North American Cup 16-20 Goals National Twenty Goal 20 Goals Argentina Hurlingham Club 1240 Campeonato Abierto Copas Presidente y de Honor 15-20 Goals Copas Javier Novillo Astrada y Juan Sauro 7-10 Goals Copas Primavera 0-6 Goals XIII Torneo Municipalidad de Pilar 24 Goals La Liga Argentina II 0-4 Goals Imphal Polo Club 12th International Polo World Cup Aspen Valley Polo Club Snow Polo Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club UAE National Day Cup

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CONTENTS Mateo Coles wins Olympic gold page 48

LUXURY TRAVEL Sleep in Indian Palaces turned FiveStar Hotels page 117

POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS

Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand

Josh Jakobitz

Publisher Polo Lifestyles @haiti_polo_captain

Editor-in-Chief Polo Lifestyles @joshuajakobitz

Cezar Kusik

Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre

Wine Contributor Twenty Five Lusk @cezarkusik

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Brand Representative Polo Lifestyles-Milan @isasaintpierre

Kemissa Racine

Fashion & Style Contributor RACINE + KARALA @kemissa

Joey Velez

Mental Wellness Columnist Velez Mental Performance @velezmentalhealth

Mark Wine

Jyoti Paintel

Fitness Columnist Functional Muscle Fitness @functionalmuscle

Spiritual Contributor Polo Lifestyles

Tara Cummins

Raphael Dapaah

Fashion Contributor Teryn Grey @teryngrey

Art Contributor Dapaah Group @dg_luxe

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Recover from Any Injury page 140

Restorations we Drool Over page 90

Passion & Painting page 96

Hit these Buenos Aires Hot Spots page 126

BEHIND THE SCENES

LA's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Exclusive interview with JEFF BROWN the man behind the party of the year page 62

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I love it when an issue comes together naturally. From one conversation over one lunch on one quick weekend away, our November issue sprang to life in a way that I hadn’t planned and I kind of love it.

November is a month for counting our blessings, and I’ve been thinking about mine lately. My mind and memories harken back to the early 2000s when I interned, then temped, and then worked full-time for part-time pay at a daily newspaper in the Midwest. It was there I learned the ins and outs of publishing – our press was still in-house back then, and every night, when sections closed, ads were proofed, and editors left for the night, I went to the camera room to print film in C-M-Y-K. Janelle was the sole camera room employee and she monitored an antiquated system patched together with what one might call a combination of hope and faith. Janelle wasn’t the most charming employee at The Olathe News, but I learned a lot from her. She didn’t like to waste the film we printed on, so everything had to be done perfectly and precisely. Anything less than perfection was cause for cursing and general belittling.

One night, upon realizing we laid out the wrong version of a story but had already transferred the files to Janelle to print the films, the night editor suggested that I inform Janelle of a strong possibility of throwing away four precious pieces of film and running a reprint through the system. Me? I was floored, knowing how Janelle usually reacted to mistakes and special requests. “Yes, you. She likes you,” the night editor Mandy informed me. I had no words. “I mean, you’re in there with her every night helping when you could just leave,” Mandy continued. “She likes you. Everyone knows it.”

I practically tiptoed into the camera room and nearly swallowed my tongue asking Janelle if she hadn’t probably never shoulda woulda printed the incorrect pages yet? Of course, she had. Without a word of reprimand, she told me to let her know when the updated files had been transferred. The value of human relationships was never-before so clear to me as in that moment.

In our November issue, a common theme throughout that’s emerged is the behind-the-scenes humanity in the luxury world: Jeff Brown for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, Tara Cummins for Teryn Grey, and Rudi Polak who’s restoring one historic L.A. home at a time. Countless others – those who produce the international tournaments featured in the Scoreboards & Cocktails section, our belabored Hans Ebenman who travels the world forced to sample cocktail after cocktail on rooftop lounges (ha!), and Raphael Dapaah’s and Jyoti Paintel Bowles’ insights into art and spirituality, respectfully, along with wellness coach Joey Velez, whose column strikes home month-after-month – combine forces and energy to create the publication we’re proud to call Polo Lifestyles.

Happy reading.

Best, Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com

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Reposted FOR THE RECORD Curated Instagram posts from last month

africapoloopen South Africa defeated Nigeria at Africa Polo Open in a closely contested match

bhofficial Tom Cruise on set of Top Gun 2 riding a Kawasaki Ninja H2. He was 24 when the original was filmed; he's 56 now.

danielre Classic combination with the Heritage 40 C1 from @ cornichewatches page 16

amazonfashion Now you can build your wardrobe from home with Amazon Wardrobe in three easy steps

bazaaruk Karl Lagerfeld transformed Paris' Grand Palais into a sandy beach for @chanelofficial

bravotv He made it work on #ProjectRunway now he's taking #NYFW by storm @csiriano

cartier Always unconventional #ecroudecartier

enews The resemblance between Prince William and Princess Charlotte is uncanny

enews We will always remember them this way; photo credit @gettyentertainment

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Click and comment on our choices... tag @pololifestyles.

We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.

Profiled by @businessweek he says he prefers the Kardashians to royalty #justsaying

levertdor_restaurant reuters The 2018 Gouts et Saveurs Lakay festival in Haiti featured national dishes like this one at Le Vert d'Or

One last "soirĂŠe" for Charles Aznavour who passed away this last month

bakaart lewishowes The Talk Show Host and NY Times Bestselling Author on how to succeed at social media

meghandharryofsussex The Duchess of Sussex wows in blue proudly showing her baby bump in Australia on the royal tour

polofactory_ The Armis Polo Helmet is designed with @mipsprotection so rotational forces are absorbed and redirected

jeffleatham

tech_insider @rollsroycecars has taken tailgating to the next level with the fully automated #Cullinan

thomfilicia Get A Room premiers on Bravo with Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia

charlesaznavour_official

worldseriespolo2019 The polo world lost Richard Terbrusch to a plane crash in the Hamptons #RIP page 17

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NEDBANK INTERNATIONAL POLO Inanda Polo Club, South Africa Australia 10 / 7 South Africa

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The Nedbank International Polo returned with fanfare to Johannesburg’s social calendar. A thrilling day of polo was held at the sprawling grounds of Inanda Club in Sandton.

Polo devotees witnessed the clash of two experienced teams: Australia and South Africa, who battled it out in a classic game of polo. Leading the Australian team to victory was Captain and Most Valuable Player, Glen Gilmore. Australia won with a goal total of 10.

South African player Tom de Bruin was the crowd favorite, pushing team SA to challenge Australia in a nail biting match.

“Nedbank is incredibly proud to have been part of such an auspicious event. As always, guests wowed us in their finest as they enjoyed a top-class day with us. We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year and to establishing the Nedbank International Polo as an absolutely unmissable premium event on the South African social and sporting calendars,” said Ciko Thomas, Group Managing Executive: Retail and Business Banking at Nedbank.

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Keleen & Carlton Beal Cup Houston Polo Club Tonkawa 14 / 12 BTA

Facing off in their second consecutive Keleen and Carlton Beal Cup Final against each other, Tonkawa and BTA went head-to-head on Sunday, October 7, at the Houston Polo Club in Houston, Texas.

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Staging a strong comeback in the sixth chukker, BTA once again fell just short of the mark and surrendered the trophy to Tonkawa 14-12.

The combination of team owner Jeff

Hildebrand and Matt Coppola* along with several talented young players, Tonkawa has secured the title every year since 2016.

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Africa Polo Open Formerly the Prince of Wales Cup Rosefield Polo Club South Africa 6 / 4 Nigeria

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XII FIP European Polo Championship Villa a Sesta Finals: Italy 8 / 4 Azerbaijan

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The XII FIP European Polo Championship came to an end on Sunday at Villa a Sesta Polo Club, as Italy claimed the title once again, thirteen years after winning the Championship in 2005 in Amsterdam.

The Italian team (Gualtiero Giori (c), Nicolás Lopez Fuentes, Tomás and

Martín Joaquín) defeated Azerbaijan by 8 goals to 4 to take the title.

Nicolas Lopez Fuentes was the top scorer of the match, scoring six goals. The remaining goals fro Italy were scored by brothers Tomas and Martin Joaquin.

