Feliz Navidad and a Happy New Year

During our recent stop in San Juan, in a fried food infested airport, we were reminded about our last X-mas adventure, in the Spanish Virgin Island and Puerto Rico, the land of Speedy Gonzales and Burger Joints.

This X-mas we decided to leave the boat on the dry in Virgin Gorda and head west, to the land of Tango, to Argentina by plane (thank heavens, not on Out of India). 25 hours later, and 3 days ago, we landed in Buenos Aires, the only place we have come across traffic jam at 1:30 am whilst we were enjoying our dinner. We love the place! And are coming to terms with the Argentinean way of life, including dining after 24:00, going to bed around 2am and sleeping in until 10am, then another nap around 4 pm to survive the night. However, we will not join them in their smoking habits.

The Argentineans are gorgeous people, and very friendly. We find the town to be incredibly cosmopolitan, reminding us of Paris, and parts of New York. The food is great and the wines are delicious. Like the Italians they keep the best wine to them selves, hence it was a very pleasant surprise when they were introduced to us.

The city is buzzing. We are impressed about the architecture, the variety of restaurants, shopping, the Argentinean fine arts and we have even seen an Andy Warhol exhibition. We have learnt to hang on to our coins, as there is a coin monopoly here, always to keep an eye where you put your foot down, to avoid to trip over their extreme crazy paving or to step in to dog poo…. There are professional dog walkers everywhere, height of social status.

We have had torrential rain, exploring the poorer section of town and finding some real Spanish establishments offering tempting menus such as Brains to de Roman and smashed potatoes, mussels to the sailor followed by a tempting strawberries to the Marsala. We love it all!

A very pleasant addition to our stay is Lara and Gary, our special South African friends, who joined us last night. Tonight we are heading to Mendoza. What better company than Gary who is a professional wine buff.

Wishing you all a wonderful Xmas and all the best for the New Year

Lots of love

R&B