There is something truly special about having family and friends visit our world abroad and given the distances in between, we have been lucky to have had Jonah's parents spend time with us in India (and Nepal), and my sister take time off for a mad dash to Delhi. Being together in our space helps everyone connect the dots between our life in far off places and the experiences we wish to share when we are together in the USA. We have much - so much - gratitude for each and every visitor, and this year we got a double dose with grandparents and cousins making their first trip to our overseas home.
The grandparents from Florida arrived first, and we had a few days to explore Buenos Aires before everything shut down for the Christmas holiday.
Lunch on their first day in Argentina, at Pan et Vin in Palermo:
Followed by ice cream, por supeusto:
Last stop of our city center walking tour, in front of Casa Rosada:
Second walking tour in the gritty, colorful neighborhood of La Boca:
A statue of fútbol celebrity Carlos Tevez, whose kids attended our school until he was recently signed to a team in Shanghai for a gazillion dollars:
Also, wearing a "Vote for Pedro" t-shirt in Argentina starts interesting conversations.
Outside La Bombonera, home of the Boca Juniors:
Christmas Day cribbage with the master:
On the day after Christmas, the six of us flew to Barlioche and checked into the house we rented through Airbnb.
We had the following day to get the fridge stocked and take the scenic drive along Circuito Chico before the rest of our crew arrived:
We had the following day to get the fridge stocked and take the scenic drive along Circuito Chico before the rest of our crew arrived:
They really had no idea what this thing was:
Once everyone was settled into the nest, we enjoyed a full week of perfect weather for outdoor activities, big meals, and plenty of lounging around time.
The best seat in the house, perfect for four cousins (and their devices):
The best seat in the house, perfect for four cousins (and their devices):
A contemplative space:
Kitchen with a dreamy view:
Hanging out in the back yard:
Am I getting shorter?
Cousins, ages 11, 8, 10 & 10:
Sisters and their offspring:
Crazy kids, frigid water, no fear:
Stop along the road for another cool dip:
Swimming again in glacial waters:
Just so happy the kids can swim on their own while we rest in the shade:
Katie - "la princesa" - was kidnapped by the photographer for a little while:
On New Years Eve Day, we took a boat ride to Puerto Blest, very near the border with Chile:
A short hike to check out some waterfalls:
Sisters!
Last supper in Patagonia, complete with lamb roasting on the open fire:
Back in Buenos Aires, just one more day all together and we spent it north of the city, taking a boat ride out to El Gato Blanco for lunch on the Tigre Delta:
For my nieces, this visit was momentous as it was their very first journey outside the USA on their spanking new passports. They were rock stars. They jumped right into the entire adventure, and I'm fairly certain that these girlie-whirlies have been bitten by the travel bug. We look forward to many more adventures together, and so how about meeting up somewhere in Africa in, say.....2019?
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