This was Azerbaijan’s European

Championship debut, and they fought bravely. The ‘Land of Fire’ boys progressed significantly throughout the tournament, both in terms of skill and team work.

The bronze medal went to Ireland, who beat Germany 5.5 – 5 in the subsidiary final.

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XII FIP EUROPEAN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP

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Grand Champions

Tackeria Casablanca 9 / 5 Sebucan

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125o Abierto de Polo RUS Hurlingham Club Argentina

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Give Back for Special Equestrians Bridgehampton, New York Peebles Estate

Above left: guests included Laura Acker, Trinity Chavez, Kathy Murray and Shana Kaufman; right: Jacob Abramson and Suzette Guy

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars joined forces with real estate developers Don and Katrina Peebles and their daughter Chloe, a competitive junior equestrian on the First Blue Show Circuit, along with Goldman Sachs and Georgina Bloomberg to raise nearly $50,000 for Give Back for Special Equestrians at a Bridgehampton benefit in support of children and veterans with disabilities.

Rolls-Royce Motors Cars Marketing Manager-Americas, Michael Snell, was on-hand to present the luxury automobile’s generous support in the form of a check for $5,000. This is RollsRoyce’s latest philanthropic venture in the Americas. “It is a notable cause like the “Give Back for Special Equestrians” that allows a corporation like Rollspage 44

Royce Motor Cars to get involved and truly make an impact,” Snell told Polo Lifestyles following the event at the stunning Peebles estate in the Hamptons.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars provided the backdrop for the event while Juilliard School violinists serenaded benefitgoers: a lively mix of celebrities, elite equestrians, local Hamptons residents, and business executives joined together to celebrate the power of horsemanship and equine therapy.

Philanthropic giving in the United States surged in 2017 and exceeded $400 billion for the first time in history, increasing 5.2% from 2016. Experts credit a booming stock market and

strong economy, according to the Giving USA Annual Report 2017.

As Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas rolls out the long-awaited SUV “Cullinan” addition to its impressive fleet, Snell will play an integral role in the brand’s association with philanthropy and partnerships. From his office in New York, Snell relayed to Polo Lifestyles his intention of continuing to push the C-Suite toward additional charitable endeavors, which pay dividends for the British automaker. “While we are a company that is synonymous with bespoke luxury craftmanship, we would also like to be known for our philanthropic nature and continue to support aligned programs and charities,” he said.

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Left: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas' Michael J. Snell (far left) was in attendance to present a check for $5,000 for the Give Back for Special Equestrians.

Below: Hosts Chloe and Katrina Peebles with Ramona Singer

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OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

MATEO COLES

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HAITI'S FIRST OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL

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GOLDEN

MATEO COLES HE FOLLOWED HIS HEART AND BROUGHT GLORY TO HAITI Mateo Coles spent three weeks in Buenos Aires for the Youth Olympic Games.

As a 16-year old, he spent time in between competitions studying and keeping up with his school work.

Oh, there was sightseeing, too. Parents Philippe Coles and Birgit Grossman Coles made sure the trip was as educational and cultural as it was about sporting.

Mateo Coles in Buenos Aires for the Youth Olympic Games 2018.

Interview by Josh Jakobitz Photos provided by the Coles Family

Between French (he’s getting an A) and geometry (well, the French balances that out) classes back home in Florida, Mateo spoke to Polo Lifestyles candidly about school, competing, bullying on social media and his homeland of Haiti.

Polo Lifestyles: Mateo, you won an Olympic gold medal.

This represents your first personal gold medal and also Haiti’s first Olympic gold medal. What was your first thought upon the announcement that your team won gold?

Mateo Coles: “Winning the gold with my team – and especially for my country – was the most amazing experience… and a dream come true. I’m happy I made my country proud and will continue to do my best for Haiti.”

Polo Lifestyles: Explain why it’s important for you as a Haitian citizen to represent Haiti in competition.

Mateo Coles: “For me, to represent my country means more than to just be Haitian, just after all these years of living in Haiti, being born there was one part of my life, my other (part) was to go to the big leagues (in the USA) and make my country proud. I represent Haiti because I love my country; I want Haiti to shine and grow higher than ever before.”

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"Seeing all the support from others, of course, made me happy and kept me going, so I appreciated it a lot."

Polo Lifestyles: How hard is it to be away from school during the Games?

Mateo Coles: “To be away from during the games for three weeks wasn’t the easiest, but I managed to get my work done while, at the same time, working hard, competing, and enjoying my time at the Games. I absolutely thank my school so much for helping me get all my work done and so being kind and patient with me.

Polo Lifestyles : What’s your favorite Haitian food?

Mateo Coles: “Diri djondjon et poulet en sauce (black mushroom rice and chicken stewed in sauce).”

Polo Lifestyles: Your social media went viral during the Games… different media platforms picked up your story and reposted. Your success

was exposed to an audience that was, at times, hostile. You can’t not-see comments like that in this day and age. You took the high road and didn’t respond. On the other hand, there was also an outpouring of congratulations and positivity for you. How did you handle all of that added pressure while competing?

Mateo Coles: “Seeing all the negative comments on social media was somewhat shocking, but my parents and trainer just told me to stay focused and positive. Seeing all the support from others, of course, made me happy and kept me going, so I appreciated it a lot.

Polo Lifestyles: How do you focus on your events?

Mateo Coles: “I don’t really have a trick, but I try to stay as focused as possible

during the competition, not thinking too much on negativity, while hoping for the best.

Polo Lifestyles: What do you do for fun and to relax?

Mateo Coles: “For fun, I play video games, play soccer or tennis. I spend a lot of time with friends and family.”

Polo Lifestyles: Where do you ride in Haïti?

When I lived in Haiti, I rode at Centre Equestre Chateaublond in Freres.

Polo Lifestyles: What’s one thing you’d like people to know about Haiti?

Mateo Coles: I think Haiti is one of the most beautiful Islands in the Caribbean, the culture is very festive, and the food absolutely amazing. page 51

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“For me, to represent my country means more than to just be HAITIAN - being born there was one part of my life, my other (part) was to go train in the 'big leagues' to make my country proud."

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Above: the North American team receives their gold medals in Buenos Aires

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EQUESTRIAN BLOODLINES

by Josh Jakobitz, Editor

16-year old equestrian Mateo Coles became the first Haitian to win a gold medal in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in October, and like many equestrians, he is an emerging champion from a family with a rich history of equestrian success in their blood.

But unlike the famous equestrian families of Argentina and Wellington, the Coles story isn’t well-known; not even Mateo was aware of the history and his connection to another present-day equestrian, Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand.

Bertrand, a former USPA player and current captain of Haiti Polo Team, reached out to Mateo last year after an exceptional performance in Florida.

Mateo knew of Bertrand as the only Haitian professional polo player in

the world, but he didn’t know they were related. Bertrand’s mother, Jessie Coles, is a cousin of Mateo’s father, Philippe Coles. Furthermore, secondcousins Bertrand and Mateo share a common great-grandfather, Charlie Coles – not, unsurprisingly, another equestrian champion and professional jockey from the late 1800s in Haiti.

Both Bertrand and Mateo were born and raised in Haiti. Both Bertrand and Mateo emigrated to the United States to pursue education and training. Both have won major titles for Haiti in the country of Argentina.

Both Bertrand and Mateo maintain Haitian citizenship and ride with the Haitian flag proudly affixed to their

Haiti Polo Team in Brisbane, Australia in 2017.

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Opposite: Victory for Team North America, which included Mateo Coles of Haiti; this page above: lined up to play a polo match in Portau-Prince in the early 1900s, and below: the Coles family entourage in Buenos Aires (Philippe Coles foreground).

remained relatively unknown.

jerseys and jackets, honoring both their country and their ancestors.

Bertrand was named Ambassador UNESCO for Haiti in 2014 by former president Michel J. Martelly.

Representing Haiti in the equestrian world poses challenges for both Bertrand

and Mateo. The unlikely association of a country better-known for being dependent upon foreign aid and equestrian heroes, who practice some of the world’s most expensive sports, creates a polarity to be managed rather than avoided. Unfortunately, for most of Haiti’s history, the success of its equestrians

In November 2017, Polo Lifestyles published the world’s first history of polo and equestrian activities in Haiti. During the American occupation, polo was made popular in Port-au-Prince by officers who played alongside members of Haitian society who maintained stables.

