Why Would You Want to Come to La Margarita?

Alex rocking on La Margarita 

This is a question I have asked myself many times as the owner of La Margarita. I have often asked our guest the same question. After all if you are on the other side of the world and you book somewhere you have never   been to  before you and have no idea of what its going to be like I think that is a brave decision so I want to try and make sure we get it right for you – that have a good idea  what you will find when you get to us.

Me drinking a toast with Marion

A couple of months ago we had the Milne family Mum, Dad and two grown up children on La Margarita. They stayed in our self-catering units. They had booked a certain number of days and decided to extend their stay so I knew we had got something right. I talked to Marion Milne who, although not wishing to name drop, is a well know Emmy nominated director – here's her profile (http://www.pbshowfolio.com/marionmilne). She said that the family simply loved it on La Margarita and Alex their 19 year old son said he loved it so much he was going to write a blog about his families stay here. Last week his blog arrived. For me it is a wonderful blog - I loved it  (course I may be a bit biased) and so here it is. If you are thinking of coming to us I think you will enjoy Alex blog as well -  have a read and see what you think:

The Milne family minus Dad

Estancia La Margarita – from a young person

“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the felix….” were the words that echoed in my head as we squeezed through the entrance to Estancia La Margherita. Albeit these are words that I can recite almost word for word since I was 11, give or take a few Latin conjunctions; the stretched fields of barley scattered with Cyprus trees peppered with dust unearthed by fighting bulls felt like I had stumbled onto the ‘Gladiator’ set (I even stole a quick glance behind me to check a raging Russel Crowe wasn’t about to tear into me or that a disappointed Derek Jacobi wasn’t donning a condescending look).

Mr and Mrs Milne

Yet thankfully our script was far less Hollywood – the only crucifixes that we were confronted with were above the doors. Instead what to unfold in this gorgeous green garden was a week of paradise. From our immediate warm welcome from the family, contrasting to the urbane nonchalance yet hectic nature of Buenos Aires, I felt relaxed and completely at ease. Having just finished a job at an upmarket country hotel in England, the difference in welcome was stark. I felt, and this continued for the duration of our stay, as though we were being invited into this 19^th Century Hispanic Villa as a family guest. The staff were so comfortable and self-assured that by the end of our stay, it felt like departing from a school reunion rather than a hotel where we were customers. The way all the guests gathered to celebrate the birthday, of Isabella, young daughter of our gaucho Ignacio,  rather than retreat to each other’s far corners, was a symbol of this.

This was truly represented on the Christmas Eve spent there. An evening that started trying strange Argentinean dishes (think Tuna swiss rolls and marinated Ostrich) culminated in a festive frenzy. I had the chance to play some guitar; which was well received. Unfortunately, due to the bottomless pit of wine supplied by the Estancia, I thought I’d sing as well. The latter was not so… But in the spirit of the place everyone got up and contributed something. Soon we were trying to work out how many lords did dance, to the bemused looks of the locals, having some South American passion pumped through us in the form of salsa and our brains, albeit not entirely sharp, twisted with some riddles. Yet the most memorable event was the congo line, led by two charming Danish ladies, into every room in the house with “FELIZ NAVIDAD!” ringing in our ears. Laughs and stories were soon exchanged between guests from all corners of the earth; reinforcing the notion that this was not a random collection enticed by the estancia, but a carefully selected group of old friends reunited. Soon I found myself around a table being charmed by the staff into a game of Chancho, a card game that means ‘Pig’ (although I wasn’t entirely sure who it was directed at). This is but a snippet of the fun that can go on at the Estancia.

Even the horses, all beautiful and specially selected by the ranch, felt more like long lost companions rather than a different species entirely (I think I was referring to mine as my steed by the end).  The diversity of each horse was extraordinary; the over-exuberant Diablo eager to tear away at the first moment counterbalanced the calm, gentle manner of Dolores were so real and entertaining that they could have been characters in an Alan Ayckbourn play. I think each guest, whether experienced or beginners, developed a strong connection with their horse; and when competition arose, we felt that the Gladiatoresque scenery would have exerted its influence with fierce looks being exchanged and some flexing of muscles too!

Alex Milne-Turner – aged 19, a guest with his family at the Estancia Christmas 2011, now travelling in Australia and South East Asia before heading off to Trinity College Dublin in September 2012 to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

This is David Cummings  alias the English Gaucho still recovering from the wonderful marriage yesterday  of my son in NZ ( more on that in my next blog)

Hasta pronto

Time to Tie the Knot

Ahhhh 

Gosh it seems just like yesterday that I was watching Dale my son playing his first proper football match as a budding star of the Gunners when he was around a 6 or 7 year old. He didn’t make it on the books of our great but slightly fallen team but I am proud to say he did great in life  - really great.

