One of the things I miss most about being away from home at Christmas is having a tree. Ours was always a spruce, smelled woodsy and was decorated with predominately red decorations collected over the years of our children’s childhoods, lit with tiny white lights. Very tasteful - in my opinion, anyway!
Christmas preparation in B.A. is far more understated than North America’s hype, not getting going until mid December. In hot and humid weather, the pine or spruce Christmas tree is missing - really a good thing as it would need to be cut and imported a ridiculous, environmentally-unfriendly distance. The tree is still here though, either in faux form or teepee-shaped by rods, lit and decorated. My daughter and I consider ourselves tree aficionados and so we were on the lookout for the best.
Here are a few of the highlights:
In the main boulevard of Puerto Iguazu, a small palm with a diminutive, faux tree plopped on top.
At the “international” airport in Puerto Iguazu, a patriotic tree sporting the Argentinian colours.
A HUGE upside down cone outside the Casa Rosada in B.A. The Casa is the presidential palace where Evita and Peron orated from the balcony to thousands!
The teepee-like tree outside the Teatro Colon
My favourite, a sweet tree inside, El Federal, reportedly the oldest bar in the city. Shows my traditional taste!
…and, the piece de resistance, an incredible Nativity Scene - the picture does not do it justice - with every character (seemed like at least one hundred) in life-size realistic forms including soldiers, three kings sitting on thrones, lots of shepherds, cherubic angels, innkeeper and guests, numerous animals - elephants, donkeys, camels - Mary and Joseph of course, unknown characters standing at I think was a bar, maybe lunching? etc. etc. No Jesus though. I guess he appears tonight.
We have enjoyed our Christmas prep and look forward to experimenting on the in-house parilla tomorrow. No intestines or sweetbreads. No turkey. Just steak and salmon.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy!
Sally
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