Even when the American occupation ended and the polo fields were neglected, Haitian business families like the Coles, who wanted their offspring to be well-rounded, maintained stables and liveries in Haiti.

Today, the Athletic Club Centre Equestre in Portau-Prince is one of the meeting place for Haiti’s equestrians. In 2015, the

ACCE hosted handicapped children from St. Vincent’s Orphanage with lessons in equestrian therapy. The club hosts annual summer camps for introduction to horsemanship, dressage, and jumping. Higher up in the mountains, other equestrian centers like Reserve Ecologique Wynn Farms and Le Montcel in Kenscoff maintain stables. The Centre Equestre Chateaublond in Route de Freres is also active with equestrian activities for members.

Haiti Polo Team more closely associated its domicile with Cotes-de-Fer on the southern side of the island rather than in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Plans for a polo, racing and sailing resort in Cotes-de-Fer have been underway since 2015. page 57

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VEUVE C page 62

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CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC'S

JEFF BROWN

THE WIZ BEHIND THE SCENES page 63

VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO CLASSIC

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BEHIND

THE SCENES An exclusive look into the private world of creating the USA's hottest polo party The iconic yellow tulip cups instantly identify one of the world’s most recognized premier champagne houses.

The lettering in the hills above Will Rogers Polo Club that spell out V-E-U-V-E C-L-I-C-Q-U-O-T is quintessentially Hollywood. The crowd of 7,000 plus is fashionable, young, and flush with cash – and they’ve come in droves to sip champagne, to be photographed by any one of the 16 major media outlets covering the event, and to watch one of the most famous polo players in the world.

Over the course of the day’s schedule, they will consume countless bottles of chilled champagne served by a bar staff of 132, assisted by 75 more waiters dressed in bow-ties and suspenders.

It’s the ninth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles and the 200th anniversary of Veuve Clicquot’s Rosé champagne.

“The unique formula of mixing everyone’s favorite champagne with getting dressed up to the 9s, and on top of that, pairing it all with a beautiful sport – that creates the Veuve Clicquot energy around this event… a day to do lots of your favorite things simultaneously,” says Jeff Brown, whose event design/production company, Brown Hot Events, produces the Los Angeles event for Veuve Clicquot.

And lots of favorite things there are to be had: between champagne sips and trendy fare, the main polo match featuring Nacho Figueras, photo opps with custom designed florals and greenery, there are games, more champagne, interviews with celebrities and elbowrubbing with Los Angeles’ Who’s Who. This year’s VIP party attendees included Kendall Jenner, Mandy Moore, Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis, Victoria Justice, Ellen Pompeo, Kaley Cuoco, Rosario Dawson, Justin Hartley, Christina Hendricks, Angela Sarafyan, Rebel Wilson, Wilmer Valderrama, Harry Shum Jr., Rachel Zoe, Ali Larter,

Story by Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com Photos by Claire Barrett Photography

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Jesse Williams and Molly Sims.

It’s all designed, produced and executed by 465 event-day staff including 64 vendor partners, 48 team members from Brown Hot Events, 15 floral designers and assistants, a dozen “greensmen” who install several miles worth of green hedge on site, and 180 security officers to oversee the safety of the event goers.

“We actively plan and work (on the Los

Angeles event) six months of the year,” says Brown, who shares the enormous responsibility with New York Citybased marketing communications firm LaForce, the Veuve Clicquot brand team in NYC, and the regional Veuve Clicquot and Moet Hennessey teams in Southern California.

The 2019 event in Los Angeles will be the 10th installation of the Veuve

Clicquot Polo Classic on the West Coast.

The New York City event, which is actually played at Liberty Park in New Jersey, has a two-year head start on the LA version. Though orchestrated and presented by Veuve Clicquot in both cities, “The events are remarkably different,” says Brown. “Not only have we fine-tuned the event over the last nine years, but the Los Angeles event is uniquely inspired by the city and its vibe. In New York, attendees take the ferry with the Statue of Liberty as the dramatic backdrop; for the event here, party-goers park and are shuttled down Sunset Boulevard to Will Rogers State Historic Park polo field, where Rogers once played polo with Walt Disney.”

Long-standing event co-host Nacho Figueras believes, “It’s been really exciting to see it grow over the years.

When the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

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BROWN HOT EVENTS

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“One month out from the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, I gently let my friends and family know they won’t be seeing me socially,” laughs Jeff Brown of BrownHot Events, a Los Angeles firm that produces some of LVMH’s premier events on the West coast and across the country. Getting to work on brands across the LVMH portfolio keeps Brown’s daily routine anything but routine. “One day, we are working on Dia de los Muertos masks and the next we’re planning holiday events for Dom Perignon – that’s what keeps us going.”

That – and a strict adherence to daily meditation, yoga and Soul Cycle – balances Brown’s work life with self-care. Recently, he’s been listening to a meditation about saying yes to opportunities on his Insight Timer app on his iPhone. “In a world where we are told to say ‘No,’ saying ‘Yes’ can open unexpected doors.”

Such is the way that Brown Hot Events landed the design, production and execution contract for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles. In 2007, Brown said ‘Yes’ to one event with Veuve Clicquot at the Santa Barbara Polo Club for less than 20 people, which inspired the regional LVMH team to produce the first West Coast version of the famous New York event. “Eight hundred people came the first year; in 2018, we sold over 5,500 tickets,” says Brown. “We now plan for the event six months out of the year.”

Working with LaForce to pull off what is arguably the most-recognizable polo event in North America, Brown was a quick study on

the game. “I had no idea what a chukker was,” he confided on a Friday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Now he walks the polo grounds of Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades with the likes of Figueras and Delfina Blaquier.

“Nacho is not only an amazing athlete, but a gentleman and a prince of a man. He’s extremely passionate, energetic and focused, while also being present in each moment.”

On the second day of the weeklong installation prior to the October 6 event, on a walkthrough with Figueras and the team, someone brought up ideas for next year’s event. “’Let’s get through this week,’ someone joked, but the reality is, that’s how far ahead we’re thinking and planning,” says Brown.

The team at BrownHot Events was back at it on Monday after the polo event. "Most of our clients, like LVMH, have been our clients for years and years. We are always working on something new."

The team from Brown Hot Events at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic page 69

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first started in New York in 2008, it was just a small seated lunch for family and friends of the players and Veuve Clicquot. Now, it’s hosted in both New York and Los Angeles, and welcomes thousands of spectators year after year.”

The now-famous VEUVE CLICQUOT lettering in the hills above the club, reminiscent of the HOLLYWOOD sign, is unofficially inspired by Figueras’ insistence that the design team try it once. “The execution of those 25’H letters was daunting the first year,” Brown said.

“But the effect is magical… we’ve done the lettering installation four years in a row now.”

Figueras’ Team Veuve Clicquot triumphed 7-6 over Team Will Rogers this year and DJ Samantha Ronson continued the party. Photos, press releases and reports flooded the Internet, many of them in real time from the media tent.

The months of preparation and production once again exceeded the hype and positioned the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 2019 firmly into the agendas of LA’s chicest crowd.

Opposite: Nacho Figueras with Delfina Blaquier in the background This page: Garcelle Beauvais, polo ponies, Veuve Clicquot wait staff present Brut and Rose.

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EXCLUSIVE

FASHION & STYLE TERYN GREY & CITE SOLEIL

VOLUME II / ISSUE XI / NOVEMBER 2018

FASHION PROFILE Past Forward Tara Cummins, Style Contributor

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EXCLUSIVE

Within the walls of the historic Georgian Manor, the rooms were filled with antiques telling stories of a bygone era. The back entrance faced a row of old coats - heavy and durable constructed for the unpredictable Irish weather. Vintage hats and weathered saddles hung on the 18th-century walls while old riding boots sat at the edge of the old stone floors. When these items were first created, they weren’t meant to be the next fashion trend. They weren’t a creative outlet or a means of self-expression. Every hat, every boot, every coat played a key role in the daily doings of life in the rural countryside.

They were all items created out of necessity and practicality.

Today, fashion can be seen as an art form. While clothes still certainly play a functional role, we have the choice to use our personal style as a tool for self-expression. I often find myself wondering what really influences our

sense of style. I’ve always thought it’s simply based off of one’s unique personality, but now I wonder if it goes deeper than that.

