The Fearsome Threesome

Here (in no particular order) are photos from the fabulous time that Jenny, Ellen and I shared in Argentina and Uruguay. We had a very stressful schedule which consisted of waking up at about 11, eating, going to the beach or doing some activity, and breaking for a bottle of wine at mid-afternoon (shown here to the right).

We definitely thought we had seen the proper exchange rate when we got on the ferry to Uruguay (which we read as 300 Uruguayan pesos to 1 US Dollar). Upon arrival in Punta del Este, we went to withdrawal money from the ATM without re-checking. It wasn´t until we started passing stores that advertised shirts and books for $195 ("Wow! Those shirts are less than a dollar!!") that we realized we were mistaken. Oh... 40 to 1... slight difference! Fortunately we didn´t max out our accounts with our first blind withdrawal. Lesson learned!

But even when we knew the exchange rate, it still felt like Monopoly money!

Here on the beach in Punta del Este. It is supposedly one of the fancy resorts of South America, where all the famous Argentines flock on vacation. Although we had a great time, the constant wind made us wonder why it is so popular! The sun and sand were a welcome relief for Jenny and Ellen who had come from feet of snow. This is the sight where the "Prairie Party" idea was born... stay tuned for details, it is going to be great!

After a couple days lounging in the sun (and getting burned)

we spent a day covered in shade and towels

Out to dinner ( a little sunburned!) and enjoying a ridiculous tower of dessert!

Here at Moby Dick, a bar in the area. We met quite a few characters, including the Not-Doctors and Jamón the Brazilian Pirate.

Here at the Carnaval parade in Punta del Este. We were so impressed by all the costumes and dances- most of which you would never see in the US! It was great how women of all shapes, sizes and ages were shaking their stuff with no hesitation. We have something to learn from them!

Argentina held many "firsts" for Ellen. Never having been a coffee drinker, she had heard that Argentina has some of the best coffee in the world so she was determined to try a cup. At first sip she still thought it tasted like burned water, but she stuck to it and finished the whole cup. Still not a fan... (Jenny and I drank enought to make up for her:)

Also not being a red meat-eater, she had set her mind on eating an authentic Argentine steak. She finished off (not enjoyed, but finished!) the fine piece of carne but won´t be eating another anytime soon!

We got to experience the incredible atmosphere of a Boca futbol game (soccer:) The cheers and songs echoed continually through the stadium- the section we were in was blocked off with barbed wire and large metal spikes to protect us from the people lighting fires or fighting in the stands... It is arguably the most popular team in Argentina, like a religion to many fans. Fortunately we were under a bit of an overhang- At the end of the game we saw some liquid falling from above and a guy in our section informed us that it is quite common for them to throw cups of urine!

The oposite side of the stadium was filled with banners, flags, and crazed fans. They would periodically lower massive banners that would cover the entire section, such as this one boasting the pride of the "12th player" (the fans)

Here at the Sunday San Telmo market. (where the Bush daughters were robbed:)

10 days filled with ridiculousness, laughter and catching up. We would always refresh for the night with a 7pm nap, waking up in time to get to dinner around midnight- somehow managing to close down almost any restaurant we went to! Thanks for a fantastic visit! Blah luh lah luh...