Yesterday was somewhat uneventful. We ventured into the 'big' city (Tunuyan) to buy groceries and eat dinner. Based on the attention we received there probably aren't many blanco aliens like us around. I'm used to blending into any crowd, so being stared at en masse was comical. The people here are very friendly and endure our awful caveman Spanish with patience / laughs. We spent a few hours this afternoon talking to John, who is our consultant on land matters. He formerly partnered with Southern Cross, another business that helps clueless gringos navigate the strange maze of purchasing vineyard land in Argentina. He's meeting with us again on Tuesday to show us some parcels for sale. We're not purchasing anything at this point, just investigating options. I'm compiling a post regarding our discussions with John that I'll throw out later this week.
A history lesson (according to Lonely Planet):
In the late 1960’s and early 70’s, antigovernment feeling was rife, and street protests often exploded into all-out riots. Several revolutionary groups focused their anger on government corruption, the oligarchies, and US influence. The incompetent president Isabel Peron created the Triple A (Alianza Argentina Anticommunista), a death squad to take on the revolutionary groups. With increasing official corruption exacerbating Isabel’s incompetence, Argentina found itself in chaos, resulting in the military seizing control of the Argentine state apparatus through a bloodless coup. Labeled El Proceso, security forces went about the country arresting, torturing, raping, and killing anyone on their hit list of suspected leftists. During the period between 1976 and 1983, often referred to as the Dirty War, estimates of 30,000 disappeared with no legal process. Ironically this era ended in the aftermath of Argentina’s failed invasion of the Falklands.
Things are much better now.
Later today our cabana owner, Jerry, is celebrating his 64th birthday with a pig roast. We’re bringing the wine.
When I get older, losing my hair,
Many years from now,
Will you still be bringing me a valentine,
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine,
When I stay out til’ quarter to three,
Will you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m 64?
Today’s pictures are a random mix of stuff. Happy Sunday!
