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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19th
JOURNAL ENTRIES
POSTED Monday 8:00 am
Dave Ingram, Chaperone
Hello Everybody - We are currently sitting at the Estancia Santa Susana ranch, just outside of Buenos Aires. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by several resident gauchos that essentially acted as our guides around the ranch for the next couple of hours. We were moved through the main outdoor foyer area and witnessed a truly unique display of food preparation. One long grill - about 20 feet in length and 2 feet in width - was completely covered with various types of meat sizzling over the hot coals below. We were then moved to an interesting and somewhat interactive horse demonstration and show before being given the opportunity to visit the ranch museum or tour the ranch on horseback. Quite the experience!
It is now about time for the big feast and show - we're all pretty excited for both the food and entertainment! More will follow from other members of the group…
A quick hello to my family and friends at TCS and the TSSC!
Cheers, Dave
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Jason Bebber
(South Carolina)
Hey everyone,
This morning we had a 7:30 wake up call. We all met in the street in front of the stairs to embark on the day's journey. We boarded the buses and headed off to a ranch outside Buenos Aires. On the way to the ranch some of us slept, and others listened to the guides facts on the city. After our arrival to the ranch we were quickly welcomed by the Gauchos, the traditional Argentina cowboys. They showed us how to corral horses the traditional way. Then our group split in two, some of the group went horseback riding, while the other group went to the ranch museum. I got to go on the carriage ride which followed the same route as the horseback ride. After each group finished its activity, the groups swapped and went to the next activity. We had a little time to talk to new friends after we finished all of the activities. We also were able to use that time to buy new items from the ranch gift shop. Next, came lunch, we had all kinds of exotic foods. Among these foods were: sausage, blood sausage, vegetables of all sorts, beef, and chicken. They had grilled a lot of the food on one huge outdoor grill. While we ate we watched tango performances and other dances, plus guys playing accordions and guitars. After lunch we returned home to view the markets of Buenos Aires. Here most of our group did a lot of shopping. Then we walked back to the hotel from the market place. We were given 30 minutes to get ready for dinner. At dinner we were given the opportunity to eat some more steak. It was a very meat full day!
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Katie King
Hi Everyone! Today was awesome! First we drove from the hotel to the countryside and went to a ranch to watch South American cowboys show off their horses. Then we all got the chance to take a quick trail ride around the ranch. My horse was kind of in a bad mood; it kept trying to bite the other ones, but it was still really fun. After that we ate lunch and then drove back to the city. We then had 2 hours to hang out and shop at an outdoor marketplace. I bought a necklace and some earrings for my friends and then Mandi and I got henna tattoos. Then we headed back to the hotel to change and went to dinner. During dinner, four tango dancers performed for us. I wish we could stay longer in Buenos Aires, it seems like a really cool city. It could definitely be called an urban jungle as there are lots of plants and trees growing around the concrete. Anyway, we're all really excited about getting to Antarctica! We leave tomorrow at 3 A.M! Wish us luck!
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Ciara Foster
Hello Everyone,
Today was another exciting and unusual day. The day started with breakfast; this was the first of many great things that were to come. As soon as breakfast was over everyone hopped on a bus and travelled to an Argentinean ranch. The gauchos put on a show and then took girls on the backs of their horses around the field. Gauchos are definitely 'ladies men' as no rider could get off the horse without a kiss. Then there was a small break, and afterwards we all got on horses and followed a trail. Some of us had more rambunctious horses than others, but no one fell off so it was a success. For lunch we all piled into the eating area where traditional Argentinean cuisine was accompanied by tango dancing. We left after lunch and went back to Buenos Aires in time to experience one of its famous markets. It was very crowded, but nothing could have better personified the laid back and easy going nature of the Argentineans. There was everything from sweet breads to puppies so there was something for everyone. There is so much more to come and the expedition is gaining momentum.
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Mark (Ireland)
Hey Everyone!
My second day in Buenos Aires has been an experience. This country is very beautiful and all the Argentines here are gorgeous, I have never seen such fine human specimens. We headed out of the city today to a ranch in the countryside. The weather was perfect, and the countryside was both invigorating and spectacular. We started the day horseback riding while we enjoyed the view and the fresh air. That was followed up by a massive Argentine BBQ and a tango show which blew us away. I love this country; it is filled with culture and beauty, and it's a pity we are only here for such a short while. We head for Ushuaia... I can't wait!!!
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Vic, Chaperone
Hi to Ben at the Wellington Times and to Kathy, Abby , Grant & Mary from Estancia Santa Susana! We are at a traditional Argentinian ranch as it would have been some 100 years ago. The family who own the property have developed it as a tourist destination. It has a museum, horses to ride, and gauchos (Argentinian cowboys) who put on displays of horsemanship and herding for us. We were treated to a huge barbecue of beef and chicken done over open charcoal beds. Delicious! The students and staff have been able to horseback ride in traditional gaucho fashion. What beautiful weather ... 27 degrees and sunny! This will be in contrast, I am sure, to what we will face when we cross the Drake Passage to Elephant Island tomorrow on the Polar Star. Ciao for now! Bye for now!
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Previous Entries Below
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The group has been too busy so far to write journals about today, but we´ll get some ready for tongiht! it has been a great day. the ranch was wonderful. most of the students rode horses with the gauchos. the gauchos put on a great show. then we had time to just wander and explore, check out the museum and enjoy the argentine countryside. lunch was an incredible `asado` with lamb, beef, chicken and tons of salads! A great show with tango dancing, singing and dancing followed.
When we returned to the city around 4:30pm, we went to the Recoleta, which was alive with thousands of people, the Sunday market, dancing on the sidewalks, musicians, artists and much more. Lots of the students went a little crazy shopping. then we all walked back of the great aveneue of Buenos Aires the 9 de julio back to the hotel. Tonight after dinner, it is back to the hotel to pack and get to bed early becase tomorrow we wake up at 2:30am, to begin our journey south to Ushuaia and to our ship!
This time tomorrow night we will be sailing down the Beagle Channel on our way to the Antarctic!! Stay tuned...
Geoff
PHOTOTS FROM TODAY!!!!
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(Earlier entries below)
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 GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
We have now all arrived safely in Buenos Aires and have woken to a great day here ... We just finished breakfast and three buses filled with SOI Expeditioners have just left to ESTANCIA SANTA SUSANA - a fabulous ranch where we will spend most of the day ... horse-back riding etc.
Yesterday, following our hotel check-in [BTW our hotel is right across from “The Obelisco”, symbol of Bs.As, built to celebrate the 4th century of Buenos Aires first foundation by Pedro de Mendoza on the 2nd June 1536] we had our much anticipated showers and some rest!
At 6:30 we then gathered for our first full EXPEDITION BRIEFING and team introductions. We then had a great GUEST SPEAKER - from the Canadian delegation who has been in Beunos Aires as a COP delegate. [For Canadian COP coverage please visit: www.iisd.ca/climate/cop10/. There is also a webcast of the Plenary sessions site visitors can link to!]. This was a fabulous way for the Students to begin thinking about the environment, climate change and its impact. Tons of questions were asked ... a great session!
We had a wonderful dinner after walking along the famous Blvd. de Julio ... and then everybody was in bed by 11:00pm! A much needed rest was had by all.
Later today after our Estancia visit --- we will catch a traditional show in town in the RECOLETA neighbourhood ... Sunday is a geat day to spend in Buenos Aires - with the arket, tangos and activities in full gear! Check back tonight for more!
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Our SOI Journals and Photos have begun to arrive --- please VISIT DECEMBER 17th and December 18th for new entries!!! |