I’ve always gravitated towards wools and tweeds most often found in the countryside, which is a strange sartorial choice for a girl who grew up on the sunny Southern California coast where most days are a comfortable 75 degrees. I’ve always been in love with the simplicity and sophistication of equestrian fashion, yet I never grew up around horses. It wasn’t until my recent trip to Ireland - the land of my ancestors - that I began to question: Are our sartorial choices unique, a form of individual creativity or is it something in our DNA? For years, fashion has been a roadmap to the past. Button placement, hem lengths, and the tilt of a hat can reveal so much. Not only have garments given

us insight into the life of those before us, but they are also still relevant in today’s fashion, inspiring designers and their collections. Sometimes it seems as though the fashion world is in constant retrograde. Time and time again, designers are mulling through the past, garnering inspiration from historical archives.

It was always prevalent that Alexander McQueen’s heart belonged to Scotland.

His highland ancestry was often his muse and many of his pieces paid homage to Celtic culture. One of his most infamous collections commemorated the troubled past of his Scottish ancestors.

During Vogue’s 125th anniversary celebration, Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman discussed how she pulls inspiration from her family roots in India. It all started with one little, yet impactful image of her greatpage 81

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EXCLUSIVE grandmother in full Victorian dress.

In 2015, we saw the revival of the Victorian era with blouses made with lace, ruffles, and high collars.

The bodices and silhouettes of oldfashioned corsets are still recognized in today’s dresses and shirts.

There’s always a resurgence in fashion, which may seem like a contradiction in an industry that revolves around trends that are in one day and out the next. A new design doesn’t necessarily equate to a never before seen trend. It’s simply a revival - a re-imagined form of a garment from the past. And while designers often take cues from the past, there’s always a look to the future. In a way, it seems as if there is no sense of time when it comes to fashion. So whether or not we make our sartorial choices under the influence of our forefathers or not, one thing is for certain: fashion is cyclical, now more than ever.

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STYLE PROFILE Cité Soleil

Giving Back in the DNA David Jean's Cité Soleil is a fashion house designing and producing high-end casual and leisure wear with a purpose.

The name, Cité Soleil, is derived from the neighborhood, Cité Soleil, meaning Sun City, which is an extremely impoverished and densely populated commune located in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area in Haiti.

The Cité Soleil logo is the same bird once featured on the Kingdom of Haiti flag used from 1811-1820. To pay homage to the homeland, Cité Soleil partnered with Project 4 Haiti to donate page 86

10 percent of each sale to their trusted non-profit Haitian organization. These donations help improve the economy and the education system of Haiti.

Cité Soleil’s 1.0 Collection consists of a black cotton t-shirt with 11 oz. Japanese denim bird logo on the front and an embroidery bird logo on the left sleeve, a basic exposed seam grey cotton t-shirt with an embroidered bird logo on the left sleeve, grey tube socks made of

cotton with an embroidered bird logo, a black pull-over hoodie with a Polaroid graphic of 11 oz. Japanese denim and Japanese denim stitched on the side down the sleeves, and black sweatpants with 11 oz. Japanese denim permanent cuffs at the bottom legs and stitched down on the side of both legs.

These looks are now available for purchase online: hausofcitesoleil.com

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EXCLUSIVE

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DOJO 5 étagères noires, 4 formes mobiles géométriques devant et 3 fixes à l’arrière : telle est la bibliothèque Dojo, inspirée des cloisons coulissantes traditionnelles japonaises. À finir en chêne ou en laque brillante, suivant son penchant.

D O J O, B I B L I O T H È Q U E .

M O N T G O L F I È R E , FA U T E U I L .

C H E S S , TA B L E S B A S S E S E T D E S S E R T E S .

D O J O, B O O KC A S E M O N T G O L F I È R E , A R M C H A I R. C H E S S , C O C K TA I L A N D S I D E TA B L E S .

The Dojo bookcase was inspired by traditional Japanese sliding partitions and features 5 black shelves, 4 mobile geometric shapes in front and 3 fixed shapes in the back.

It is available with oak or glossy lacquer finish.

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Above: The Dutch Colonial blends seamlessly into its historic neighborhood while bursting with modernity. Left: The home prior to renovation. Lower left: Rudi Polak, the designer.

THE FLAIR OF POLAK

Restorations for Discerning Buyers Rudi Polak's Grey Gardens bursts with spa-blues and vibrant greens, open spaces and private oases “This is my 20th year restoring homes in Los Angeles, and my 21st project,” says Rudi Polak about his just-listed, latest project he calls Grey Gardens. “The house was in absolutely horrendous shape, but with great bones. We took it down to the structure and completely redid everything while maintaining its historical integrity.”

The incredible renovation in Hancock Park is move-in ready. “We sell our remodels with everything – down to the page 90

silverware,” says Polak. “If the buyers want it, it’s theirs.” And that’s Polak’s ideal client: entrepreneurs, C-suiters, and bi-coastal business people who want a home, but not the hassle of setting it up.

Three out of four of his clients buy the entire property turn-key, including the furnishings. His taste and ability to create a home that’s move-in ready, but can flex to accommodate owner’s personal items and touches, is a big part of his key to success.

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Potential buyers are not only looking at a home, but many times often the entire neighborhood. Polak chooses both carefully for his restoration projects.

“This entire neighborhood (Hancock Park) has been restored by high-end designers,” he said about Hancock Park. “I walked the neighborhood for design inspiration at the beginning of the project. The other homes definitely influenced the design.”

Grey Gardens is a five bedroom, 5.5 bath on a street-to-street lot, which allows Polak to add a pool. At just over 3,000 sq. ft. it seamlessly combines classic and contemporary design elements in its historical Dutch Colonial architectural style. No system or finish has been overlooked in this truly remarkable re-imagining: from the open kitchen with top-of-the-line Viking appliances, to spacious bedrooms, all-marble

bathrooms, an alfresco dining area next to the pool and spa. A spacious guest house in the back completes the remarkable project property.

Listed at $2,395,000 by the Beachwood Team’s Peter Lavin, showings can be scheduled online or by calling +1-323376-1964 and referencing MLS number 18-396784.

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ART REPORT

SOLOMON ADUFAH

"FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE"

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ART REPORT

SOLOMON ADUFAH

PURPOSE. PASSION. PAINT.

Raphael Dapaah | Art Contributor raphaeldapaah@hotmail.co.uk

It is said that “The eyes are the window to the soul.” They never lie, betray, or dismay; often revealing the depths of our identity that are undiscovered, and even unknown to us.

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As I stare into the eyes of Solomon Adufah’s ‘ Forbidden Knowledge’ portrait, I see beyond the young figure’s skin of black marble, emboldened by the emerald galactic backdrop and wild flora. I see something so ancient and prehistoric, that it seems to transcend time and space itself.

Solomon Adufah is far from your typical visual artist. Hailing from Odumasi, a small rural village in the Eastern region of Ghana, he vividly recalls his humble beginnings as an artist, and what would signal the start of a long, and winding artistic journey.

Looking into these eyes; soft, yet strong, old, yet young, is like staring into the very soul of Africa.

“My passion for creativity started at an early age growing up in rural Ghana,” he shared. “As far back as I

HOMELAND AFRICA

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ART REPORT

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Opposite page: The artist and painting "Anita" This page: Solomon Adufah in Chicago

can remember, growing up in a village without electricity, I used to power a small black and white TV set with my uncle’s car battery to watch a cartoon and practice sketching characters. As a child, it was a small canon from which I was able to express myself creatively.”

After several years of honing and refining his artistic gift, Adufah relocated to Chicago to pursue a more traditional career as an architect. However, his deep passion and desire to be an artist overpowered his ambition of becoming an architect, and it wasn’t long before Adufah followed his heart, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA) in Fine Art & Painting from Southern Illinois University.

Despite the uncertainty that came from switching careers and taking a leap of faith, Adufah warmly informs me, “It’s been a remarkable journey so far and I’ve never looked back since making that decision.”

What first struck me about Adufah’s work; besides the grand scale and the intricate detailing of the bold tapestry of African textile and fabric that feature as the background of his paintings, was the sitters themselves. They intrigued and fascinated me with their endearing, and at times, defiant expressions. Adufah masterfully captured so much emotion, intimacy and depth in each portrait that I felt compelled to know who they were, what their story was, and where they were from.

