Panqueque!!

Today, Saturday 23rd April began at our usual meeting spot of the Kaffeehaus.  It is owned by Saras host family Heidi and Hugo (apologies if i have spelt names incorrectly).  I hate to admit it to anyone back home but the weather has been awful here, in contrast to the heatwave I know you are all enjoing, so today started well when I saw the sun!!

We travelled to la Catedral de San Isidro which was an amazing cathedral. It has been refurbished, so although it was built circa 1600, it looks about 50 years old, very odd, but very beautiful.  We then walked through gardens where people were setting up for market.  As it is Easter weekend they were expecting it to get particularly busy. On the other side of the gardens is a train station for the Tren de le Costa where we alighted and went to Delta.  At Delta we were greeted by the sight of an amusement park and the huge Trilenium casino, where we had lunch.  Just before lunch we had some time to spare and had a go on the machines where we worked out non of us were gamblers or had the slightest idea of how to play.  None the less I won $10, but like a true addict gambled it, only to win $20 and then gamble it all away!   But given that the exchange rate makes that about two pounds I wasn't too upset!  Lunch was fantastic and I had panqueque de manzana, which is an apple pancake flambed in rum.  Panqueque is also my new favourite word!

After lunch we went on a boat down the delta, which was just wonderful.  I got to see the Perfecturas which are the naval police, I imagine there are worse jobs to have.  The houses that line the delta are amazing and some of the most expensive in the area.  On arrival back in port we had a little bit of time to shop.  I bought a silver bombilla, which is essentially a straw.  It is used during the mate (mat-ay) ritual.  Yerba is a kind of tea that is served in a container called a mate and is drunk through a metal straw or bombilla.  The custom is that you pass the tea around the group, so it is quite an honour to be asked to share mate.

Anyway I must dash as we have a Rotary meeting tonight.  I will try and upload photos soon, technological ability willing!

Bye,

Jerusha x