The American frontier was born from the cowboy, his herding, and his exchange of goods. Similarly, the Argentinian economy started in the ways of the gaucho. Today we learned about the significance of gaucho culture in Argentinian history on an authentic guacho ranch. Not only were the gauchos drivers of trade through their work raising livestock, but they represented a noble brave, and generous image of the Argentinian people. Like the cultural makeup of Argentina, the gauchos arose from a mix of identities. Their breed of cattle was mainly from Spanish colonization, but their ways and practices came from the natives of the region. The popular gaucho hats were of French and Spanish origins whereas one of the popular belts, the trabajando, was born from the Mapuche people of Patagonia. We were able to hear and see all of the tools of the gaucho in the Don Silvano house.
Around the ranch, we were able to explore the different animal enclosures and even ride a horse-drawn carriage around the fields. One of the barn cats quickly became our friend, who we lovingly referred to as “Fernando”. The ranch even had a ropes course and zip line, which I felt brave enough to try, despite only being a few feet off the ground. Following our ziplining adventure, we had a group sit-down lunch with provided entertainment. While servers came out with various meats- from pork to sausage to chicken and roast- our gracious host performed various songs and dances from different eras and parts of Argentina. Continuing with the meal, our singing entertainer sang songs popular in the countries of each of the visitor’s home countries. Our US song choices were “La Bamba” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. Some of the more cultural songs were paired with tango, drumming, and different folk tricks.
following lunch, we watched a reenactment of a typical gaucho show, where the gauchos rode on horseback, weaving through various obstacles, performing a lasso-like trick, and catching small rings on sticks. Afterward, we were able to try an Argentinian special-mate, a loose tea meant to be shared with friends.
With tomorrow being Mother’s Day, I would love to say thank you to my mom for allowing me so many opportunities, one of which being this very trip. I love you to the moon and back Mom.
