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August 10, 2009
Lunch with the Gauchos
I visited Buenos Aires en route to Antarctica, and I spent such a short time there that I want to go back—especially because I’ve heard so many people raving about it ever since. It’s a cosmopolitan city, perfect for strolling with beautiful gardens and colonial architecture.
The best part for me, though, was outside the city. We went to an estancia—a traditional Argentine ranch. The “cowboys” who work these ranches are called gauchos, and they ride these wild looking horses the way Lance Armstrong rides a bike. Eating lunch with them was quite an experience. They would take their knives and just slap them down into a big piece of meat, which they’d just eat right off the knife. I kept trying to sneak my fork in and then, wham! Down comes the knife! Alan and I just kept looking at each other and laughing—we couldn’t believe it. These guys are a whole culture unto themselves.
The people of Argentina in general are so vibrant and full of life, which makes visiting their beautiful country even more of a pleasure. I don’t know when, but someday I’ll be back. Do you have places on your travel list that you can’t wait to visit again? Send your stories to
harriet@gct.com
We’ll be visiting Europe’s greatest rivers next in Harriet’s Corner, but I want to read about all of your travels with Grand Circle.
Harriet Lewis