Ah the memories

One thing is certain time really does fly – just a little bit to fast for my liking!  With bags packed I am, in a few hours leaving the pampa plains and heading to New Zealand where Dale and Kate will tie the knot on 1^st March (where does that expression come from) and I am really looking forward to it. I guess at times like these its always a trip down memories lane and I have many wonderful ones of Dale. One is how I used to drag him and his sister Jodie off to many of the gigs I played in those days. One favourite of theirs was when our band played for Billy Smarts at Littlehampton (oh the mention of it makes me think of candy floss and kiss me quick hats). The kids loved that gig as being a part of the band they were given free tickets on all the rides. Not sure they listened much to our music but Dale must have listened to some as he has asked me to play some songs at his wedding  - when he asked me I felt so happy and honoured. So not only will I have my suitcase I will be going with guitar in hand and with few warm up  gigs under my belt to get my rusty  fingers working a bit again I am off. Thankfully for the guests there will be other entertained in the form of Kate’s dad who is a professional jazzman.

I am going to miss La Margarita but I am also looking forward to going somewhere I have never been before. We have had many guests from NZ on La Margarita and it seems a fabulous country and I have to say each and every one of them was a great advert for their country –such nice people and boy did they like to party so should be fun.

This is David Cummings alias the English Gaucho hasta pronto

Life on La Margarita 2012

Gauchitos with Dad Ignacio

Life on  La Margarita 2012!!

Ignaki with Dad

Gauchita Francisca at 7 looking like a natural

Mariana with Francisca and Isabella

I remember years ago when I purchased La Margarita I had to look for a caretaker for the estancia. Gomez who had worked for the previous owners had decided that, at aged 72, it was time for him to retire and I agreed – it’s takes a lot of energy looking after an estancia. I put the word around the town that I needed a caretaker and since it was a time of crises here still I was inundated with offers from people who wanted to caretake La Margarita. They arrived on foot, on bike, in cars (that looked like  they should have been scrapped years ago)  and by horse. In the end I decided to hire Genco . He was an ex policeman and said that he wanted to live the country life and was very able to look after La Margarita. I liked him so I hired him. He worked for me on the understanding that at sometime in the future I would be looking for couple so that the caretaker’s wife could look after the house. Genko was great and he was as good as his word and really looked after La Margarita during his watch. I do remember however, he had one problem in that he had vertigo, a fear of heights so bad that a few rungs up a ladder were enough to bring it on. It meant that I had to do all the shimming up the windmill when there was a problem with it – a small price to pay. When his watch came to an end we left on great terns – he had found a girlfriend and he needed to spend more time in town. Along came Lalo with  Lettie his wife who  stayed for nearly five years. When his watch came to an end he certainly left La Margarita a much better place than he found it. He was a genius at fixing things – only when Lalo couldn’t fix it was it thrown away. It was a sad day when his watch was over and they both had to move to the next town to look after Letties father.  We placed an ad  for a new caretaker and hey pesto  we found Ignacio and Mariana. It takes time to get used to a new regime as you can imagine. It was the same when Genko left and Lalo started. Ignacio and Mariana have been with us now for around nine months and I have to say it is a pleasure to have them working on La Margarita. Ignacio is a genius with horses and they have never looked better, he works great with guest and always has a smile for them. Mariana works like a Trojan in the house looking after guests and making sure everything works how it should do plus making sure her three children are taken care of. Both Ignacio and Mariana speak English, which is a great bonus for guest when they come and can’t speak Spanish.  Their children Isabella. Francesca and Inaki are a delight and are definite bonus for the estancia. For me it is a pleasure to have this lovely couple working here on La Margarita. They have created a great ambience here, which is great - long may it continue. If you come to La Margarita I am sure you will feel the same way when you meet them.

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta la vista   

Messing Around on La Margarita in January

I sometimes feel a bit guilty when I write about how lovely the weather is here in the summer. After all where I come from i.e. London many of my friends and family are now suffering snow and icy winds and here we are saying how hot is here.  Certainly January in Argentina can be a tad hot – reaching as high as 42 sometimes - whew. However, as the saying goes when we complain of the cold  “there is no such thing as the wrong weather only the wrong cloths” that applies to La Margarita except of course you need fewer clothes here in the Argentina summer, a pair of shorts, a tee shirt and don’t forget your swimming costume – the temperature can dip in the evening so bring a sweater with you just in case!

