3-6-17

On 3/4 Bob & I flew from Buenos Aires to Salta.

When we arrived at the hotel we met Rick (right); he's the owner of Two Wheel View & head bike leader for this Argentina tour. We also met Ben (23 years old) from Alberta, Canada. This was Ben's 1st big excursion on his own & this tour would be the most miles he's ever biked.

That night we all had dinner including Santiago (middle) who is from Argentina & was joining us for the bike tour as a welcomed local guide. Santiago has led this trip before for kids (ages 14-18) from Argentina & Canada. More background on Santiago later...he's an interesting guy! 

The following day (3/5) Rick, Santiago, Bob & I worked on the bikes; changing tires, brakes & setting up the bike bags, water bottles & more.

I have to highlight that our Delvino Boutique hotel was really charming. Bob & I enjoyed a 3 night stay here & loved the morning breakfast spread. What a treat to have rice with milk, a variety of homemade marmalades on toast, fresh OJ, eggs, croissants, custard tarts & much more.

The Delvino courtyard & pool area was lovely too.

Since arriving in Argentina we've noticed the huge number of stray dogs...but they have all been sweet & well behaved. They are usually hanging out in front of restaurants, in stores & even in churches. They don't beg & appear healthy as the locals seem to take care of them. Remarkable!

Bob's new canine friend (don't tell Harley).

Another favorite photo of mine!

3-5-17

Where do we go?! 

 Day 2 in Buenos Aires took us to Recoleta Cemetery.

It was really interesting with huge memorials made of stone, metal & elaborate details. The coffins were often in plain view & many of the structures were like small houses; some with basements.

Amazing statues all around.

"Don't cry for me, Argentina." 

Eva Paron's plaque and tomb with flowers. 

Alley Cat.

PS: I kinda love this pic.

Enjoying a yummy brunch at Oui Oui in Palermo. This place came recommended from a friend & we agree it's worth the stop when in Buenos Aires.

This flea market is also worth the stop. It's just a few blocks from Oui Oui & was the best flea market we have ever seen. It was full of talented artists selling their repurposed old furniture, antique lights, creative projects & collectables. If this place was in Phoenix I'd be there all the time. 

Local fishermen. Apparently 1 fishing rod isn't enough.

Was a fun day in BA!

3-4-17

Day 1 in Argentina included a good bit of walking around La Bocca.

It's a very colorful neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

We had fun taking a LOT of photos around here!

Pretty Spanish gato.

Cute little coffee & sweets cafe. Best lemon tart ever!

Followed up the sugar high with a nap. ;-)

And a walk along the water.

Local kids playing soccer.

And one of my favorite photos...

"Chico with his perro."

3-3-17

Bob & I arrived in Buenos Aires this morning & we wasted no time breaking into the Argentine Tango! :-)

We danced all over the city!

We actually hoped to get a professional tango lesson & though that didn't happen we did attend an amazing night show of music, singing & Argentine Tango dances. It was a fun highlight! Prior to the show we... 

(1) Toured La Bocca (2) Ate a delicious Argentine steak dinner and

 (3) Enjoyed a bottle of Malbec wine. Three requirements when you're in Buenos Aires!

3-2-17

This morning: Harley sleeping in the car while I'm in yoga. When the weather is cool she loves to ride along & wait for me. After the 5:30am class we hit the doggie park (it's a good routine).

This afternoon: Boarding a plane & heading here with Bob. We'll have a couple days in Buenos Aires & then we'll take a domestic flight to Salta. That's where we'll connect with Rick & Two Wheel View to do a 2 week cycling tour with 8 other riders. Bob won't be able to join me on the bike tour which is a big bummer. I was hired to be a ride lead (along with Rick) and I'll be helping the other guests enjoy their time in Argentina. I'm counting on enjoying the country too. :-)

PS: No blog posts from Argentina but I'll fill you in with many photos once home again. :-)

3-1-17

Meet Baylor Isabel Hoegh 

New baby sister to Kennley. Jerome & Ashley's 2nd child.

Kennley is smitten with baby sis! :-)

Baylor Isabel was born on February 27th, 2017.

She is Monte & Emily's 12th grandchild & my mom's 40th great-grandchild.

Congratulations to this very beautiful family!

PS: Jerome, Ashley, Kennley & Baylor live in Haywarden, Iowa. Jerome is a High School Science teacher as well as their basketball & football coach (he may assist in track too). Ashley is a Special Education teacher. PSS: Great photos taken by Jaime Van Kley (Jerome's sister). 

2-28-17

I love a rainy night. I love to hear the thunder, watch the lighting' when it lights up the skies. You know it makes me feel good.

 I love a rainy night, It's such a beautiful sight. I love to feel the rain on my face, Taste the rain on my lips, In the moonlight shadow. Showers wash all of my cares away. 'Cause I love a rainy night...

In this case I love a rainy day.

Morning showers made for a WET dog (but it was worth it). :-)