Love this culture.

Today we went to el campo which is the country.They also call it the sierras (mountains). We woke up unnaturally early and got to UBP at around 8. We took a 2 hour bus ride out to this amazing hotel in the country where we spent the whole day. Our bus couldnt make it up the mountain/hill so we had to get two pickup trucks to come get us and take us to the hotel. (comforting) But it was awesome- the place was gorgeous!  I have no idea how they were able to build and keep up something so nice that far away from everything, but they did. We drove past a family of tourists on horseback and then one stragler 6 year old boy who looked very independent but very lost- so cute. We were welcomed with a huge table to snacks. The sweets in this country aren't that great, but the ones we had today were amazing. They had out coffee for us as well as tea and coke. 

We took a tour of the place and then went to their garden and animal pens. A few of us tried to milk one of the cows, but only one was succesful. The cow was not too happy with us and peed and pooped while we tried to milk it. I gt some great pictures so it was worth it. After that we ate lunch. O. My. Goodness. First off I can't express how much I love the culture in which this place is set. The grandfather was milking the cows and then later he was the one grilling out meat. A few of his sons were helping him grill to meat and prepare the carne while the grandson sat at the edge of the table eating bits that his father gave him.

(you can kinda see the grandfather cooking in the back ground at the open grill and the cute little kid)

The food was...... authentic. The veggies were great: lettuce and tomatoes, carrots and corn, potato salad, coleslaw and beat/egg salad (sounds gross but was pretty good) But the meat is the real kicker. The people in Argentina use every single part of the cow, and eat it. I made a point to try all 5 different kinds: the only two I remember what they were are blood sausage and intestine. Yes, I tried it all. Nothing that I would ever choose to order, but it was the experience of the culture that was amazing. The dessert was amazing. Flan and creme and dulce de leche (caramel basically) and fruit salad. So. Good.

(Me and Esther trying blood sausage. No me gusta)

After that we went to these amazing waterfalls and stuck our feet in. Some of us (the boys) actually got in- but considering the water came straight from the mountains- no thank you. We stayed a while and then walked back where we were greeted with more snacks.

Everyone was still full from lunch but they were too good to pass up! We finally got back at about 8 and showered. One of our tutors is leaving this week to go back to Austira, so there was a going away party for her tonight. We went to the bar and multiple times were we approached by locals that just wanted to talk to us because we were white (and we probably stood out a little more because we were sunburned) They tried to get us to dance the courteta or something-  I dont really know but it was a fun night! It is now 5 in the morning, but it's ok because nothing happens here tomorrow til about 3.
I love this culture.