“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Sailing from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, was a short trip, we docked around 5pm in Buenos Aires (Capital of Argentina) and 4 evening shore excursions were enjoyed by many. I went to the Argentine Dining Experience. (It was too late for John to attend). Some went to a Tango Show and Dinner. (I’m 4th from left)
We learned how to order our steaks the way we like them while in Argentina, as they are known for their fabulous tasting beef, and what was served us that night was superb. Mine is Muy Jugoso! Rare.
We were shown the picture of the different shapes of empanadas telling us what is in that shape. They wanted us to just play and make any shape we wanted, they cooked them and we were to take ours home….. a friend back on the ship was having a birthday party that night and I said I’d bring him an empanada…. but I forgot and left it behind:-(
We did share a Mate cup of tea! Yes, share. That is part of the ritual/tradition. No one drinks it alone. It’s a social event. A special method of pouring the tea leaves and water were demonstrated and we all tasted it. Most didn’t like it, but I, of course, did. That is a metal straw, bombisha, that is not to be moved after the water is poured. As it goes around, more hot water from a thermos is added, again and again, till all have had some, without moving the straw. It’s quite interesting. No, I didn’t bring any home, because I doubt I’d get anyone to try it with me and if they did they probably wouldn’t like it…. The whole evening was quite different and fun. They were efficient, entertaining and good teachers.
Our approach to Buenos Aires Departing two nights later
Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. From 1516 the Spanish ruled 300 yrs till Argentina’s fight for independence in 1816. From 1880-1930 the country was 1 of 10 of the wealthiest nations now it is #54. There is the whole Eva Peron history of which we are not interested. 97% of Argentina is of European descent and half of the population live near Buenos Aires which was referred to as the “Paris of South America.” We liked the city with beautiful boulevards, parks and trees, also their wine, Pisco and mate (no I’m not going to elaborate!). We did not get to see the Gauchos, skilled horsemen who trace their profession back to the 18th century, but would have loved to do so, making this country a place we would enjoy visiting again, only at length.
11,000 Jacaranda trees …planted in Buenos Aires
The Obelisk is a National Historic Momument, built in 1936 to commemorate Buenos Aires’ Quadricentennial of the foundation of the city. It’s 235′ high.
We visited the famous La Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita, once the First Lady, is interred, who was idolized by Argentines until her death from cancer in 1952. With elaborately carved scroll-work, statues and stately pillars, the cemetery is quite extravagant.
Next we took the Parana Delta boat ride. The world’s largest delta. Reminded me of boating in the Fox Lake channels in Illinois as a child. Do you think so Pam H?
La Boca, the capital’s… …most colorful neighborhood.
