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The Rough Guide to Argentina Guidebook leaves the reader in no doubt about the size and variety of the country. It mentions the late nights, the Argentinean love affair with the asado (barbeque), the crazy football fans, the beautiful Portena women and even the helpfulness of the Comarcas Travel Agency. What it fails to mention however, is just how friendly and hospitable the people of Argentina are. El Lobo (me), Pedro de las Pampas
and Steve "Tajeta Man" Critchley set off to Argentina with a clipboard
full of activities we wanted to tick off and complete; a vague idea of how we
were going to achieve them and the names of two young Argentinean ladies to contact.
More than Ray Mears might need to survive on a Desert Island for a month I agree,
but we were still unprepared for just how much we were going to enjoy our first
trip to South America. Hover over the image to see its caption. Click on the image to see an enlargement.
Amongst the many people we would like to thank, Claudia Escandell in particular needs to be singled out. During the fortnight, she changed from being "just" our local travel agent (and a damned good one at that) to becoming a great mate and social organiser extraordinaire. She introduced us to some marvelous people; tirelessly advised, translated and organized and caused more hangovers than anyone else I know. The first indication that the trip was going to be awesome occurred when we were asked to watch Racing Football Club play on the afternoon of the second day. Accompanied by Claudia, Lula and Natalia (three mad Racing fans) we experienced the best football atmosphere I have ever encountered. Forget Manchester United or even the Liverpool Kop, I have never experienced the delirious passion that was released every time L'Acadie (the team's nickname) scored in the 4-1 thriller. Never have I seen more tickertape, sung more songs to the tune of Boy George's Karma Chameleon song or witnessed such skill. For a Derby County fan it was an education. From now on "Soy de L'Acadie". Hover over the image to see its caption. Click on the image to see an enlargement.
After a few early problems in Bariloche, we set out on a boat ride across the crystal clear lakes at the foot of the Andes and on our return were informed that the white water rafting and horse riding were a "go"! The rafting was a massive success despite Pete nearly dieing when a mix up in the boat caused him to go overboard right in the middle of a Grade 4 rapid, while Steve's desire to constantly raise the high bar was borne when the Gorge jumping began. Following another Asado, we were picked up by Felipe - another person who receives special praise - for a two day adventure that would turn us all from City Slickers to knarled old Gauchos (well kind of). It has to be said that as much as our horse riding instructor in London should be admired (and that's alot as she looks gorgeous in jodhpurs!), Felipe had us trotting, galloping and even bare back horse riding all within 48 hours. Staying in his lodge, meeting his mates, drinking his booze (!!) and travelling over his land was an immense privilege. He never stopped working, laughing and telling Steve "not to worry" and we all really wish him the very best in the future. As for the horse rising, well I can now claim to be able to gallop without hurting my wedding tackle, ride horses bare back and even jump on them like they do in the movies. Cool eh? Hover over the image to see its caption. Click on the image to see an enlargement.
Our middle weekend was spent in the company of not one, not two, not three but SIX Tonsley Totty playing the drinking game "Bunnies". Whether it was because of Veronica on "Teeth Alert"; Adriana's infectious laughing; Victoria's permanent smile; Claudia's translation; the encouragement of Paula; Natalia and Ignacio or simply the Santa Ana that we all had to drink when we lost - we all got... very... very... drunk! The second week revolved around Iguazu Falls known to most people as the ones used in the film "The Mission". When I say that we did them, I mean we DID them! We went around the top of them, around the bottom of them, went under them (in a dingy), went over them (in a helicopter).... if we could have gone down them (in a barrel) we probably would have done. As the 8th wonder of the world, they were sensational. We even found time to go canyoning in the middle of the surrounding jungle, abseil (rappel) down Waterfalls, "canopy" across the roof of the Jungle and get bitten to shit. After two phenomenal weeks and a night at the Tango which included Steve "raising the bar" so high he ended up on the stage dancing with one of the showgirls and a lot of beers with the equally beautiful Valeria, we were invited to spend our last day at Claudia's. Surrounded by her family and friends, it was a marvellous way to spend the last day. Jose cooked the best Asado of my life, Tacha, Adriana, Victoria, Claudia, Veronica and Natalia all wanted just one more game of Bunnies, Gabi and Diego cracked the jokes and Lula and Marta managed to attend after a long day persuading people into filling out the National Census. As with all good parties, the parents left at the right time and the fun went on long into the night. We had a fantastic time. The best holiday ever in my case. Thanks to everyone I met along the way. I hope we all meet up again one day and that if any of them visit London they will contact me so that I can return the hospitality. Adios amigos!
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