Tandil

This past weekend I took my first IES field trip to Tandil. It was a nice relaxing weekend away from the city. Tandil is only five hours from Buenos Aires. Apparently the name Tan dil mean falling rock in Mapuche.

We left early on Friday morning. We stopped for lunch at an Asado (Barbecue). I ate so much I was still full for dinner. We literally ate every type of meat. It was one of the most delicious meals I have had in Argentina.

Afterward we drove to see a view of the city. 

I was not expecting a real city when I signed up for a hiking trip. It was interesting to see a pretty large city right next to farmlands and hills.

The next day we woke up and hiked all day. It was a great opportunity to spend time with other students I haven't met before. I also finally got a chance to talk to some of the staff and practice Spanish.

At night we went to a cheese fondue restaurant for dinner. Naturally we had to order wine.

The next day we visited the famous "moving rock." Well it turns out there used to be a famous rock that would rock back and forth. It finally fell in 1912 and split into two pieces. In 2007 the city decided to recreate the rock and glue it into place.

Here is a picture of the fake rock.

The idea is cool in theory - but it seemed kind of silly to visit a fake rock.

On Sunday we went to an ecological park and walked around. 

 

 

 

Adorable

At the top of the mountain we saw another view of the city and horses. 

When we came down from the mountain we had one last amazing meal. We had guiso (stew) and plenty of meat. They love their meat here in Argentina.

For dessert I splurged on some chocolate ice cream.

After lunch we took a ski lift up to the top of the mountain for more walking and picture time. It was kind of the theme of the trip.

Overall it was a nice, relaxing trip. But now I am ready to spend some time in Buenos Aires. I feel like I am always traveling.

Sunday night I went to plaza Serrano with some friends to celebrate my 21st birthday! It was exactly how I imagined a 21st birthday to be. After the plaza we found a club (even on a Sunday night - this city really does not sleep). We finished the night off with pizza at Molinos. I did not go to bed until 7am. Mariana (my host sister) went straight to her Monday class the next day. 

Thanks to everyone for who made it an amazing birthday!

Also congratulations Rachel and Dan on their engagement...mazel tov!