This year has been no exception as regards the weather, it’s been hot and then it’s been hotter. Those guests that have come to La Margarita have made fair use of the pool and the great outdoors.  Taking a dip in the pool, chilling out in a deck chair, taking a siesta in a hammock, riding out early morning or later in the evening in the evening, taking a late evening stroll to enjoy the best sky show in the world that’s about been the rhythm of the guests this January and having quick look at the photos it looks as though they had a good time.

This is David Cummings alias the English Gaucho hasta pronto

Alice in Estancialand

Alyce with the children of Ignacio y Mariana

Alyce in Estancialand!

When we first decided to invite volunteers to work on La Margarita in return for full board and lodgings I was a little nervous for two reasons. One was I wasn’t sure anyone would apply and secondly I was unsure if it would work for us. The truth is I needn’t have worried at all. It has worked great for us and we have lots of people who have applied to work here and it is true to say that each and every volunteer who has worked here has brought something extra to La Margarita. For that I thank each and everyone one of you. Our latest volunteer Alyce has truly followed in that tradition. She has been fantastic and we will be very sad when her too short a stay is over next week. As always I invite our departing volunteer to write about their experience on La Margarita. Here’s what she has to say :

A DAY IN THE LIFE AT ESTANCIA LA MARGARITA

Hi, I’m Alyce, from Australia, and I’m the current volunteer at Estancia La Margarita.

Having backpacked extensively around Central & South America on previous trips, this time I wanted to spend longer in each place, and so some different things.

I found the Estancia on www.workaway.info (a veritable gold-mine for would-be volunteers), and as I have experience with both horses and customer-relations - and a passable grasp of Spanish - it sounded like the right place for me. After a Skype interview conducted entirely Spanish (which I managed to scrape through!) I was offered the position from late December to late January.

Upon arrival, I quickly discovered that core activities for guests are: Rest – Ride – Eat – Drink – Sleep – Swim – Relax! If you’re staff, or the volunteer, of course there’s a bit more involved than that!

Somewhat foolishly, I hadn’t considered that Christmas and New Year would be the busiest time of year, and I was surprised to discover we were all run off our feet for a couple of weeks. Averaging some 12-16 guests, I rapidly found myself “Estancia Coordinator Extraordinaire” – not only consulting twice a day with the guests to coordinate morning & evening rides, but also fielding all manner of requests: Do you have a wall-plug adaptor? / Can we go into town? / Could we have our bill now? / We need some fly-spray! / We want to reserve bus tickets to Buenos Aires / Do you have any cold beer? (etc)…  all of which were dutifully conveyed to the relevant person and resolved. Obviously, outside peak holiday periods it’s nowhere near as hectic, but there’s still quite a bit to do.

While David is the Estancia’s owner & Susana the General Manager, daily operations are run by husband & wife team Ignacio & Mariana, helped by their three energetic children – Igñaki (4), Francisca (7) and Isabella (9). Ignacio cares for the horses & maintains the property, while Mariana mans the kitchen and oversees the cleaning.

Both of them are amazing at making sure the guests feel comfortable and at home. Ignacio chats easily in English or Spanish on rides – cracking jokes and pointing out wildlife - while Mariana works ceaselessly in the kitchen to provide everyone with an ample breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea (cake, anyone? More cake?) and dinner.

The horses are excellent – well trained and well cared for – and in my opinion some of the best in Latin America. You want to stop? They stop! You want to canter? They canter! Regardless of what the other horses are doing, and even with beginners on-board! For people with demonstrable experience, there are a couple of super-fun horses to ride, although they’re usually reserved for Ignacio and his helper/s. The saddles here are quite different, but very comfortable – not even the beginners end up with sore backsides!

Would-be volunteers considering a stint at the Estancia should consider the following:

·       You need to be friendly, patient and well organised to interact with, and organise, the guests

·       You need to be an experienced rider, and be prepared to ride at, and supervise, all levels of ability. Sometimes you’ll be sitting alongside a nervous beginner, giving them instruction and encouragement, and other times you’ll be trying to rein-in over confident hoons who insist on galloping everywhere. Personally, my favourite rides were with the beginners. Every ride I helped them improve a little more, until they were cantering with confidence – perhaps not with much grace, but loving every minute of it!

·       If you’re a vegetarian, you need to be prepared to be surrounded by meat. This is meat-loving Argentina after all, and here at the Estancia they raise, kill & cook their own beef & lamb. All this meat is offset with a surprising array of salads – in fact I don’t think I’ve seen as many vegetables served anywhere else in Argentina as at the Estancia! If the kitchen is quiet, you can prepare your own meals, but when it’s busy you pretty much eat whatever the guests are eating (plus or minus the meat).

