Fluge Global Adventures

In their never ending quest to explore the world of art, the Fluge Global Team traveled to Argentina to find the best silversmiths in the world. Silver has been used by mankind since Pre-History, and its oldest reference to the element appears in the book of Genesis. It is also the only element after which a country – Argentina is named. FGA’s South America and silver expert James Marlow led the expedition (and Nick Fluge followed with an open mind and a hand notebook to learn as much as possible about silver creativity).

James Marlow, Mariano Draghi, legendary creative silversmith, and Nick Fluge

After landing in Buenos Aires, the team headed directly towards the Pampas and the beautiful town known as San Antonio de Areco home of the world renown silver family, the Draghi’s. The pampas of Argentina have a long and romantic history. Much of it revolves around an almost mythical character – the Gaucho. His freedom and bravado, celebrated in many poems and songs, once represented the spirit of Argentina’s open range. In the 18th and 19th centuries the grasslands of Argentina were dominated by vast estates. (Some still owned by the Draghi’s). The owners of those ranches were and are South America’s rural aristocracy. The Gauchos were the cowhands of those estates. Independant and proud, they rode (and still ride) the range herding cattle. With his wandering lifestyle and fierce code of honor the Gaucho was also the symbol of an earthly nobility. Today this is a remains a way of life although it is disappearing as the open range land turns favor to agricultural soy and corn.

Besides owning Estancia’s and producing various agricultural commodities, the Draghi family workshop is legendary in Argentina and around the world. Makers of superb jewelry, knives and equine finery such as bridles and other Gaucho gear, the family is visited by heads of state, hollywood, as well as average citizens of the world.

Fluge Learning the Craft From Valeria Draghi

Both Marlow and Fluge found themselves welcome with the very hospitable Draghi family in the museum, workshop and the family estancias and homes even amidst the public tours which seemed endless of people from all around the world wanting to visit the museum, workshop and store of the family. Team FGA was treated to Asado’s classic Argentine BBQ complete with attendance by many in the community, tours of the local art community which includes leather craftsmanship as well as silver creative art and design, and even the prestigious “Passion Play” on the banks of the Rio de Areco with soon to be family actress “Maria”.

After their visit Fluge returned to the U.S. to sort out his new race car and James Marlow traveled far south in Argentina to challenge the ice bergs and come as close as any human does to the Antarctic in April (very late season in the Southern Hemisphere).

Lucilla Draghi                                              James, Camila, and Nick

James Marlow’s Ice Berg Adventure                           James Marlow’s Ice Bergs near Antarctic

Actress and Adventurer              Valeria, Nick, Marta, and Lucilla               Mariano and Maria

By Nicole Wright, FGA UK SPECIALIST, London, England

On April 25th , 30,000 runners will flood the streets of London, aiming to complete the grueling 26.2 miles that make up the world famous London Marathon. I will be somewhere in those thousands trying to make it to the end without needing to use one of the 500 stretchers that will be on hand to pick up those not quite so lucky to make it over the finish line.

Unlike some people who have a very clear aim of completing a marathon in their life time, I was adamant that a marathon was not for me. I like my 10km races, going fast, getting it over and done with, no hassle of hours of training and feet so sore that you can’t walk the next day. However, in the true spirit of adventure, (something I know Nick Fluge and his Global Adventure team understand well!), when a charity running place needed to be filled urgently I did not hesitate to sign myself up.

So now it is early morning runs before work, track and hill sessions after work and long weekend runs. Motivating myself to run 15 miles on a Sunday morning, a time usually designated to a long lie in or a cosy brunch with friends, is hard I can’t deny it. However, surprisingly I have found myself enjoying all of this, feeling satisfied when I have already completed a long run when the rest of the world is only just waking up.

So in less than 2 months I will be putting all my training to the test and be proudly taking part in the 29th London Marathon, running as part of the UK Youth charity team, raising funds to help disadvantaged young people throughout the UK. Reading Nick’s account of his Portland Marathon experience I know that it is not going to be an easy experience, but where would the fun be in that anyway? I know that I can do this and I look forward to letting you know how it all goes!