Hipodromo - Tuesday, May 25, 2010

We woke up to a real "holiday" for us along with all of Argentina that is celebrating 25 de mayo, or the May Revolution. This day was the beginning of the war for independence.

Usually we go to the office five days a week whether it is a holiday or not. But, today the President wanted the elders to go out and work like "real missionaries" since it would be dead around the office again today with no mail deliveries and basically no phone calls. And he gave us the day off, too, to join his family on an outing to the horse races.

After a cloudy and rainy day yesterday, today was gorgeous. Not a cloud in the sky, and not too cold either!! We were so excited that they invited us because we knew of the race track and the interest there is here in horse racing. This would be a first time experience for us.

We took a remise over to the mission home to be there by 12:30 p.m. They only live about six or seven blocks from the entrance to the grounds of the Hipodromo. Once inside it is a sizable walk to get to the actual entrance to the track and bleachers. They were taking shuttle buses up to the gate, but the President thought it would be a nice walk. They really move out when they walk, so there was a major gap between the family and us. But we made it in fine shape. We decided that all this walking without a car has been good for us to keep us limber and agile.

We didn't have to pay to get in to the races. Sister Argyle directed us online where to obtain a free entrance coupon, but there was no one in sight that required it, so we just walked in. There is no reserved seating. We could sit in the stands, or hug the fence close to the track. We followed the children that wanted an up close and personal view of the horses. President Argyle said we couldn't take his picture and show it to the missionaries because he didn't have a white shirt and tie on. I promised I wouldn't show them.

We liked being right close to the area where, before a race, they bring the horses out and parade them around for a better view. Then the jockey mounts the horse. This gives those placing bets a last minute view to make their decision. We were impressed at how beautiful the horses were. Their coats were so shiny and healthy looking.

The jockeys then ride into the arena. . . . and

are met by these five men on horses that escort them to the starting gates.

Of interest to us is that the race was on the grassy area and not in dirt around the track. The horses have to walk to the starting gates, but it didn't seem to take them very long. Pretty soon we could hear the announcer calling the race, but we couldn't understand what he was saying and couldn't see any action until the horses were rounding the bend and coming at us. Since the finish line was close, we could see who would win as they raced by.

Rich, Anika, Sister Argyle and Quinn are enjoying themselves on this beautiful, sunny, afternoon. We saw four races which were mainly young horses. As the day progressed the more important horses which would garner higher bets were on the schedule. We didn't stay around for those races.

The children were hungry and wanted to eat at Kansas rather than stand in lines to purchase a Chorizo (sausage) sandwich which were cooked on these BBQs. Kansas had our vote too.

The Argyle children, Austin, Quinn, Anika, and Seth, are great kids and so fortunate to have such a wide variety of experiences in a foreign country along with the spiritual growth they have received from being on this mission with their parents -- something they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

The food was great at Kansas. This is the third time we have eaten here, but the Argyles have lost count. Rich had a Filet Mignon, I had Kansas chicken and a baked potato, and other meals were ribs, club sandwiches and steak. We intended to pay for our dinners, but the President picked up the tab. Rich paid a healthy tip.

After dinner, we went back to the mission home where they wanted us to watch the movie, The Ultimate Gift. Anyone seen it?? Wow, it was full of great lessons -- and gifts. It was such a good movie and held our interest until the end. Perfect choice!!

We were so engrossed in the movie that we didn't see the President slip out to go to an interview. After the movie, Sister Argyle drove us home.

We had a wonderful time with the Argyles and always appreciate how good they are to us.