·       A typical summer day begins at about 7.45am, saddling the horses. Then you’ll escort one or two 1-hour rides - depending on guest numbers - at 8.30am and 9.30am. After unsaddling, I’m off to skim bugs & leaves out of the swimming pool, and sweep leaves from the patios. Around midday, I speak to the guests to see who wants to take the optional evening ride, and make a list of the guests & horses for Ignacio. Around 1pm to 4pm is siesta time – something which takes a bit of getting used to, but soon becomes a welcome break in the day, and a great way to escape the afternoon heat. If guests have nominated an evening ride, we saddle up again around 5.45pm, and head off at 6.30pm. Upon return, the plants need watering, and I check to see who wants to ride tomorrow morning and which horses they’d prefer, and pass the list onto Ignacio. Then finally it’s time to relax before heading to bed, in readiness for another day on Estancia La Margarita!

Saludos

Alyce

Ok there you have it. If you fancy being a part of the estancia team I think Alyce gives a great idea of what you will find here

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta pronto

Radio Interview 12th Jan midday Argentina time Move over Michael Parkinson (Google him) my turn has come at last!!

Fishing what more can I ask 

In a previous life I used to sell things and one of the things I sold were aerial pictures of people houses. They sold great and I sold them to the poor and needy and to the rich and famous alike. Both groups could be a little tetchy at times when I knocked on their door offering them eternal happiness in the shape of an aerial picture of their own house. One guy from the poor and needy group came at me with a hammer for daring to knock on his door, needless to say I didn’t make a sale but I did win an Olympic medal for the way I jumped over the blokes fence in a bid to escape the bloody maniac At the other end of the scale I had a scrape with the famous and pretty pompous Michal Parkinson one day as I knocked on his door offering him the said eternal happiness.  He opened the door in his dressing gown and took one look at me and told me to “piss of you moron” Now there was no need for that was there – course ever since then I got my revenge back when he came on the TV and as I quickly turned him off and  said to him “piss of you moron” Umm life in the fast lane eh!

Well now Sir Michael (yea umm bet you  think you  should be eh!!) can get his revenge on me because tomorrow (12th Jan 2012) I am being interviewed on Internet radio by Dave von Kleist  at 3pm UK time (midday Argentine time). The interview is about life here in Argentina and well lots of stuff like that – I will apparently be interviewed on and off for an hour or so  - so no need to rush to the internet.

Here’s the link if you have a few mins to kill and are the slightest bit  interested oh  and don’t tell Mr Parkinson please I don’t want him to get his revenge again.

Here’s the link: 
overseasradio


By the way Dave made the famous 9/11 documentary and is a well known broadcaster in the USA.

This David Cummings alias the English Gaucho off practising my best English

Saludos para todos

Ok the Parties Over - Long live the next one!

Wow 2011 went so fast and went even faster as we approached Christmas Day and New Years eves. That was mainly due to the great guests who came to La Margarita for the festive season to help us use up the remainder of this years wine carefully chosen by our newly qualified sommelier Susana (congrats Susana and may it led you to great things).

Christmas is always a great time on La Margarita and we always have a great eclectic mix of guest come at this time of year – this year was no exception. Amongst others on the estancia was Marion Milne the well known documentary maker (have a peek at her profile http://www.pbshowfolio.com/marionmilne ) who did the five part docu on the Queen recently. Richard her husband is a venture capitalist and some guests had a bit of fun as they tried their hand at being in the Dragons Den and pitching some ideas to him to see if he would let them have a cool half a mil! Unfortunately it didn’t work and we all left empty handed!! – la vida eh.

On Christmas night we had our usual fun and games with live music, joke telling and this year we had a Danish party trick of having to visit every room to celebrate Christmas lead by Mette And Stina from where other than Denmark. Alice our volunteer taught a few cool moves on how to dance salsa, which was really fun.

Isabella, Marinas and Ignacio’s daughter song a song which we couldn’t get out of minds for days after and Sam from New Zealand terrified us with the famous New Zealand war weapon the haka.  Alex played some great songs on the guitar, as did Jennifer from the UK.

New Years night was a lovely night with guests from Sweden, UK and Argentina.

Its definitely a great time to be on La Margarita and I want to give a big thank to all of our guest who came to help us get into the party mood and party with us.

Its now already 4^th Jan and before long it will be 4^th July- time seems to move so fast. Still hopefully for all of us it will be good year and if you need a place to escape to for break you know where to come -we very much look forward to welcoming you.

