On some occasions, while standing on a busy street corner and trying to decipher a wide-open, old-fashioned paper map, and friendly local will ask where I'm trying to go and prove to be extremely kind in helping me get there. This occurred on one of our days off in Buenos Aires, as Tom and I were looking for the nearest Subte (Subway station). Juan (and we all laughed when he introduced himself and said, "Of course my name is Juan, right?) told us he is a doctor of Chinese medicine; he is originally from Argentina, but had studied in both the United States and China before moving and settling in Buenos Aires. He not only told us where the Subte was, but also gave us many more suggestions for what to see and enjoy in Buenos Aires. As we hadn't started out the day with a real plan, following Juan's suggestions made for an awesome afternoon.
One of his suggestions was to see the Agriculture Fair of Argentina. A fair? Like... a State Fair? But for the whole country? Of course we southern gringos had to go. According to Juan, it had only opened recently and had exhibitions of the best cattle in the country. This has some major significance, considering Argentina is known to have the best beef in the world.
At some points, the fair seemed to have a little taste of home - as if I was back at my all-time favorite NC State Fair. But then we'd turn the corner and be reminded that we were still in South America. Some of the highlights include...
That's right... South America never ceases to surprise me.
One of his suggestions was to see the Agriculture Fair of Argentina. A fair? Like... a State Fair? But for the whole country? Of course we southern gringos had to go. According to Juan, it had only opened recently and had exhibitions of the best cattle in the country. This has some major significance, considering Argentina is known to have the best beef in the world.
At some points, the fair seemed to have a little taste of home - as if I was back at my all-time favorite NC State Fair. But then we'd turn the corner and be reminded that we were still in South America. Some of the highlights include...
- Animal houses with the healthiest looking cows I've ever seen; sheep, chickens, and llamas, too.
- Exhibitions on the culture and landscape of various areas of Argentina.
- The worst renditions of Mickie and Minnie Mouse I've ever seen (just outside the fair entrance). Sorry, Disney...
- Endless food stands with freshly cut beef, chorizos, and homemade cheese.
- Tango dancers
- Extreme driving courses for Ford and Toyota trucks... on which you could pay to sit in the passenger seat.
That's right... South America never ceases to surprise me.
