A Day with the Gauchos!

We did something touristy today – but it was a lot of fun! We went to the Estancia La Alameda about 120 kilometers outside Buenos Aires on the pampas. A bus picked us up at a hotel near our apartment for the drive to the Estancia. Most of our fellow passengers were from South America – Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, etc. We seemed to be the only Americans. The trip was interesting – first there were suburbs and then the pampas – very, very flat fertile farm land. It was like western Kansas but very green.

The Estancia is now a small hotel, only nine rooms. They put on day “entertainments” for the tourists. The day started with horse rides – but not for us – we settled for a ride on a wagon! Then it was empanadas and wine (above). Empanadas are wonderful – small meat pies in pastry. We have had them often in Argentina – beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, etc. The wine was excellent!!

This was followed by free time around the ranch – of course a stop at the gift shop! Roaming the estancia were horses, colts, llamas, roosters, goats, and a pig or two. Elisabeth’s camera was busy!

We also spent time watching the “gaucho” cook while he barbecued lunch. The meat was on sticks placed near an open wood fire. Sausages and other meats were on a grill placed over hot coals. The smells were great.

Lunch was in a large Hall – with salads, wine, breads, and meat, meat, meat! Argentinean beef is fabulous – real taste! The meal ended with a type of crepe with leche dulce. Very sweet but good!

Next came a folkloric show – the dancers and singers were excellent. For some reason, I was not expecting much but I was very surprised – the quality was superb. After the show the gauchos put on a horse show – putting a small wooden peg through a small ring hanging on a wire while galloping at full speed. Quite the showman!

The Mate Drinker!

The day ended with a sampling of mate – a South American (mainly Argentina) drink made from Yerba Mate. It tasted like very strong tea. Actually I liked it – but I do like strong coffee and strong tea. Then it was back on the bus to Buenos Aires!

We had a great day on the pampas!!