Why is prime beef so inexpensive in Argentina and Uruguay? The Spanish brought cows to Uruguay and Argentina, and because they had no natural enemies and plenty of food in the pampas, the cow population exploded. Large ranchos formed, worked by cowboys called “gauchos.” The gauchos were mostly children of mixed race—Spanish and Native American. Originally the settlers sold the hides and fat, but today it’s mostly the meat. To keep prices low, (and the population fed), the government controls the amount of beef that can be exported.
Today was the highlight of the trip. We went to a working farm. The property was so beautiful and the weather was perfect. They fed us every other minute with food produced and prepared on the land: empanadas, sausages, prime rib, barbecued chicken, different kinds of fresh salads, ice cream and pastries. So much food!!!
I love the surprises on an EF trip. We all piled into an old wagon for a ride around the farm. Very touristy, right?
But the aim was to show us the adorable burrowing owls who had nests on the farm. Melted my heart. They also had thousands of green parakeets that didn’t like having their picture taken.
We watched the gauchos challenge each other in various horse riding competitions.
They had a little show where they danced the tango and other traditional dances.
The weather was beautiful, and, again, I felt like I was playing with my good friends.
After a long day I went back to the hotel for the evening. Jim went to this bookstore that is his newest world favorite.
And the group went out for pizza. We are all teachers so you can say “Let’s explore this bookstore and meet at this spot in an hour” and everyone will show up exactly 55 minutes later. No one is ever late in this group.
Marsh Travels 