Blogs from Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina, South America - page 3

Reserva provincial esteros del Ibera is a large wetlands with hundreds of different types of birds, as well as caimen (small alligators), black howler monkeys, capybara (the largest living rodent!), neotropical otters and different types of deer. It has converted Angus and I into bird watchers! We went out on several boat rides to explore the wetlands and enjoyed seeing several bird species (including herons, egrets, comorants, humming birds, kingfishers, woodpeckers, hawks, caracaras, woodrails, terns, parakeets, cuckoos, owls, martins, swallows, cardinals, finches, blackbirds, marshbirds, Southern Screamer, ducks, limpkins, gallinules, jackannas, tyrants, vultures.......sorry to go on). We particularly enjoyed taking the hostel owners canoe out to explore ourselves. It is made us of several lakes with channels leading off. The lakes are surrounded by marshland and floating islands. One... read more

Trying to put a positive spin on things this time. More people have left. However, one of them is the weird gaucho guy that was making me feel uncomfortable. Stayed a week then left, have to say I'm actually very relieved! The other person to leave is Gomez (also a little creepy, but head odd job bloke). Quite unexpected, apparently (and don't quote me on this, it's been through several people and translations), he asked for a pay rise. So that's leaving even fewer people at the ranch. To compensate, - Aprenticeships!! 3 new volunteers arrive next week, and I think Chantal has made the wise decision of putting them somewhere away from me - ie they are being put in the frog infested (but much larger) cabin to sleep, leaving me with my little room ... read more

A lot has happened since I last wrote, which seems like a long time ago now... ...After the shock appearance of 2 people supposedly working the weekend of the rodeo, I returned to the ranch expecting Chantal to be singing the praises of Gabriella, the only one who stayed. Instead, I entered our room to find a packed bag. A couple of minutes of mild shock followed as I worked out they were Gabriella's bags. She only had another few weeks to go to complete the full 3 months, and have her deposit returned, had not mentionned any hint of leaving, even when everyone else had... Monday morning arrives, but Addy doesn't. Two down in as many days. Not good. By the end of the week Ricardo, the Brazillian horse trainer who is now going out ... read more

A typical day…I wake up with my room mate’s alarm at 6am, and keep my eyes shut in a hopeful fashion for a further 10 minutes, before finally dragging myself out of bed. I drag on some clothes, apply sun tan lotion (it’s still dark, but I won’t get another chance until lunch), step outside and struggle with my boots. I might exchange a few words with Gabriella and Thea (my roomates), but none of us are at best first thing. We make our way to the office to see Chantal, who allocates our jobs for the morning. Gabriella and I head down to watch the mares and foals eat. In theory we’re there to stop them fighting over the food, but in reality we play with a few foals, whilst just watching. This amazingly takes ... read more

Keep in touch everyone, good to read your comments if you haven't got time for emails... xxx I've been at the Estancia for a full 5 days now, and I finally feel as though I'm settling in a little bit! Accomodation - is a stable sized room, that I share with 2 other British girls. I don't have my own bed but do have a lower bunk . Food - Breakfast is a rock shaped like a piece of bread, supplemented with fruit that is old , Lunch is often rice, occasionally with vegetables ,always with meat stew. Dinner varies, last night was pizza , Sunday was rice. Only. The previous cook quit on Saturday, we're hoping a new one starts tomorrow! Hours - We start at 6.30am, apart from twice a week when we ... read more