San Isidro

The posts have been a bit thin on the ground lately but its strange when you get in to the daily routine of work, somehow there doesn't seem to be the time to do the fun things..... but despite that we have managed to get out and about this month.

The first main outing was to San Isidro and Tigre...with a lovely couple Jonathan and Claudia. Jonathan is an editor of technical journal and Claudia a language professor at UBA (University of Buenos Aires). Claudia is an Argentine and Jonathan is originally from England but has lived until last year in South Africa (25 years). The two met about 10 years ago in SA at a conference. Claudia was doing translations and interpreting... anyhow they are a lovely couple and fun to go out with. Although Jonathan hasn't been here long he has picked up the local driving habits!!!! Our first stop was San Isidro. This suburb lies to the North of Capital Federal. It is one of the most beautiful suburbs, the streets are cobbled and lined with beautiful trees. The houses are beautiful, many old, reflecting the past luxury of this neighbourhood. San Isidro has a beautiful cathedral, recently restored. The cathedral is neo-gothic in style, it was built in 1898. The cathedral is on the upper level of Plaza Mitre which on weekend, like most Plazas in the city, becomes an outdoor market venue. The market at San Isidro has some interesting antiques and collectables as well as some lovely crafts and hand made articles. After wondering around at bit and building up an appetite, we jumped back into the car and head down to the banks of the Rio del Plata for lunch at one of Jonathan and Claudia's favourites - El Pato (the duck). The weather had a definite air of early spring, so we decided to take advantage of that and sat outdoors in the sunshine. It was great to have an Argentine with us to explain the menu thoroughly. Brad and I both settled for the Matambre... I had the beef and he had the pork. Matambre is the cut of meat covers the ribs - mine was rather stringy, but very tender and the flavour was awesome. Brad's was a little more fatty than mine but equally as delicious.. Mine came with mash potato and Brad's with fried sweet potato. The meal was very rich and delicious, as we had had a selection of starters we skipped dessert and just had a coffee. (I sound like a bloody food critic!!) Then it was off to Tigre for the afternoon.