Jan 15 - Visiting a Ranch

 Today we were driven out to a working ranch that also does tours.  The drive was smooth and we looked out over the countryside and learned about the people and the history.  The pampas is pretty flat and mostly used for grazing but we did see some corn and soybean fields.  

When we arrived at the ranch we boarded a one horse buggy for a ride around the property.  A grandfather and his grandson handled the reins and we slowly plodded around the area.  Many of the other tourists rose horses but we weren’t excited about that opportunity.  

Next we had a quick snack of empanadas which are a national delicacy of Argentina.  The one we had were beef and the flavor was wonderful.  Then we had a break before lunch so we walked the huge property and checked out the beautiful trees - one of which is over 200 years old.  The meal was about 10 courses long with every form of meat available. Sausages and beef and pork and chicken and chorizo kept being brought.  In the end we sampled a little of everything.  

Next there was a dancing exhibition by the family and their ranch hands.  Even their children got involved and it was a traditional Argentine folk dance.  Very fun.  

Then we had an exhibition by a ‘horse whisperer’ who slowly worked with a beautiful stallion to raise each hoof slowly and climb under the animal and finally lay it down own the ground under perfect control.  It was a very beautiful.  

We knew that rain was coming and could smell it in the air.  We gathered our backpacks and rushed back to the bus just before it began pouring buckets.  It was a wet drive back but the roads were empty.  

We leave tomorrow for the Iguaza falls!