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Page 59 of rrruss Travel Blog Posts

South America » Argentina » Buenos Aires » Buenos Aires July 30th 2006

The annual cattle fair at La Rural was not something we thought we would enjoy but at 10 pesos it was worth a try, especially as all our Argentine friends said it was a "must see". When we first went in, we visited a large barn housing prize pigs. The smell was quite disgusting! There were also rabbits, chinchillas, peacocks, and all manner of birds which had won prizes too. As usual, I cannot resist free samples so I joined the hustle and bustle in the stands to sample cheese, chorizo sausages, and various olive pastes. We saw the world's biggest alfahora (possibly!) and Trish bought a miniature version of it which didn't take us long to munch our way through!! The main arena in the centre provided entertainment for the crowds. Although we didn't manage ... read more

Gauchos, campo and stray dogs

South America » Argentina » Buenos Aires » San Antonio de Areco July 23rd 2006

The Old Bridge

rrruss

San Antonio de Areco is a couple of hours away from BA on the bus (allow an hour or so more for puncture stops). It is a small town famous for its Gaucho festival in November, but we went on a sunny July weekend when the temperatures defied the fact that it is the middle of winter. The steak we found there was unbelievably good, and we have become experts at finding good steak so that's quite a statement! I also tried a wonderful crab stew which is, apparently, a Basque recipe. No ill effects so far!! On Sunday there was supposed to be a calssical music concert in the main plaza at 1500. By 1530 we got bored and went for a coffee. At 1550 we left as we had to get to our bus, ... read more

Velez Sarsfield

South America » Argentina » Buenos Aires July 20th 2006

The Cancha

rrruss

I went with one of my students to see the quarter finals of the Copa Libertadores, the biggest club competition in South American football. With the score at 0-0 after the first leg in Guadalajara, I expected a bit more effort from the Velez players. Sadly their effort didn't materialise until the last 10 minutes by which time it was already too late. They lost 2-1 in the end.... read more

Lujan and the ubiquitous Virgin

South America » Argentina » Buenos Aires » Luján July 9th 2006

The Virgin of Lujan

rrruss

A couple of hours away from BA is the sleepy town of Lujan, famous for religious pilgrimages to see the "Virgin of Lujan" who is everywhere. Since visiting we have seen her everywhere we have been. Spooky as we never noticed her before! The Basilica is well worth popping in to see, but it really is a town to visit to chill out rather than look for much excitement. On 9 July several thousand people gathered in the centre of town to celebrate Argentina's Independence Day. The National Folkloric Ballet entertained us for a while before a military band played a tune or two. Then opera singers from BA's Teatro Colon joined local childrens' choirs to sing the National Anthem, all 9 verses. That took over 20 minutes!! If you really want to, a boat will ... read more

Leaving home ... again!

Europe » United Kingdom » England May 16th 2006

A Beautiful Spring Day

rrruss

So, Trish and I have decided to continue with our South American adventure. After a few weeks back in Englands Green and Pleasant (not to mention expensive) Land, we headed back to Buenos Aires via Madrid with no definite plans about the future! If you want to see about our travels before May 2006, it's all here for you. Our recent trips to the Buenos Aires Mataderos Fair, the Military Day displays and the Temaiken wildlife park are there too. ... read more