Bahia Blanca, Argentina
After a relaxing day at sea, our batteries fully recharged, we were ready to begin our exploration of the magnificent country of Argentina.
At 0720h the Argentinean pilot boarded our ship to take us up the dredged canal leading to the Porto Galvez, a few miles from Bahia Blanca. The mudflats and brackish water alerted us that we were no longer in Kansas. As we were all on deck, wrapped in our cold weather attire, we spotted inhabitants of this sort of environment including dozens of flamingos and even a Tucuxi dolphin.
As Bahia Blanca was our first port of call in Argentina, we had to anxiously await clearance from local officials. The buzz of excitement was in the air as we gathered by the gangway. It was not a moment too soon when Art announced that we were cleared and we swarmed on to two luxurious double-decker buses.
The journey to Parque Provincial Ernesto Tornquist was through the famous pampas, the fertile flats of Argentina. We pressed our faces to the windows to get a better view of the gauchos riding the distinct breed of Criollo horses that are typical to this part of the world. Gauchos, Argentinean cowboys, have historically played an important role in raising cattle and tending to the land, which is no small feat since beef is huge part of this country’s economy.
In the distance we could see the low mountain range, Sierra de La Ventana, where the park is located. We could also see storm clouds brewing on the horizon. Mistaken at first for thunder, the rumble in our tummies told us that lunchtime was fast approaching. When we arrived at the El Mirador Restaurant, at the foot of the mountains, we unloaded with military-like precision and crowded into the atmospheric Argentinean diner. The smell of beef permeated the air and we were quickly surrounded by homemade beer, local wine, and bottled water.
The Argentineans hold tradition in the highest regard and we were treated to an authentic folkloric dance performance. The highlight was to watch the twelve-year old boy expertly move with grace and poise keeping the traditions alive.
The food was soon piled onto our tables and rest assured that the Argentinean beef did not disappoint any of us. As we polished off a generous portion of apple strudel, we realized that Mother Nature had a surprise for us – rain! Our program was expertly adapted and we didn’t miss a beat. Someone cried out, “We’re not made of sugar!” and we rushed to change into our ponchos and rain gear.
Some of us piled into 4x4 vehicles and headed out to explore the Sierra de la Ventana park while others boarded minivans and cruised over to a local herb farm.
The off-road vehicles were expertly piloted by local drivers, and once at the picturesque park, we learned about the stunning geology surrounding us and about the importance of the many endemic plants in the area. Wild horses were galloping around in great numbers and we were treated to a close range visit by a burrowing owl.
At the herb farm we also had to negotiate some muddy roads to reach the plantations. As we strolled through the lavender and hyssop fields we learned about the organic methods utilized to produce high quality herbs to be exported to the US and Europe. Back on the vans we drove to the farmhouse where a small, but well stocked shop, provided us with the opportunity to purchase a kaleidoscopic variety of locally grown herbs for cooking and perfuming purposes.
Our first taste of Argentina was fulfilling and left us hungry for more!
After a relaxing day at sea, our batteries fully recharged, we were ready to begin our exploration of the magnificent country of Argentina.
At 0720h the Argentinean pilot boarded our ship to take us up the dredged canal leading to the Porto Galvez, a few miles from Bahia Blanca. The mudflats and brackish water alerted us that we were no longer in Kansas. As we were all on deck, wrapped in our cold weather attire, we spotted inhabitants of this sort of environment including dozens of flamingos and even a Tucuxi dolphin.
As Bahia Blanca was our first port of call in Argentina, we had to anxiously await clearance from local officials. The buzz of excitement was in the air as we gathered by the gangway. It was not a moment too soon when Art announced that we were cleared and we swarmed on to two luxurious double-decker buses.
The journey to Parque Provincial Ernesto Tornquist was through the famous pampas, the fertile flats of Argentina. We pressed our faces to the windows to get a better view of the gauchos riding the distinct breed of Criollo horses that are typical to this part of the world. Gauchos, Argentinean cowboys, have historically played an important role in raising cattle and tending to the land, which is no small feat since beef is huge part of this country’s economy.
In the distance we could see the low mountain range, Sierra de La Ventana, where the park is located. We could also see storm clouds brewing on the horizon. Mistaken at first for thunder, the rumble in our tummies told us that lunchtime was fast approaching. When we arrived at the El Mirador Restaurant, at the foot of the mountains, we unloaded with military-like precision and crowded into the atmospheric Argentinean diner. The smell of beef permeated the air and we were quickly surrounded by homemade beer, local wine, and bottled water.
The Argentineans hold tradition in the highest regard and we were treated to an authentic folkloric dance performance. The highlight was to watch the twelve-year old boy expertly move with grace and poise keeping the traditions alive.
The food was soon piled onto our tables and rest assured that the Argentinean beef did not disappoint any of us. As we polished off a generous portion of apple strudel, we realized that Mother Nature had a surprise for us – rain! Our program was expertly adapted and we didn’t miss a beat. Someone cried out, “We’re not made of sugar!” and we rushed to change into our ponchos and rain gear.
Some of us piled into 4x4 vehicles and headed out to explore the Sierra de la Ventana park while others boarded minivans and cruised over to a local herb farm.
The off-road vehicles were expertly piloted by local drivers, and once at the picturesque park, we learned about the stunning geology surrounding us and about the importance of the many endemic plants in the area. Wild horses were galloping around in great numbers and we were treated to a close range visit by a burrowing owl.
At the herb farm we also had to negotiate some muddy roads to reach the plantations. As we strolled through the lavender and hyssop fields we learned about the organic methods utilized to produce high quality herbs to be exported to the US and Europe. Back on the vans we drove to the farmhouse where a small, but well stocked shop, provided us with the opportunity to purchase a kaleidoscopic variety of locally grown herbs for cooking and perfuming purposes.
Our first taste of Argentina was fulfilling and left us hungry for more!
