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