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho wishing you all a very Happy and Carefree New Year

Saludos

Happy Christmas and Wonderful New Year From La Margarita

 A Happy Christmas and a Great New Year from the Staff of La Margarita

Wow seems like yesterday that I was wishing a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2011 and now we have nearly arrived in 2012 – slow down world it’s all  going to fast!!!

I want to give a special thank to you all the guest who came to La Margarita - thank you so much for your support and great comments about La Margarita.

Juan Carlos and his family on La Margarita

Paola who has been to La Margarita 5 times this year  with her daughters 

Some guests I am pleased to say came a number of times - the most being Paola who came five times – she says she loves it here as do her family.  Certainly the success for us this year has been the new self -catering units which are pretty unique in the estancia world in that no other estancia offers this facility in Provincia - guest seem to really like them. When we spoke to Paola about it she said its perfect for her as she loves to ride and stay on La Margarita but if we didn’t have the self catering facilities she wouldn’t have been able to come so many times. On the other hand we have had repeat visitors in the full catering units such a Juan Carlos who came in November and loved it so much came back straight with his family in December. Over the year we had guest as near as Azul (50 kilometres away) and as far away as Japan. Here’s hoping next year will be just as  local and international.   

I would like to wish you all a very prosperous New Year in this changing world and hope to see you soon on La Margarita.

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho until next year 

Long Live the Argentine Gaucho

I have owned La Margarita for a number of years now and in that time I have seen a lot of things and also leaned a lot of things. But even after all this time this area where La Margarita is based delights and surprises me. Take yesterday for example. I had to go to Tapalque to pick up some supplies. I headed out on the one kilometre driveway that takes me to the road leading to Tapalque. As I approached the main entrance to La Margarita I saw a fantastic sight. There were hundreds of horses passing by La Margarita – horses as far as the eye could see. It was an exhilarating sight, really incredible. I watched fascinated. I luckily had my camera with me and took some photos. After the horses had passed the gauchos who were droving the horses arrived. I had a quick chat with them. One was the owner of the horses (that’s a lot of horses to own) and he explained that in Flores a town about 150 kilometres away had been held this year International Day of the Gaucho.

Nearly the finish if a 4 day drove as these horses reach Tapalque

Cowboys and Horses Argentina Style Passing La Margarita

He with his fellow gauchos had taken these three hundred or so horses to the show. As we talked it turned out he explained it was a four-day ride to get them there and obviously a four-day ride back. He invited us to his ranch in Bolívar some 100 kilometres away to see his operation and next year I will certainly go Those that say the days of the gauchos are numbered had better come here to have a look. From what I see the days of the gaucho are here to stay for a long time yet and if you love riding and the romance of the gaucho you won’t pick a better place than around La Margarita

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta pronto

The Dia del Gaucho (Day of the Gaucho) is what the title says really. It’s in fact more than a day normally taking in the whole weekend. Each year a town is chosen to hold this fascinating event. It’s an unbelievable festival of horses and the gauchos who work with them. Here the horse is king and the chosen town is shut town to cars and given over to horses and the gauchos. A few years ago it was held in Tapalque and it was a jaw dropping experience.

Rocking on La Margarita

Rocking with Dave on La Margarita with Sue and guests looking 

Last week I was on La Margarita to meet Sue  a friend of mine who has lived in Argentina for   number of years in San Rafael near Mendoza. She hadn’t been to La Margarita for a number of years so it was good to catch up with her and have a good old chin wag about life in Argentina and beyond.  She came with Dave vonKleist her fiancé who I had never meet before . As it turned out Dave had built himself quite a reputation in the USA as a broadcaster and as the maker of one of the most important documentaries on the strange case of the  tragic attacks of 9/11 which those of  us who were around at the time will never forget. It’s a great documentary, very interesting and deeply thought provoking - I really recommend having a look at it  – here is the link

Dave Vonkleist documentary on 9/11

It also turned out that Dave is an excellent musician to boot and I am delighted to say I had the chance to sing a few songs with him (although it seems he didn’t like Horse With No Name a lot!), which was fantastic. All in all it was a lovely weekend to see Sue  with daughter Tiv and  to  meet Dave  and have the chance to rock and roll a bit with an excellent musician and I look forward to their next visit very much  - come back soon – that’s the great thing about owning La Margarita you never now who you will meet  next .

