Estancia la Alejandra Visit, Empanadas and Horseback Riding

I found a very special place in my heart for Argentina after visiting the Estancia La Alejandra. If I were to say that I couldn't put my finger on it - I'd be totally lying.

The Andes Mountains are a magical place, reminding me much of Colorado. They are older than life, reaching far into the heavens with rounded peaks hinting at their age and countless seasons. On the day that we visited the clouds were about us, threatening to open up and drench us all.

I feel fortunate that not everyone from our group at the University of Denver wanted to participate in the trip to the Estancia - not to say that I did not want them there, but only that our enjoyment was enriched with the mellow sounds of a smaller group and sacred intricacies that only a few souls could share.

The video takes you through everything we did that day. We were taught how to drink and enjoy yerba mate, a cultural staple of Argentinians and many other South Americans which I gladly brought home to share with all of my friends and family :) We also learned how to make our own empanadas, along with the 'family secrets' of our guides' mothers. Every mother has their secret right?

With the empanadas complete, and our amazing barbecue waiting patiently to cook, we set out to gather the horses and wander up through the fields of the estancia and into the mountains. We spent a couple hours on the horses, traveling through drizzle and opening up into beautiful blue skies tinged with ominous black clouds tearing away into other parts unknown.

I found stillness there. Total - complete - presence. My body and mind were undisturbed despite the constant jostling of the horses' trot. My thoughts were vacant and the countless worries I'd had of life back home quickly slipped away. The feelings are nearly indescribable as I try my best to convey them here. I'll never forget the day my life changed forever at the estancia. I will always have these moments to reflect on what it means to be truly conscious and one with our universe. I found it there in Argentina and I can't wait to return. I know it seems like a lot to say it now, but I believe that is my home - close to the people, closer to the Earth, and even closer to my Heart.

When I left, my stomach brimming with fine steak, empanadas and malbec wine... I sat thinking to myself, "That was it, that was the entire reason I came to Argentina." After months of experiencing the splintering of my soul, unknowingly crushing my own spirit by running in a million directions at once - life found its simplicity once again.

And so that night I dreamt of my return, and in subsequent nights thereafter. And while I claim that it was total presence, amazing food, and a fantastic experience in general... thoughts constantly drift to beautiful Florencia - the girl with the dark red dreadlocks. May I find her soon in presence, I can always visit her in my thoughts and dreams.

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Tags:

• avram gonzales
• inspiraction
• university of denver
• estancia la alejandra
• go argentina
• cordoba del plata
• making empanadas
• horseback riding
• andes mountains
• estancia visit
• barbecue
• tasting yerba mate
• yerba mate
• mendoza
• argentina

[aerealyt]

Hello Avram, that is a great video. I was there a few weeks ago and the landscape was fantastic. I missed the empanadas lessons, but i had a great BBQ.

Estancia La Alejandra is a great place!

Aereal