“My practice aims to create genuine and authentic portraits of the faces that make up the beautiful continent of Africa. I am interested in using my practice to reveal the hidden beauty woven into Africa’s social and geographical fabric. They expose viewers to a global perspective of the world, rather than a singular narrative meant to portray a viewpoint of the masses. My work reflects the diversity and richness lost in the deceptive mainstream representations of the African People and explores a self-referential perspective of the black image. I develop this group of portraits through a vital practice that requires a physical engagement with the community and the desire to travel,”

Uniquely, Adufah is equal parts artist and social activist. True to his love for exploration, travel and following his deepest passions, his creative soul does not just lend itself to a blank canvas, but also to a more profound purpose to inspire a generation of young creatives across Africa.

The young boy from the rural village in Ghana never forgot his roots, and the transformative power that art had for him.

In 2017, Adufah established Homeland Africa; a non-profit organization that empowers young children in rural Africa through creative workshops. A percentage of his sold paintings inspired by the children he taught is used to fund educational resources.

In what could be described as inevitable, though I would argue fate and positive karma, and of course a nod to Adufah’s irrefutable talent; the local artist with a global outlook will finally be exhibiting for the first time outside of the United States – this November in Geneva. I believe it is fair to say that Solomon Adufah’s journey to date has been nothing short of inspirational, and serves as a great testament to the power of following one’s heart and purpose in life.

With the demand for contemporary African art rocketing in recent years, particularly across Europe, something tells me that Geneva will be the beginning of great things to come for this purpose-driven emerging artist.

“A word to the wise,” as they say, is sufficient.

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GLOBAL WIFI + POWER COUPON CODE: HTPOLO

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TAKE BETTER PHONE PHOTOS

Impress friends and family this holiday season with your selfie, portrait-mode and grip skills

Opposite page: Skyroam SOLIS provides unlimited global WiFi at your fingertips in over 100 countries

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Take Better Phone Photos Five Tips for Harnessing the Power inside your Phone this Holiday Season

How many times have you missed the perfect shot field-side or in a dark lounge because you fumbled the camera on your smart phone? Popular Mechanics is to the rescue this month in our technology section. Having tested the new iPhone XS, these tips for taking perfect phone photos will get you solidly positioned among friends and family during the holidays as the go-to amateur photographer of the group. You’re welcome.

It’s not just that smart phone designers can pack fantastic image sensors and lenses into a device that fits in your pocket.

Today’s powerhouse phones also lean on their computing prowess, relying on smart software tricks to deliver stunning photos. page 104

I still love standalone cameras, but the new iPhone XS set a bar for phone photography so high during my recent test that I have a hard time convincing myself to bring out my mirrorless Olympus.

To get the most out of that amazing camera in your pocket, you need to follow classic photography advice while also tapping into techniques specific to

AI-powered phone cameras like the new iPhone, Samsung Note 9, and Google’s forthcoming new phone.

1. LET THE DEVICE HANDLE IT While testing the iPhone XS Max camera, I instinctively set it on a handrail for stability, but the professional photographer I was with told me not to bother.

New phones use software and sensors

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to predict shaky hands and stabilize the image. So let the phone do its magic and focus on the photo (on older phones, though, a device like a grip still does wonders).

3. STOP HOLDING YOUR PHONE LIKE THAT

The same goes for the old practice of tap-to-focus. Most new phones analyze what’s in its field-of-view to nail the focus and exposure as soon as you point the camera at your target. Yes, you can tap on a specific area to calibrate the white balance or brightness, but generally, the phone knows best.

4. IT’S OKAY TO SHOOT FACES FROM BELOW The classic rule is that photographing from below adds chins to people. But here again, software is coming to the rescue. The iPhone’s Portrait Mode corrects distortions that would otherwise look unflattering. Now this perspective is often the best way to capture someone’s face.

2. TURN ON HDR High dynamic range means that when you hit the shutter, the camera captures multiple versions of a single image at different settings. Software then assembles the best elements into a single exceptional photograph. For example, say a group photo captures everyone’s faces in proper lighting, but blows out the sky in the background. HDR can combine a frame with the well-lit humans with a frame featuring a beautiful blue sky.

Modern phones are good at this, so unless you like the challenge of chasing the one perfect exposure, leave it on.

Pro tip: if your phone has an option to “Keep Original/Normal Photo,” uncheck it. If you don’t, you’ll end up with duplicates of every shot you take—the original, and the HDR version. That just eats up your storage.

lefty) to hit the volume button to take a photo. You have to contort your hand a bit to get into landscape mode, but the benefits are the same. It’s much easier to point, and the secure grip minimizes your chances of an expensive drop.

You’ve no doubt seen the way most people hold their phones while taking a photo: carefully balancing the glass rectangle in one hand, and either contorting that thumb or using the other hand to tap the on-screen shutter button. I used to do this, too, and I think it’s a habit that stems from the worry that covering the back of the phone will obscure the lens. But remember, your phone’s camera lens is tucked into a corner on the back. Holding a phone as you would in normal use works brilliantly.

While testing iPhone XS Max, I watched the aforementioned pro photographer hold his phone with a wide grip around the back, and using his thumb (he’s a

5. GET THE GRID Most phones have a setting that will display a 3 x 3 grid on the screen while shooting. This is a guide for the Rule of Thirds, a classic composition technique in which you place the focus of the photo at the intersections of those lines. It’s why you see professional portraits with the subject’s eyes around 2/3 of the way up the page, and the top of his or her head cut off.

It’s not law, but aiming for those lines, rather than at the center of the frame, will conspicuously improve almost any shot.

Reprinted with permission from Popular Mechanics.

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CATENA ZAPATA ARGENTINA'S PREMIER FAMILY OF WINE MAKERS

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Cezar Kusik, wine contributor

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WINE

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Adrianna Vineyard Tupungato

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ARGENTINE WINE BEST PAIRED WITH TANGO, TAPAS, BORGES AND POLO

“Romantically dramatic” is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Argentina.

Argentina is a country where deeply rooted colonial traditions and modernism butt heads. Immigration from European countries over the centuries contributed to the country’s cultural richness visible in daily life.

Before and after its inception in 1825, the country experienced a tumultuous history of both social and political changes. Geographically, it offers an intensely diverse landscape with its endless pampas where the famous Argentinian cattle and horses graze, rugged Andes mountains with eternal snow caps, and the 5000 kilometer-long Eastern coastline which runs down South to the frigid waters of Atlantic Ocean surrounding Tierra del Fuego.

And last but not the least, let’s not forget the hypnotic rhythms and movements of tango and the prophetic verses of Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortazar.

“He is divested of the diverse world Of faces, which still stay as once they were, Of the adjoining streets, now far away, And the concave sky, once infinite.”

- J.L. Borges Argentina has been making wine for centuries – the first vine cuttings were brought from Spain in the mid-16th century, but the industry carried no international importance. It wasn’t until late 1980s when some Argentine wineries decided to make drastic improvements in both vineyard farming and wine-making to produce wines of world quality. It was costly, but worth it, and the results are… palatable.

Argentina’s wine “revolution” can’t be talked about without mentioning the Catena family and its patriarch Nicolas Catena Zapata. They are to Argentina what the Mondavis are to California, the Gajas to Italy, and Rothchilds to France’s wine evolution. They go beyond – contributing to arts, education and social development.

Mendoza is the pride region of the Argentine wine industry with its spectacular scenery spotted with beautiful architecture of some of the winery structures symbiotically incorporated into the mythical landscape. It produces 60 percent of Argentine wine. Mendoza’s saving grace in the production of well-balanced, age-worthy wines is the altitude of the vineyards.

The lowlands are too hot, but the higher we hike, the temperatures drop, especially at night, prolonging the growing season and allowing the grapes to retain acidity, develop better precision of flavors, and extend the wines’ longevity.

There seems to be almost a competition among the wineries; who can plant vines higher.

What’s high? There are vineyards with 4,000 feet elevation and higher where cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir show some potential.

Natural irrigation comes from Andes’s boundless snow melt.

