El Calafate, Patagonia and a HUGE Glacier

I mentioned a couple of entries ago, that Bob and I were up for a Tango lesson or two. We were a bit concerned because we'd gained a few pounds and so we pretty much starved ourselves for a week prior to the lesson, to lose what we'd gained...and then some more. The lesson was amazing and we did well, considering that we haven't even danced for such a long time....never mind attempting the tango. The teachers were fabulous and I think this photo shows how proud we are of ourselves. More lessons to come when we return to Toronto.

Don't you think Bob looks a bit like Don Cherry??

Now, back to our time in Patagonia....

Below: Lake Argentina, as seen from town

We had hoped to see Peru's national bird, the condor while at Machupicchu however, we were denied that spectacle. Today, on our way to the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is about 30,000 years old and 192 square kms in size; the front wall 5 kms long; some of it's peaks 80 metres high (above the surface) and over 100 metres deep, our guide pointed out condors in the sky. We were all thrilled at the sight!

Here's a little fella we wouldn't wish to mess with...nice diet....poor hare

Below: Our cutie guide, Rose

Many trees in Patagonia have this parasite growing on the branches. We thought it was the tree in bloom. Our guide explained that the parasite sucks what it needs from the tree, but never kills the tree.

The landscape changed dramatically from almost devoid of vegetation to forests and green hills. Then we saw the glacier. Magnificent!!!

The Cat we boarded for our up-close look

Above: Isn't she a beauty??

Every so often, we'd hear what sounded like a gunshot and we would witness ice pinnacles breaking away and falling into the water.

Back in town late in the afternoon, we went on a search for Mate tea served the traditional way. We had heard all about it from our guide Gabriel, back at Iguazu Falls and we saw packages of the loose leaf herbal tea and Mate cups, in shops along the way. The cafe in town was closed for siesta and we returned to our hotel and asked one of the staff if they served it. Not only did they serve it, they demonstrated the preparation and ceremony and didn't charge us a peso. It is lovely and we were very happy to hear that it is also a tradition in Uruguay. We will be certain to bring some back home with us.

Thinking of you always....with love...