While I am talking about musicians I  like and admire  some of you who have read my blog over the years know I am a big fan of Sir Keef Richards of the Rolling Stones. On La Margarita he was once voted the happiest man in the world – well on paper that’s how it looked so he got the vote. Well I have just purchased his autobiography so all is revealed and I will see if our assessment that drunken night with guests on La Margarita about  Sir Keef being extraordinarily happy was right  - I will let you know

This is David Cummings  alias The English Gaucho hasta pronto 

Estancia La Margarita, Honeymooners and the M25 in London

Sophie having a go at milking cows 

When I was in the UK in August this year to see my family I read in a paper an article about the different sorts of locations chosen for honeymoons. I am not sure which was the favorite location but  for me the strangest was a couple who had chosen to spend their honeymoon  driving around the M25. Now everyone to their own I say but lets face  it anyone who has been trapped on the M25 (  the motorway that circles London )  in a monster traffic jam would certainly have the M25 as a location for their honeymoon pretty low on their list of that I am sure.   Now although La Margarita didn’t get a mention in the list of places chosen by honeymooners I am pleased to say we do get our fair share of guests who come to stay on the estancia who are on their honeymoon. The latest couple that was recently on La Margarita as part of their honeymoon was Toby and Sophie from London. They came and stayed on La Margarita for five nights and by what they wrote in our guest’s commentary book its looks as though they were happy with their choice. I can’t say if they had a better time than the couple who chose the M25 as their preference for a honeymoon location as I am not sure if the M25 has a guests comments book but below this blog here’s what Toby and Sophie wrote in our guests comments book. Its looks as they had a good time and lets face they could have chosen the M25  as an  option !! but  I am very happy they didn’t.

Here’s what Toby and Sophie wrote

“Mariana ,Susana, Ignacio,Isabella, Francisca and Inaki

You have all been the most gracious hosts, cheerful friends and knowledgeable teachers during our stay. You have spoilt us with all the time you have given us to make us a part of the rhythms and the workings of your home, your estancia and the countryside around. Thank you Mariana for your home cooked food it was delicious. Also Ignacio for teaching me to enjoy the thrill of and excitement of the gallop

Toby and Sofia from London. Very happy on our honeymoon”

“What a truly magical experience made  even more special by the wonderful Zaballa family . Mariana thank you for your incredible warmth and patience

We will miss you all

Sophie Crichton-Smart

London 11/11/11”

Thank you Toby and Sofia for your very lovely words and a big thank you to  the estancia team for making your stay so enjoyable.

This is David Cummings alias the English Gaucho hasta pronto

Sad Goodbyes and Happy Hello’s

Ignacio,Mariana,Isabella,Francisca and of course Inaki with his mum

It’s always sad for me when people who have worked for me have to move on. But one thing that my long life has taught me is that nothing lasts forever and we must expect changes in life - if we think that way it eases the blow somewhat when a sudden change happens and so it has come to pass once again for me. The latest change to happen to us on La Margarita has been the leaving of Lalo, Lettie and their son Kevin who had been with us some four and a bit years – that’s a long time to get to know someone. Many of you who have been to visit us have ridden with Lalo or been cooked for by Lettie. They served La Margarita well and it was a sad day when Lalo informed me that the family had decided to live nearer to Lettie’s ageing father to take care of him.  Of course I fully understood and wished them luck and no doubt it was the correct decision for sure but a sad loss for La Margarita for sure.

We started to look for a replacement for Lalo some months ago and I feel very fortunate to have found Ignacio and Mariana. Both are Argentines but have lived in the USA for some years and decided to come back to live in their home country. They have three adorable children who all now live on La Margarita. Both Ignacio and Mariana speak excellent English, which is a fantastic bonus, and Mariana is a chef so she is now in charge of the kitchen. I have to say I tasted her food and its great – all home made and tastily prepared. In fact it’s so good I will have to watch my weight. Ignacio has previously worked on a polo estancia and has extensive expertise with horses which is fantastic for us since we are offering more and more rides and in the process of buying more horses.

I would like to offer an English Gaucho welcome to this lovely family on La Margarita and I am sure if you come to see us they will enchant you in that unique  Argentine way.

This is the David Cummings alias the English gaucho hasta pronto

The Mysteries of Saddling Up Gaucho Style in Argentina Revealed!

Nothing more comfortable than a gaucho saddle

Many of our guests who come to La Margarita come specifically to ride horses. There is no doubt the estancia is a great place to come and do just that.  I remember when I first came here to Argentina I went to a few estancias near BA.  There is no doubt they were beautiful estancias but often the riding left a lot to be desired. The horses were tied to trees and you just got on one and it took you for a gentle stroll around the park – great if that is what you are looking for but not if you were looking for the exhilaration of riding over the famous pampas with the wind in your hair, a big blue sky over head and herds of famous Argentine grazing in the fields – believe me it is an exhilarating experience and that’s what we aim to offer on La Margarita - course we can’t always guarantee a blue sky but there is one more times than not  

When guests on the estancia first come to our saddling up area to take their horse out the saddles we use often surprise them.  Its not a surprise really since they are totally different from those saddles used in say USA or UK and some of our more experienced riders are a little bit cautions about them at first. However, once they get used to them all say how comfortable they are leave La Margarita full of enthusiasm for the gaucho saddle and how comfortable they are.