ARGENTINA'S RED GRAPE VARIETIES MALBEC One the most fascinating aspects of wine is the fact that you can take the same grape variety grown in two different macro climates whether across a fence or across an ocean, vinify it using different techniques and it will produce two distinctly, different unique wines. Argentine Malbec is a great example. Brought from France, where it makes a rather rustic, peppery, tightly wound wines in the region of Cahors; in Argentina, its expression is a bold, juicy, hedonistically flavored wine offering a decadent experience.

BONARDA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

(a.k.a Douce Noir in France, Charbono in California)

(interestingly a hybrid between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc)

Argentina’s second most widely planted red grape. It has no relation to Italian Bonarda. With the flavors of black cherry compote, fresh blueberries, and violets, the wines exhibit medium tannins, medium body, and mouth-watering acidity, making it a very versatile food pairing. If you’re not into oaky wines, this is your diamond in the rough, since most Argentine Bonardas are un- or minimally oaked.

This classic – and considered by some the ultimate – red grape variety comes from France’s Bordeaux region where it produces some of the most coveted wines in the world. Rich and dense with flavors of dark red/black fruit, cassis, pencil shavings, cedar, and leather, the wines age for decades offering a complex sensual experience. In Argentina, it is often blended with Malbec or stands proudly by itself.

Other popular red grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir.

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ARGENTINA'S WHITE GRAPE VARIETIES TORRONTES THE white grape of Argentina. It is almost exclusively grown here. The emergence of Torrontes was the result of the genetic crossing of two varieties brought to the country in colonial times: Uva Negra and Muscat of Alexandria. The wines offer hauntingly intense flavors reminiscent of roses, jasmine, with a touch of honey, white peach, and apricot. The aromas suggest a sweet wine but the taste reveals a refreshing acidity and dryness. It’s an inspiring experience.

SEMILLION

CHARDONNAY

Another French transplant playing the main role in the production of Sauternes. It comes in both dry and sweet version. The dry expression is my favorite. It has an extraordinary depth, density, and lanolin-like smoothness with flavors of tropical fruits of papaya, mango, slight nuttiness and if made right endless finish.

It can age for years, even decades.

Another classic Frenchie. Argentina’s Chardonnay is made in cooler areas: at higher altitudes or more southerly latitudes. Here the wines develop an impressive combination of lean citrus, exotic pineapple fruit, a creamy texture with tantalizing minerality, and vibrant acidity. Catena Zapata’s Adrianna Vineyard is the hallmark.

Other white grapes of Argentina are Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier.

WINE

But Argentine wine is not just Mendoza region.

Patagonia, San Juan, La Rioja, and Salta areas have ambitions of their own and strive successfully to earn international recognition. And since we are down in that part of the world, let’s not forget about Argentina’s neighbor to the West: Chile. It offers similar types of wines in more “coastal” style, in addition to some impressive single varietal Carmeneres.

Be that as it may, considering all its charms and primal magnetism – and now add the wines combined with genuine hospitality of the people of the land, why wouldn’t one want to visit? And page 112

yes, it is affordable and abundant in traditional food consisting of Mediterranean influences combined with indigenous fare. “Asado” style grilled meats with chimichurri sauce, empanadas, morcilla (blood sausage), Italian inspired pastas, and the traditional Dulce de Leche for dessert. You might even stumble upon a polo tournament if you visit in the spring.

Some of my favorite and note-worthy Argentinian wineries: Archaval Ferrer, Catena Zapata, Mi Terruno, El Hijo Prodigo, Tempus Alaba, Terrazas de los Andes, Bodega Colome, and Bodega Matias Riccitelli.

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Top: Andeluna; Above: Laura Catena in one of her family's vineyards

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WANDERLUST CONCIERGE

THE PALACES OF INDIA & ROOFTOPS OF BUENOS AIRES

HISTORY OPULENCE HOSPITALITY

INDIAN PALACES TURNED HOTELS

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WANDERLUST

An insider’s guide into the top palace hotels in India, including the best for royal residences, opulent interiors, romantic settings, extravagant architecture, extensive gardens and refined Indian cuisine, in locations including Rajasthan, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Udaipur.

RAMBAGH PALACE

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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This former hunting lodge and royal residence occupies a 47-acre plot just south of the city center. Given that the Maharaja of Jaipur once called this place home, it’s predictably opulent. Rooms, each with extraordinarily high ceilings, mahogany to spare, and packed with antiques, are arranged around a beautiful courtyard; there’s a croquet lawn, strutting peacocks, and fountains that wouldn’t look out of place in an Roman piazza. Dinner in Suvarna Mahal, which offers refined Indian cuisine from four regions, is a must; the gilded setting is the main draw and feels like one has snuck into Buckingham Palace.

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THE OBEROI GRAND

Kolkata, West Bengal, India Kolkata’s Oberoi is the grand old dame of hotels in northeast India. Opened in 1888, this luxury heritage hotel is a palatial landmark in the City of Joy and offers well-appointed rooms, excellent dining, great facilities and truly wonderful service a stone’s throw from the main sights.

The rooms exude quiet charm, a world away from cold chain hotels and the mad bustle in the streets outside. The standard rooms are compact, comfortable, with plenty of nods to the city’s heritage – from old prints and miniature paintings on the walls to the stylishly traditional wood furnishings that almost hide the state-of-the-art conveniences.

RAWLA NARLAI Rajasthan, India

Rawla Narlai, a meticulously restored 17th-century royal retreat, is one of Rajasthan’s best-loved heritage hotels. A rambling country house, beautifully restored and maintained, it oozes romance. There are 32 rooms set around a series of courtyards bright with flowers. A magnificent pool is hidden in a walled garden. Evening drinks are served in the lamp-lit entrance court where you can also dine under the stars. Each room is different and full of surprises: delicately painted arches framing a bed; original murals of a royal procession; a bathroom that opens onto a tiny private terrace with a view

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over the town.

RANVAS

Nagaur, Rajasthan, India A rare chance to stay in a private 18th-century garden palace that is being painstakingly restored by the maharajah of Jodhpur. A superb restoration of the former royal zenana or women’s quarters set in a flower-filled garden. The 10 stone havelis, each originally built for a queen and her servants, have been restored entirely in keeping with their origins. Each now contains several handsome rooms which share a large courtyard with daybeds and swings. Meals are taken in the majlis, an open-sided pavilion where the queens would meet each other and their maharajah.

WANDERLUST

THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE Mumbai, India

The original building is a seven-tiered wedding cake of Gothic, Greco-Roman, Islamic and Rajasthan architecture topped by a glittering Florentine dome. The extravagant interiors are adorned with Italian marble floors, Belgian chandeliers and 4,000 works of art, most of them antique.

The erstwhile horse and carriage entrance is a swimming pool shaded by mature palms. Palace rooms start at luxury grand, which are relatively small but supremely comfortable with Italian marble bathrooms and Rajput bay windows overlooking the sea, the pool or the city.

AHILYA FORT

Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, India

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The hotel sits atop the massive sandstone walls of Maheshwar Fort. From the terrace you can look down on Indian life as played out on the banks of the holy Narmada River, a miniature Varanasi where pilgrims come to immerse themselves and pray to the Hindu god Shiva. Rooms are scattered among the 18th-century, half-timbered buildings set around shady courtyards. There are plenty of nooks to hide away with a book, a lovely large pool and a vegetable garden that is a work of art. The whole effect is of staying in the home of an aristocratic relative, one with unusually good taste.

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TAJ LAKE PALACE

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India One of the world’s most romantic destination hotels, the Palace floats like a beautiful white ship on the waters of Lake Pichola, with 360-degree views of surrounding Udaipur. Built in 1743 as a summer escape and pleasure resort by the royal dynasty of Mewar, it was converted into a hotel when the Maharana started accepting paying guests in the 1960s. The transition to hotel has been seamless, with the original fountains and fretwork expanded to include 66 luxury rooms. Rooms are sumptuously decorated with rich colors and quality Indian textiles, and all featuring a view of some kind.

