January 2023-
Leaving the interesting life of an Argentinian Mennonite behind meant many miles of dusty roads. We ended our days drive at a lovely river front campsite
Our spoiled dogs were happy to go for a walk among the trees and play with the dogs that live at the campground. These dogs are strays that are making their lives by begging from people who come to camp and picnic. They have been dumped there, wandered away or born in the wild. The park manager takes a few steps to care for them, but makes it clear that they are not his dogs.
Please understand that the plight of dogs in many countries is difficult. When people ask me about the hardest part of this travel, I reply “all the dogs I cannot save.” I did what I could for this smiling guy and his sweet companion. I will explain below the photo.
The white dog clearly had a smashed foot at one time. Cause unknown, attempt at help; poorly handled. It appears that someone simply folded the smashed bones up and wrapped it tightly to heal. This caused the paw to grow folded upward. The pads face up, the dog puts gentle weight on the stump which is actually the “top” of his paw. The claws of this paw are growing into the dogs ankle. The claws will eventually cause issues to the skin of his lower leg. So, I did the best I could by clipping each claw very, very short. He did not mind and the old injury clearly does not hurt at this time. He sat still (for treats) while I tried to help. Then he and his friend wandered off to bug the next campers.
I know this is hard to see and read. I know we wish we could save them all. But I also know that I can help when and where it is possible, and I can hold my own pets closely and love them dearly. It is a big, tough world and we are just roaming through it, observing the way life is for others.
After the animal intervention we took our dogs for a walk in the nearby forested area. All the dogs followed us, including Stumpy. In the forest we found some beautifully carved trees. There was a man living among the trees in a tent. It appears that this is his current life work. Artistic expressions of love come in many ways.
We said goodbye to our campground friends and drove away, leaving Geneva’s favorite towel hanging in a tree! (yup, it’s long gone) A little navigational research indicated that we were not far from a traditional Welsh village. First we had to pass by one of the most popular beaches on this coast. The tide was coming in and people were still flowing down the stairway with chairs, umbrellas and beach toys. One glance over the edge of the cliff was enough to send us on down the highway.
How do we end up with a touch of Wales end up in Argentina, you may ask. Well, we visited the museum so we could be prepared to answer that question. But, like so many places in Argentina; the door was locked and the place was not open during the posted hours. This pattern has become quite frustrating for us, as it occurs at nearly every museum we try to visit.
We took a few photos of the Welsh buildings in the town. And the interesting train tunnel that has no exit end. We found a beautiful dragon sculpture to pose with. And in the park was a Welsh rock circle, which prompted Mike to do a welsh dance.
Then we stumbled upon an open museum of sorts! This is the first house in the town. This structure is made of wood and adobe, with dirt floors. The doorways are low and the furniture is small. It is a beautiful example of old world, practical construction in a faraway land.
No visit to Gaiman, Argentina – the Wales of South America- would be complete without a traditional tea. We found a beautiful little teahouse and settled in for high tea. The sign at the door indicated that they spoke both Spanish and Gaelic! The meal and the decorations were well-researched and a very close match for Welsh traditions. It was a fun little stop.
There is Geneva, representing Pie Town, New Mexico in a Welsh tea house in Argentina! Sometimes we are reminded that it is a small world!
We
We will leave Wales now and head for a region of Argentina called the Pampas. Things are about the change, drastically. Temperature, scenery, wildlife and our suspension! Watch for the next installment of http://www.slowcarfasthouse.com