Recently we made a video one our gauchos saddling up here on La Margarita so you can see what is involved even before you get here as regards the saddles we use. The video is now on La Margarita and here is the link. I hope that you enjoy it ( just click on the link to view it ) 

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho  hasta la vista 

Ever Wondered How You Make Those Delicious Empanadas? – here at last on video the secret is revealed…

Raquel with her team  on La Margarita preparing to make some very tasty empanadas

Ignacio cooking  the asado on La Margarita 

Argentina is without doubt well known   for its steak famously cooked on a parrilla. Coming to Argentina and not eating an asado as its know here  is the same as going to Italy and not eating pizza – it’s simply a must do. Often when people eat an asado the starter will be empanadas, which before you come to Argentina you may never have heard of. They are sort of like an English pastie only tastier.   They are simply delicious and usually come in a number of fillings such a beef, chicken and vegetable. Many guests who have come to La Margarita and eaten them here have asked us how they are made. With this in mind we decided to film Raquel on La Margarita lovely making this typically Argentine specialty. To be truthful I never realized what goes into making them and I found it fascinating to watch Raquel go to work and make them. The video of her making them  has now been uploaded to YouTube and if you are interested in cooking it makes great viewing –here is the link I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the empanadas Raquel made.

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta promto   

La Margarita the Star of the Film - along with Staff, Guests and the Fabulous Pampas.

As I mentioned a few blogs ago La Margarita was chosen as one of the locations for the Argentina short film Salome y El Forastero directed by Jorge Perez . It was an honour for me that the estancia was chosen as one of the locations for this story of love and ultimately tragedy about an event that happened in the pampas the 1930s.  The reason I was particularly happy about being chosen was that as the director and writer explained they were, of course, looking for authentic film locations and that La Margarita fitted that need perfectly. In all the years I have owned La Margarita one important ambition for me was to keep the estancia as authentic as possible – I think the fact that it was chosen for this film has helped rubber stamped that ambition.

The filming took place over the past two weeks (Sept /Oct) and it was great to see the story acted out. One scene that was particularly important was the birthday of Salome – it was a big fiesta and for the scene the film director chose our staff and some guests who happened to be on La Margarita to be extras in the film - along with a few hundred more!

If you have a look on our Facebook page you will see some great photos taken by Susana (La Margarita boss) and Geraldine (the estancia volunteer) who both appear in the film. I will let you know in this blog when the film gets release- must say cant wait

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000784894713

This is  David Cummings alias the English Gaucho saying hasta la vista

        

Gaucho Cattle Round Up On The Pampas Around Estancia La Margarita

Cattle Round Up 

Many moons ago when I started to live in Argentina I was speaking to one of my friends on the phone who lived in England. At the time I was living in the city of Buenos Aires since it was pre- Margarita days he asked me what it was like here in the city . I said well Buenos Aires was like living in how London must have been 200 hundred years ago. I said that the streets were mostly dirt roads and that there were a lot of gauchos on horses. Knowing that his general knowledge of the world wasn’t that good I continued the joke for a little while longer until I eventually told him that Buenos Aires was a huge vibrant bustling city full of cars, concrete roads and not a gaucho on a horse in sight.

However, drive a few hundred kilometers outside of Buenos Aires and everything changes. Arriving in the gorgeous Argentina pampas the horse is king as is the gaucho and although main routes are paved the rest are dirt roads. Being here in the pampas is like being in an area where time has stood still. The Aussies and Americans use 4x4 quad bikes to get around on their wide-open spaces – not so here the horse is the method to get around on the huge estancias and the gaucho is king with not a quad bike in sight.

For me there are not many more beautiful sights than to see the gauchos in full force rounding up the cows on the famous Argentina pampas. When my friends, film makers Brian and Gaynor were here they   shot a video of a round up on La Margarita and showed me the results  - I thought it looked fantastic and needed sharing.  For me it’s a wonderful piece of filmmaking and really captures what’s its like in and around La Margarita through the eyes of the gauchos as they go about rounding up the cattle.

We have just uploaded the short video onto YouTube and I think it looks fantastic – it captures what the gaucho and the pampas is all about here on La Margarita. Have a look at the video and see for yourself  - if you love horse riding you will be in for a treat I promise.

Gauchos rounding up cattle on the estancia

This is David Cummings alias the English Gaucho hasta pronto. 