RAAS DEVIGARH

Aravalli Range, Rajasthan, India A crenelated vision in white set high on a granite knoll with far-reaching views, this is no ordinary palace hotel. It’s a glamorous, modish retreat and a refreshing change from the dark interiors of traditional Rajasthani fort-palaces. A symphony in white offset with silver and gold and vivid splashes of peacock green and saffron yellow, the interiors will delight those who love clean and contemporary design. The palace is truly labyrinthine. It’s worth taking a tour with a member of staff to find hidden courtyards and balconies that look out over a landscape little changed since Rajput rulers hunted here 200 years ago. It’s an hour’s drive east from Udaipur off National Highway 8, the hotel sits among wheat fields deep in the Aravalli Hills. page 121

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WANDERLUST

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RAJMAHAL PALACE

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Set in extensive gardens, the palace is a 15-minute walk south of Jaipur’s old walled city. A country manor in the heart of the city, tea is still served on the lawn of what was once the British Residency.

There’s still a sense of being a guest of the family. But the faded Rajput grandeur has been replaced by exuberant modern interiors using custom-made wallpapers to interpret traditional motifs in fun new ways. Even the smallest rooms are palatial with high ceilings and sitting areas scattered with the sort of books, photographs and curiosities found in an English country house.

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YOUR GUIDE TO THE WORLD'S BEST

Rooftop Bars

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Hans Ebenman | The Rooftop Guide CEO

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BUENOS AIRES

The Argentine polo season is underway, so Hans Ebenman of The Rooftop Guide rounded up four hopping rooftop bars you shouldn’t miss in Buenos Aires.

Alvear Roof Bar Alvear Roof Bar is a luxurious rooftop bar in Buenos Aires with a fantastic panoramic view over the city. The roof bar is perched on the 11th floor of the Alvear Palace Hotel. The terrace is available for both hotel guests and open to the public.

From the bar, you can order tasty snacks and modern cocktails. The décor is classic and luxurious and creates an inviting atmosphere for the guests.

Service is top-notch and the skyline views of Buenos Aires will blow your mind. This is truly one of the best views of Buenos Aires you can get from a bar.

If you like fancy cocktails in a luxurious environment, this is a perfect rooftop bar in Buenos Aires to visit.

Belushi Rooftop Bar and Lounge Belushi Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a rooftop bar and restaurant with a cool, modern bar and a futuristic interior.

The bar offers a good selection of beer along with some really fine sushi and tapas. No view to brag about here, but for those who like to party, Belushi Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a good place among the rooftop bars Buenos Aires offers. The party atmosphere is in high gear here – and the crowd comes to party.

Sky Bar Hotel Pulitzer Sky Bar rooftop bar is located on the 13th floor of the Hotel Pulitzer. Sky Bar is a perfect rooftop in Buenos Aires for an after-work drink or meeting, in a

friendly and comfortable atmosphere here. From the rooftop bar, you get a good list of cocktails and the view from the terrace is one of the city’s best. Don’t need much more for a good roof terrace - Sky Bar Hotel Pulitzer has it all.

Hotel Madero Hotel Madero boasts a very nice Buenos Aires rooftop bar. The terrace is equipped with a large indoor pool and spa area next to the roof terrace. On the terrace, the menu is healthy and drinks are strong – and the view is the skyline of Buenos Aires.

Some evenings Hotel Madero hosts pool parties up here, which are very popular. The clientele is hip and trendy.

If you like to blend in here, you should dress in a smart casual way to feel at home. This is a luxurious and sophisticated rooftop bar in Buenos Aires.

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HIGH TEA

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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE

A SEASON FOR JOY AND INNER PEACE Jyoti Paintel Bowles Spiritual Guidance Contributor

I love the holiday season. For me, it’s a time to decorate, celebrate, and reverberate all the good cheer. Images of Christmas icons playing in snowy winter lands, the festive look of holiday lights everywhere, sickly sweet pumpkin –flavored coffee drinks at my local Starbucks, and the nonstop (mostly awful) holiday tunes never fail to put me in a good mood.

I also appreciate that this time of year elicits our compassion for the less fortunate, and inspires our natural inclination to give. The holiday season encourages us to do something good for others, give someone a much-needed break, or just be kind for no reason.

Another reason I love the holiday season is that it emphasizes the need to spend quality time with the people we love. I’ve learned that the hours spent at a large table sharing opulent food, wine, and conversation, are what we can truly be grateful for in our lives. I have really come to cherish the festive and sentimental nature of holiday social rituals.

Still, some years I found myself silently and secretly struggling during this time, especially the years before I met my husband. For some, the holidays are a sad and lonely time – especially when

going through difficult period. The end of the year can also be a poignant time for us when it comes to self-reflecting on what we have accomplished in the past year. If we believe we’re not where we should be – whether what we desired was a relationship, a better career position, or even 15 pounds thinner – our inner critic can be quite vocal at this time of year.

Like many, I was stunned and heartbroken when I heard of Anthony Bourdain’s suicide, just following the sad news of Kate Spade also choosing to end her own life. These high-profile celebrity deaths give us further proof that people from all walks of life grapple with the darkness of depression, even people who would appear to have highly successful, interesting, and meaningful lives.

When we see someone we love going through depression, we want so much to find the words or the solution that can cure them, but the bitter truth about something as baffling as depression is that there are no guarantees that the war can be won. If anything positive can come from Bourdain’s and Spade’s suicides, it is the hope that the we can see mental illness as a disease in the true sense of the word – one that in our own mind and soul we can feel helpless against.

Here are some ways to create time and space to take care of your mental and emotional health during the holidays.

Be your own ultimate protector. If the holidays are a difficult time for you,

don’t face them alone. Let your friends and family know that you need support and a little help to get through the holidays. Don’t always make plans that require spending money or drinking alcohol; instead, try window-shopping or helping a friend or neighbor decorate their place.

Create a new way to celebrate the holidays, maybe take a short overnight trip somewhere. Maybe instead of celebrating major days with a lot of people, just choose a few special friends. I’ve come to learn that most families are slightly dysfunctional and spending a lot of time with them during the holidays can trigger emotional baggage. Prepare yourself in advance for a possibly tense conversation by giving yourself an easy out.

You are under no obligation to put yourself in an uncomfortable place. You can acknowledge what the person has said and simply respond, “ I’ve heard you, but I think we should discuss this some other time.” Remember that when we take responsibility for our feelings, we also give our self the power to decide when we have reached our emotional capacity. Don’t be apologetic about looking after your own emotional well-being.

Make a list, check it twice (ha!). Jokes aside, make a list of important activities you are typically faced with during the holidays (shopping, travel, hosting, attending holiday events, and charity) and prioritize that list.

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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE

A SEASON FOR JOY AND INNER PEACE choices that result in the path of least resistance. In the case of this list, predict the trouble before it appears and be realistic about your expectations. Don’t accept the invitation that puts you in the same room with someone who broke your heart. Plan to make that night special some other way.

Set goals that you can reach without having to stress out later. Be creative in the way you gift, and see if you can offer a helpful service you can provide, like a ride to the airport, rather than a gift bought at a store. Keep a watch on your holiday budget – overspending can lead to depression when the holidays are over.

Don’t compare yourself with others.

One of the cruelest things we can do to ourselves is compare ourselves with others. Our bird’s-eye view of the lives of others is inaccurate, especially if we gauge their happiness by what they post on their social media.

Be aware of how you feel when you go to these sites during the holidays, do you feel sad and depressed afterward?

If so, limit your time on social media or just take a break altogether from

the endless gathering of information of the lives of others. Its not surprising that there are now numerous studies showing that spending time on social media tends to make people feel more depressed or lonely.

Don’t compare with the past. If you find yourself stuck in memories of better holidays in the past, remember that its quite normal for us to want to linger on the good times. Don’t try to push the thoughts out of your head, instead ask yourself what it was about that time that you miss so much: is it in your control to have that again? If not, choose to accept the fact, and then ask yourself what new thing would give you some degree of similar satisfaction?

Focus on that new thing, and take little steps towards creating the new. Allow yourself to truly believe that nothing stays the same, allow yourself to believe that the good days will come around again.

Take care of your physical body.

Exercising regularly during the holidays is crucial because we’re simply under more stress and consuming extra calories. Start before the holidays begin,

and commit to some form of it for about 30 minutes every day for a month.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work if we just do it once or twice a week, especially when we first start a routine. Naturally, the holidays are a time when both eating and drinking are done in excess. You can enjoy the decadence of the season, but if it makes you feel badly afterward, then it’s time to take pause. When we are depressed we can use both of these in excess to numb our sadness. The fallout is that a hangover and the binge-eating guilt can be emotionally difficult on us afterwards, and those feelings can often linger.

