Let the good times roll

I have discovered something in the last two days. Not something that was necessarily hiding from me, but let's call it something awesome. Point one, I come from good genes full of fun and witty personalities. Point two, my dad is more then a dad, he is a treasured friend. Basically, we are having a great time.

After the first fun filled evening, dad slept in. Recuperating from his extensive journey south. Todd went to the bakery and picked up some media-lunas aka croissants and had the coffee ready when we both emerged from our beauty sleep. After the nourishment we were off to the fly shop to finalize details for our fishing trip on Monday. We walked 3km to the other side of town, not the prettiest, so it was interesting to see the streets through my dads eyes.

We pointed out the fact that some cars are rigged with natural gas tanks vs. petrol. I agree with him that a tank of natural gas in the trunk seems like a fender bender disaster story. We also had to warn him that crossing the streets was not like New York. Here, they will not stop or even slow, rather side swipe you and possibly break your wrist as the side mirror zooms past your body. Gives crossing the street a little more meaning.

The fly shop visit proved successful. I think Pablo will be great, but will keep you posted after a day on the river with him. At this point, hunger kicked in so we grabbed a bite to eat. We introduced dad to SER, a carbonated grapefruit flavored bevy, think Fresca. I am hooked and I think may have recruited another member to the "I love SER" team.

Exhausted and full of beefy goodness, we walked home for some relaxation. We shared some pictures and stories, and then we all took a must needed siesta. I am starting to embrace the siesta. What will we do when we hit the states and it is no longer the it thing, but the between 1 and 6yr old thing. Oh, well. Either way, the rest was great and left us all with the energy we needed for the evenings events: Dinner and Tango.

So, I was pumped to show dad some tango: an Argentina tradition of sensual movement with incredibly difficult footwork. My eagerness led us to the show 5minutes to 9pm, this is early for here so we were the lucky first arrivals, awkward. Did we leave for a drink and return later aka on time by Argentine standards or sit in the empty hall, all by ourselves? Well, while we decided two other couples arrived, inside we went. And with that the crowd had arrived, no more people arrived that night, the show was for us, 7 in total. As we laughed at the circumstance of it all our meals arrived. Dad and his danty figure enjoyed a salad, I went for a beef empanada, and Todd, the chorizo. All ordered the beef entree, side of salad, and ice cream for dessert. Much better meal then I expected.

But the meal was only the sideshow, we were there for the tango. One word, Awesome! Two hot female dancers, two not so hot guys, and one, singer, lost in the sleezy 70's wearing silky violet, need I say more. And let's not forget the onesy, hot pink and again, awesome! The show was actually really well done. They danced like the place was packed not like there were 7 people in total. The best part, they still did the where is everyone from game: people from the US, here, yeah!!!, etc. So we left with full bellies and a lot of energy.

Off to the bar, where we introduced dad to Fiernet, an Argentinian herbalicious liquor mixed with coca-cola. It's strong and bitey, yet grows on you in a weird way. I keep drinking it but have yet to make a clear decision on if I like it or not. Dad decided, he opted for coffee. The night commenced as we chatted and chatted. It was great. Sitting outside on a cool night, enjoying great company and conversation. We finally left around 1pm.

Yet, our night wasn't over. We just continued our enthralling conversation back at our house, rafting, climbing, bulls, food, even religion. I had no idea it was so late, but even as we got ready for bed, it was more of a I should go to bed then a its time for bed motion. For me, that says it all. So, to bed we went as dad hollered from the other room...."It's 3:30."

And that leaves us today. Again, dad slept in. I think he is enjoying the relaxation or maybe it was the late night. Todd again woke up early, but this time it was for a run, no food for us. I headed out to a Sunday morning ritual of aerobics in the park and dad was still sleeping. The idea was that as I embarrassed myself, the boys would watch. But instead dad woke late and the boys did some bonding.

When I got back I packed up our picnic lunch: cheese, salami, mustard, fruits, chips, etc. As we walked to the park we admired the beautiful houses that lined the road. We were lucky enough to see the antique cars leaving the Parque San Martin: One line of super cool old cars parading under the gold and iron gate that marks the entrance to the park. Good timing.

After buying a watermelon out of the back of a pick up truck, the last essential ingredient to our summer picnic, we were off to find the perfect spot, lakeside of course. So, we planted ourselves under a palm and enjoyed our bounty. Luckily, just as we finished the biking ice cream man rolled up so dad and Todd indulged in a sweet, frosty morsel. The plan was to eat, enjoy the area, and then head up to Cerro de Gloria. A point at the top of a hill marked by a huge sculpture glorifying the liberators of the area.

Well, at this point it was hot. Specifically, the heat of the day under a cloudless sky of burning hot sun. But up, up, up the road we walked. Upon arrival we quickly bought some icy cold water. After checking out the views we meandered around the sculpture, took a minute to sit, and then down we went, meandering our tired legs home.

A great day in the park, a long walk, approximately 10miles, two showers a piece for the day, quick siestas, and some delivery pizza and our day was set. Now, I sit here sipping some shiraz, dad anxiously looking over my shoulder, I think he really wants to read the beginning, and all I can think is "Let the good times roll!"