THE MUSTS

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 Argentines are emerging from poverty

 Our fellow argentines ended 2025 with surprising data: poverty in the country fell by more than 10 percentage points in just 12 months.

• According to official projections, the index fell from 38.3% to 27.5%—the lowest level since 2018. To give you an idea, poverty stood at 54.8% at the beginning of 2024.

Another indicator of the improved quality of life for the poorest is that millions of Argentines have left extreme poverty in just over a year. The portion of the population that did not have enough income to buy basic food fell from 20% at the beginning of 2024 to 5.4% now.

What explains this turnaround?

The main factor is the drop in inflation. When Milei took office, the country was flirting with hyperinflation, had a high deficit, multiple exchange rates, and a discredited currency. The government bet on tough fiscal and monetary adjustments—and the effects began to show in people's pockets. With more stable prices, incomes began to cover the basic basket of goods more easily.

Metaphorically speaking, it is as if Argentina is showing signs of “coming out of intensive care” with clear projections for an optimistic and promising future. It remains to be seen whether this will actually materialize.

What else in on

• Australia: Australia's most populous state passed new gun and anti-terror rules following the mass shooting on Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership, banning public display of terror symbols and strengthening police power to curb protests. (Read)

• Denmark: becomes the first European country to stop delivering letters. This makes Denmark the first country in the world to decide that physical mail is no longer either essential or economically viable. (Read)

• Colombia: The country declared state of emergency. The measure was signed after the government failed to pass a tax package in Congress. (Read)

• Brazil: Rio de Janeiro enters the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest New Year's Eve celebration. (Read)
  

 The Alchimist by Paulo Coelho: This is a book I had been dating for a while. Mostly because — and this still makes me laugh — The Alchemist is surprisingly famous here in Italy. In fact, I think most of my Italian friends have read it. Meanwhile, back in Brazil, many of my friends haven’t (at least as far as I know).

• And there I was: a Brazilian living abroad, surrounded by Italians who had read one of the most translated and best-selling books in the world — written by the most famous Brazilian author of all time — while I had read absolutely nothing by Paulo Coelho.

So I finally picked it up.

I read it during my trip to Brazil, and a little after — which, in hindsight, feels exactly right. The Alchemist is a book about purpose, personal destiny, and the courage it takes to follow your own path. About listening to that quiet inner voice that tells you where you’re supposed to go — even when it doesn’t make logical sense. And that message landed very close to home for me at that moment.

• Honest review: I liked the first part more than the second. The beginning felt more grounded, more curious, more alive. As the story progresses, the message becomes clearer — maybe a bit too clear at times. Paulo Coelho isn’t subtle, and at least for me, he occasionally pushes the metaphor just a little too hard.

But… it works.

The metaphors are simple, yet they carry weight. The idea of a “Personal Legend,” of the universe conspiring when you truly commit to your journey, of learning to read the signs life gives you — all of it can feel basic on the surface, but surprisingly deep when you encounter it at the right moment in your life.

• There’s a tendency to dismiss The Alchemist as a children’s book, or as something overly spiritual or optimistic. But I actually think it’s a very adult book. Not because it’s complex — but because it demands honesty. It asks uncomfortable questions about fear, comfort, and how often we betray our own dreams in the name of safety.

I’m convinced this is the kind of book that changes depending on when you read it. Read it at 18, and it’s about dreams. Read it at 30, and it’s about courage. Read it later, and it might be about regret — or forgiveness.

I’m glad I finally stopped dating it — and committed. (Rating: 8/10)

Hi Tanamesars,

I hope you had a beautiful holiday season and that you’re feeling at least somewhat ready to get back on track (I know I’m not). What can I say? After two consecutive years with a very unhappy stomach on New Year’s Eve, this year everything finally aligned: good company, good food, and a truly special place. The NYE I deserved at last.

• This time, as you know, I went to the UK to visit a friend — and it turned out to be such an amazing trip. I’ve been to London a few times before, but if I’m honest, the city never really spoke to me. Until now. This time, we clicked. Me and London were in sync. The city felt alive, the Christmas atmosphere was beautiful, the people I encountered were warm — and, truth be told, I could actually see myself living there. Something I never would have said before.

This happens with music too. How many times have you listened to a song and felt nothing — only to rediscover it years later and suddenly feel seen by it? The lyrics hit differently. You finally get it. That’s exactly what happened with London. I never understood people’s obsession with it; to me, it was just a cloudy, rainy island full of rugby players. But now… I get it. I found the charme. And if the right opportunity ever came along — why not?

Starting the year traveling is something I really cherish. I know it’s an expensive time to leave the country, but breaking the routine at the beginning of a new year feels essential — like a breath of fresh air that helps you reassess your life and the direction you want to take. So here’s my unsolicited advice: take that trip. Plan ahead, make it happen, and go.

I was also reminded that the UK is much more than just London. This time, I visited Oxford and Bath as well — both wonderful surprises. Bath, especially, is a must for a day trip. Such a lovely city that I can’t recommend enough.

Now it’s time to rest, sleep well, and get ready for whatever adventures this year has in store — which I’m sure will be more than we can imagine.

With love,

Micael.

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