Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mendoza established Buenos Aires 1580 and brought one of the most important imports – horses.
Today’s excursion was Gaucho Life on the Pampas. The pampas is a sea of green grass that covers fully one fourth of Argentina, and is the home of the legendary gaucho. The actual translation means “orphan”. Gauchos in the past were loaners, moving from place to place, often drunks and womanizers. Not today’s gauchos. Prairies extend beyond the horizon, dotted with thousands of head of cattle, which are the source of Argentine asados (roasts) — arguably the best meat in the world.
We visited an estancia (estate) in the countryside, approximately 1½ hours from Buenos Aires. The estancia is a beautiful country residence and old ranch, where we were welcomed with a typical snack of empanadas. We walked around the farm, took a horse and carriage ride, and watched the gauchos preparing our barbecue lunch (consisting of renowned Argentine beef steaks), salads and desserts. Lunch was accompanied by red wine, beer, mineral water, soft drinks and coffee. During dinner we were entertained by a delightful folkloric show, including dancing and singing that represents life on the pampas.
Before dinner, the gauchos demonstrated their skills in the saddle with spectacular ring races and precision throwing of the boleador.
Evidently I did not get a picture of our meal. It was delicious. Roasted beef, chicken, short ribs, sausage. The entertainment was excellent
Suzi Travels 
Leave a comment