Esmeralda Homecoming

We were lucky enough to witness the Chilean Navy's training ship pull in today after six months at sea.  This was the second year we've been able to be among the waiting families on the pier.  Always joyful to see all the families reunited!  The CNO was present along with the Minister of Defense.  Recent graduates from the Naval Academy are required to go to sea aboard the Esmeralda, which travels to various ports throughout the world each year.  This year women cadets were permitted aboard for the first time.

Shopping in Argentina (Mostly involving animal by-products)

 Oh the leather!  Gorgeous handbags and boots, plus beautifully made saddles and tack.

 Nice to see a lot of book stores with so many beautiful children's books!  (Hard to come by and very expensive in Chile)

The Paris of South America

Buenos Aires 

Recoleta Cemetery.  Where Argentina's rich and famous are buried.

New and old

 Eva Peron's family tomb.

 So many amazing apartment buildings.

 Congress

 Cafe La Biela

 Cafe Tortoni

 Veterans of the Faulklands War encampment in the Plaza de Mayo.  Mostly conscripts, they suffered greatly at the hands of their own officers, as well as the harsh climate of the Islands.   Here is an article about their plight.

Casa Rosada

Estancia Villa Maria, Argentina

 tackroom

 wallpaper in our room

 Old fashioned huge bathroom

 Breakfast

 Dining room

We loved everything about this place!  We met our good friends and kicked off our Argentina trip at an elegant country home outside of Buenos Aires.  It's hard to believe this place was a private residence until 2007.  Now it's a hotel.  Some of the land is being developed into a country club with an equestrian center designed by George Morris!  The grounds were landscaped with flora from around the world, and they also have a polo club.  We relaxed, rode, and enjoyed amazing cuisine and plenty of great wine!