All we can do with depression is win one battle at a time, one day at a time with patience and compassion for our experience. Even if we are not suffering from depression, the holidays can be a stressful time. Identifying what our emotional triggers are and preparing to deal with them during this time can be helpful in getting through it.

Need to talk to someone? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, available 24 hours a day.

Don’t compare with the past. If you find yourself stuck in memories of better holidays in the past, remember that its quite normal for us to want to linger on the good times. Don’t try to push the thoughts out of your head, instead ask yourself what it was about that time that you miss so much: is it in your control to have that again? If not, choose to accept the fact, and then ask yourself what new thing would give you some degree of similar satisfaction?

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COACH WINE: TRUST YOUR

PROTEIN? PART II

By Mark Wine BA; CSCS; USAW; PT, PES, CES

Part one we spent time explaining the importance, in relation to achieving results, of protein intake when coupled with athletic and fitness training. During part II, I will break down the numbers a bit more by explaining the importance of obtaining your optimal level of protein and Essential Amino Acids (EAA) intake.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein of normal individuals is 0.8 g/kg body weight per day (1). This amount of protein is not a desirable level for active individuals whom are engaged in athletic and fitness

REQUIREMENTS FOR FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS AND ATHLETES training. Strength training individual’s daily protein intake ranges on average from 1.6 to 2.8 g/kg of protein per day (2). This range is vast and excessive. I like to say that it leads to “expensive urine.” In fact, large intakes of protein, 2.8 g/kg per day, have shown to result in high amounts of protein oxidation with little to no anabolic effects (2).

For strength athletes creating an anabolic environment within the body is essential in order to make gains within the weight room. For fitness enthusiasts creating an anabolic state within their body can be the difference between 14-16% body fat versus 18-20% body fat. For athletes creating an anabolic environment within the body is necessary in creating vital adaptations. My point is that no matter what activities you are engaged in be sure that your protein levels are not too high but are not too low; optimal protein intake is essential to properly stimulate muscle growth and recovery.

Research has supported daily protein requirements ranging from 1.2 – 1.5 g/kg per. This range was shown successful for more advanced persons.

For less advanced individuals research has shown a daily protein value ranging from 1.5 – 1.8 g/kg per day (3). These values come as a surprise to most, including myself when I first researched them. The populist belief is that more advanced persons require more protein. Keep in mind that this cannot take into account individuals who train numerous times per day or with higher training volumes. This study does showcase that massive quantities of protein is not as advantageous as previous thought.

Large quantity of proteins may not be all that important, but nearly all research supports that more muscle requires more EAA’s. The interesting fact is that some research has shown EAA’s can double anabolic stimulus (4). Most believe that protein powder does this. Powder can do this as long as it contains a larger amount of the BCAA Leucine around workouts.

Relating this to your workouts, ingesting 40g of protein in your post-workout shake is unnecessary and extremely expensive. Instead, ingest 6-10g of protein pre- workout

and 20-25 grams post-workout. Include BCAA or EAA’s supplementation pre, intra, and post workout (≈10g post-workout). Everyone must supplement with Essential Amino Acids (EAA) and BCAA’s. EAA’s have shown significant results in creating an anabolic response within one’s body. And lastly, choose roughly 1.0 – 1.5 g/ kg body weight of carbohydrates within 30 minutes of your workout. Post-workout should include a higher number of high glycemic carbohydrates. The combination of all three ingredients will help offset muscle damage and promote re-synthesis and growth.

So what is the takeaway here?

You may be ingesting too much protein for optimal total body protein synthesis. I would recommend ingesting at least 1.6 – 1.8 g/kg bodyweight of protein per day for serious fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and strength athletes.

The more you train the more protein you require. However, the next time somebody tells you to pack in 50-60 grams of protein into your post-workout shake laugh and point them our way. page 137

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M U S C L E

F I T N E S S page 139

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MOLD YOUR MIND

ROAD TO RECOVERY RETURN SUCCESSFULLY FROM EVERY INJURY

Joey Velez, M.A., M.B.A. Imagine being physically active, whether through athletics or work, for a good portion of your week. Now imagine becoming injured and having all that physical activity taken away from you.

Whether you are an elite athlete, a routine gym-goer, or your average office worker, injuries can increase frustration due to the recent and continuous amounts of inactivity.

Not only can injuries be frustrating, but the rehabilitation process can be quite the emotional roller coaster as well. Even once you complete the rehabilitation process, returning to action can cause an increase in anxiety because you have not been able to perform, so questions of doubt begin to creep into the mind.

Overcoming mental challenges during the rehabilitation process and your return to action are extremely important to being successful and regaining your form. page 140

The Beginning

The Return

The rehabilitation process is a long, painful, and grueling journey. Depending on the severity of your injury, the rehabilitation process can feel like an eternity. However, no matter the length of time missed, setting goals can help increase confidence, motivation, and focus throughout this process.

Returning to action post-injury can be a terrifying experience. Worry, self-doubt, and pressure to perform are some of the common feelings associated with performing after a long layoff. Having the proper self-talk can guide you to having a clear mind about getting back into the swing of things.

First, set dates for “check-ins” so you can track your progress. These should be at the very minimum monthly, and they should be based on your performance. For instance, if you are dealing with an ankle injury, your goal could be to jog on the treadmill without pain for 10 minutes by October. Once you reach this point, you can adjust your monthly goal based on your progression.

Second, you want to set daily and weekly goals, or “process” goals, that coincide with your monthly goals. These process goals can serve as reminders of what is needed to be done in order to return to action in a timely manner. For instance, sticking with the example of an ankle injury, a process goal could be do my ankle mobility exercises with the resistance band for 10 minutes every other day.

Process goals are extremely important because these are the necessary steps to take to come back on time, if not ahead of schedule, with as close to similar strength as pre-injury. Have these goals visible to be reminded of them constantly because coming back from injury is extremely difficult and tough. Many people do not put forth the effort during their rehabilitation as they should, and it negatively impacts their performance when they return.

First, it is important to focus on what you want versus what you do not want. A common phrase from individuals returning to play from injury is “What if I get hurt again?” When we focus on things we want to avoid, we are actually increasing our chance of that situation happening. Also, a byproduct of not wanting to get hurt is hesitation during performance, which increases our chance of re-injury.

Instead of playing the what-if game with the worst possible outcome, play the what-if game with a positive outcome. For example, instead of asking “What if I get hurt again?” ask “What if I come back stronger than ever?” By changing the tune of the statement, we go from feelings of worry and hesitation to feeling of excitement and motivation.

Second, it is important to have positive, motivational affirmation statements in your back pocket to use at your disposal. Saying statements such as “You can do this,” “Just like riding a bike,” or “Take back what is yours,” provide the motivation to perform and take the attention away from the injury, therefore dramatically increasing chances of success. Before you know it, you will be back to performing like your old self in no time.

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Patience is a Virtue During my sophomore year of high school playing junior varsity basketball, I injured my ankle what seemed like every other week. Whether it was a roll, a sprain, or a tweak, I treated it all the same with ice and rest for a couple days then back to the court. What I failed to realize was that I was not properly rehabilitating my ankle, and combining that with rushing back, it is no wonder I was injured every other week.

I did nothing to strengthen my ankle, so each time I returned my ankle was worse than the previous week. Had I properly set goals to completing strength exercises each day, lightly

jogging on the ankle before returning to play, I may not have been injured as often as I was. To this day, I still have ankle issues, and part of that is because my negligence in the recovery process.

Be patient and take the time to properly heal your ailing body parts.

Final Words Many times it is ourselves whom we have to protect ourselves from when dealing with injuries. If you have great healthcare, or a team physician, it is easier with the rehabilitation process because you have someone guiding you every step of the way, not to mention someone who is in charge of clearing you to return to action.

If you’re on your own with the rehabilitation process, it is up to you to take the necessary steps to strengthen the injured body part and hold off on returning to action too soon. Injuries are minor setbacks and obstacles that we have to deal with. They do not have to change who you are nor do they have to change the mindset you had competing prior to the injury. Utilizing goal-setting strategies helps us strengthen and progress properly throughout the rehabilitation process, and self-talk statements can help us perform to our abilities by leaving worry and self-doubt at the door.

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