Rhonda: Hi y'all. We started the day at 300am to catch our early flight. Everything went smooth. We did observe that for such an early flight, when everyone wants to sleep, the flight attendants made more announcements than we have ever heard on a single flight before. They seriously made more announcements on this one hour and thirty five minute flight than were made on our seventeen hour Dallas to Sydney flight. And nothing was wrong!
Our plan for the day was for a food tour at 1130a and then something in the evening like a nice dinner and tango performance. So, we dropped off the luggage at the hotel and headed to meet the tour at an old bar that is historically significant. It was really cool. But I have to confess that I couldn't understand our guide about half the time and all I heard was something about their independence. I bet it was super important though.
We arrived at the bar before anyone else on the tour so we each ordered an Aperol Spritz. Then the rest of the group arrived and the tour started with a fun drink that involved some prune juice liquor, carbonated water and an orange ( it kinda tasted like cola). We didn't know the tour would start with a cocktail and a strong one at that. When we left for the first stop we had a pretty good buzz, oh well, we are on vacation.
Our first stop was at a market. I LOVE a good market. She took us to a particular vendor who served us an appetizer that was a bread with a cheese ( I think it was blue cheese) and pineapple. It was delicious. Next we had a fried thing that was a nixture of chard and onion. Sooo good! Then we had tamales. One was pretty standard to what we are used to. But the other, oh my! It was corn masa stuffed with corn and mozzarella. It was so good, Chris and I couldn't stay out of it. These were full size appetizers, not just a bite or two like some tours we have been on. This course also came with a local beer. We were already full. But next was lunch.
We had plenty of walking in between courses. And it was 94 degrees today so it was a hot one. There were 8 of us on the tour and they were a very interesting well travelled and educated bunch. We thoroughly enjoyed talking to everyone.
Chris:
Rhonda said she couldn't understand our guide when she was telling the history of the bar, I think I did, I think. As I understood it, the bar is well over two hundred years old and is the place where the plan for the Argentinian revolution and fight for independence from Spain was hatched. They would meet at this bar and plan the revolution. That's pretty cool and I choose to believe that that is what I heard and where I was.
The first couple to arrive at the bar for the tour after us was Gil one L and Tina. Tina
was using a wheeled walker with brakes and arm rest, quite the rig really and Gil one L wasn't getting around a lot better. To be honest I think we were both thinking, how are they going to be able to do this but we figured at least they will take the spotlight off of us as the oldest and most infirmed people on the tour, soon afterwards I was kicking myself for being so damned judgemental. When will I learn ? Gil one L sat next to me and Tina next to Rhonda, he shock my hand and said Hi, I'm Gil one L. I'm thinking, you may be a nice guy but I doubt I will be pen pals with you so I don't really need to know how you spell your name but whatever. Maybe he does it to distinguish himself from a fish gill, I don't know. I heard him introduce himself that way 4 more times though.
From the moment they sat down it was apparent that they are somewhat old school. Gil one L is 82 and Tina is 83. They immediately started interviewing us, where are you from, where are your parents from, where did you go to school, Cates- is that German ? As we talked throughout the afternoon we learned that Gil is a retired mathematics PhD professor at the University of Colorado and Tina is a retired nurse. They took in exchange students throughout Gil's career and they have stayed close to them and travel the world to visit them . Gil talked about world politics especially Russia and Putin, Gil is not a fan. I could go on and on but the point is we were judgemental at first but we were proven wrong and we were humbled. They are a fascinating couple and will be remembered as a highlight of the trip. And wow, Tina kept up with the walking tour too!
Rhonda: Back to food!
Next up was lunch. As promised it was a showcase for the most wonderful beef in the world. First up was a starter of grilled provolonia cheese topped with tomatoe eggplant and arugula . With fresh bread and unlimited house wine ( Malbec). Then, each table was brought a huge platter of perfectly medium rare steak with roasted potatoes and a fresh salad. We were so full at that point one couple dropped out of the tour because they were stuffed! We were too but we wanted to keep going.
Unbelievabley, we then walked to a cute little place and had empanadas. Here they are shaped more like a croissant but equally as delicious as they were is Chile. I do not know how but we both ate every bite. From there it was to the last stop, the museum of modern art. We were thankful for the air conditioning, nice restrooms, and iced coffee with cookies.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was 5pm and we were exhausted, so full we couldn't move, a little drunk and ready for bed. We were in bed by 7p and out cold by 8p . ( 5pm at home lol). So I am actually finishing this blog on Saturday morning while we are waiting on a ferry to Uraguay. More on that in the next one.
Love y'all .
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