After another crazy busy and successful season at Gingerbread World’s online German Christmas Market (my 7th year) I was so delighted to be able to head off to sunny, warm Argentina with my family and some friends. Ian, whom my husband and I have known for decades, was born in Argentina and had been telling us about his magically beautiful homeland for so long we thought it was time to go see for ourselves! Ian and his two daughters and Garry and I and our three kids headed south.
Leaving icy temperatures in Winnipeg we were glad to arrive in balmy Buenos Aires for our first night. We set out to explore the city and walked through the famous shopping street "Calle Florida, " past the Obelisco de Buenos Aires and rewarded ourselves with the yummiest ice cream from Cadore on Avenida Corrientes.
Of course my Wendt & Kühn Globetrotter Angel accompanied us throughout the trip and posed for many a picture! In front of the Obelisk, at the famous Iguazú Falls, horseback riding in the spectacular hills of Ongamira and finally on the waterfront of Buenos Aires.
Although Buenos Aires is a thrilling city, the best part of our trip was spending time with Ian's family members in the hill country north of Córdoba - a city in central Argentina in an area called Ongamira. We stayed at a rustic but very clean and welcoming family camp and spent our wifi-free days hiking, horseback riding, star gazing, swimming and reading. We ate fresh figs and apricots right off the tree. We saw condors flying overhead. We walked through cow pastures and creeks to find an enchanting tea house in the middle of nowhere. We made puzzles with new friends - a great activity to do with people who don't speak the same language! We hiked up through the unusual rock formation past small waterfalls to the views at the peak.
Another highlight was a day trip to the famous Iguazú Falls in the far north where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. As proud as I am of our Canadian Niagara Falls I have to admit that Iguazú outshines them - the falls are truly spectacular. At the end of a long, hot, wonderful day of walking the boardwalks beside the Falls we got into a boat to drive right into them. Getting totally soaked was a treat in the 40 degree weather!
Our family has been extremely fortunate to be able to travel to some very interesting places. Argentina will always be at the top of the list of favourites for us. As our kids get older and busier with their own lives Garry and I feel all the more lucky to get away as a family - to explore new places together, to meet new people and to have those conversations as a family that often only seem to happen when you're away from everyday life.
Although Lebkuchen will always be the most important cookie in my business life (I mean, this is Gingerbread World after all!), I found another cookie in Argentina that I have fallen in love with! Alfajores are soft, sweet and crumbly shortbread sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche. We brought a box home with us and I allow myself a nibble every now and then!
I'm off to Germany later this month to shop for Christmas 2020 - follow along on the Blog or on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
Cheers!
Tamara
Owner @ Gingerbread World
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