Ever Wondered What it Would be Like to Work as a Volunteer on an Estancia Like La Margarita?

Geraldine helping one of our young guests  feed an  orphaned lamb

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to work as a volunteer on Estancia La Margarita have a read of our latest volunteer 28 year old   Geraldine’s experience on our estancia. She has been working on La Margarita for the past three months and leaves quite soon to return to her homeland of France to see her parents. I asked her to write about her experience to give those of you thinking of doing this type of work a good idea of what you life would be like here. I haven’t changed a word of her blog and I hope that it is informative and that you enjoy it…….

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My feelings as a volunteer working in an estancia in Argentina:

Involved in the daily activities of the estancia, I will try to communicate at best my impressions as regards La Margarita, added with few thoughts concerning the amazing country of Argentina. I hope you will have a pleasant time to read this brief description; discover or know better this country and the kind heart people who make this place warmth and where it is good to live simply.

As told you previously, I decided to learn Spanish and having a concrete experience was essential for me. A long time ago, younger, I said: one day, I will work as a volunteer in a farm for riding horses either in the USA in ranches or in Argentina with the gauchos!

Coming from a French region where farms are the main part of the sceneries, far away from big cities, subways or communication means, I was aware of the situation and what I could encounter. By considering France, it could appear that certain regions still do not possess an Internet connection, it is obvious that in Argentina, some issues could happen.

Consequently, going to the Margarita was not a problem. The only difference is Spanish, which is finally a detail now compare to what I receive in exchange! If you want to, allow Argentina coming to you and she will take you by the hand, open the doors of her world and demonstrate her best side. 

You can’t imagine the things I can do here beside the missions and activities attributed. The curiosity joining with an opened mind is a useful asset helping you to across the language or culture barrier. Come on! Jump the barrier and you will be received with opened arms!

I learn how to use the Argentinian saddle with all of those long pieces of leather,

using the horse to regroup cows or horses during cold and foggy mornings, galloping against the wind, watch birds species or admire the new born calf, like a real gaucho! And, my God! What such thick Spanish accent here!

I meet people coming from all around the world, they animate the table during the dinnertime with their own and unique story and it’s so good! The traditional food reminds you how it’s pleasant to enjoy you life and take the time for important things, often forgotten in this fast world.

The people who make this estancia alive make you realize that simplicity and authenticity are the basements of happiness. I love them!

This actual experience is a present. For all of that, thank you Argentina!

Geraldine

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hope you enjoyed Geraldine’s  blog about her stay on La Margarita as our volunteer

Hasta pronto 

News Flash - Date Change and Lonely Planet listing

 La Margarita   - a place to de stress

In my previous blog I mentioned that La Margarita had  been chosen as the film location for the Argentine film "Salome y el Forastero" ( Salome and the Forester ) . The date has now been put back to start on 24th of September so please make a note of the new date if  you were thinking of visiting us to watch the filming of  gaucho film.


Lonely Planet 
Also I am really proud to say that La Margarita  have been listed in the new edition  of Lonely Planet /Buenos Aires   which has just hit the book stalls. I would like to say a big thank you  to those of you who helped us spread the word about this wonderful location.  As I  mentioned in my blog I  wrote when I  found out that we had been  listed in  Rough Guide this year  I promise we won't change a  thing - we will not turn into a disney estancia and  it will be business  as normal and we really look forward to seeing you on La Margarita so you can see what a great location it is to enjoy the  gaucho life for a few days
This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta la vista

If you fancy being an extra in a gaucho film now could be your chance!

Riding out on la pampas

Estancia La Margarita has been chosen to be the location of the romantic tragedy called Salomé and the Forester. The short film is to be shown at various film festivals around Argentina and overseas. The true story happened in the 1930s   in the Provincia of Buenos Aires when the gaucho Mauro fell in love with   the beautiful Salomé deep in the Argentines pampas. I won’t go into details of the deeply tragic romance but suffice to say it has a very sad ending.  In the film the story is related by the now English nurse and children’s guardian the elegant and mysterious but now old Miss Alice who lived in Argentina at the time of the love affair. The writer who investigated the story and put   it together is Argentina Ruth Capdevila who is a published author. The director is the famous Argentina Jorge Perez and from the 10th of September  2011 the film crew will   on location on La Margarita plus other locations in the area to film the tragic story . On one of the film days from the 10th of September on La Margarita they will be filming the birthday festival of Salomé and who knows they may need extras – it was a big party! I can’t promise you they will use you but at least you could be witness to the filming of this gaucho tragedy whilst enjoying some great riding in La Margarita.  

This is David Cummings alias The English Gaucho hasta la vista