Bachelor Party.. Argentina style.

     I was fortunate enough to see a bachelor party procession last night. We went to dinner at a place called Argentina Bar, and sat outside. We had a view of the street, and guess what we saw? Something so eccentric.. so peculiar yet absurdly amusing.

 The procession actually stopped traffic, and cars were honking their horns loudly in annoyance. The truck, that was full of men (can you see the guy in the wig? he's the one getting hitched apparently) even had a man with a guitar.. and they were singing a song "No te cases!" which signifies "Don't get married!"

          They eventually pulled over, because the procession took off on foot through the streets. I asked Mari, "Can the cops pull them over, or give them a ticket for this? They are holding up traffic and are drunk in public." She said, "Are you kidding! The police here would probably say 'Can I Join you!!!??' " I actually got a video as they marched right past our table.. they stopped and asked us if they wanted us to lift up his dress. But, my camera didn't record it! They decorated this poor guy with horrible makeup suitable for a woman on the vegas corner, and a shirt that barely covered his naked body. They even tied up his arms with a long rope and paraded him around like an animal. It was a bit sad at first.. but he was having fun apparently :)

 The rain is pouring down, the lightening is shockingly bright and we are sitting inside enjoying the t.v. I believe everyone is getting ready for merinda time (where they eat a small snack and drink tea or mate to hold them over until dinner. This usually takes place at 5 or 6pm).
   Mari's dad made an asado with chicken for lunch, and he explained to me that he only used lemon for flavor. We cut up hard boiled eggs, onions and tomatoes and mixed it with oil and salt. And to drink, concentrated juice with soda water. Speaking of soda water, it's a popular item. A lot of people here mix soda water with their red wine... it was a strange sight at first but now I'm used to it. It's either juice or Coca Cola. Like I've told you before, Coco Cola runs in their blood here.. they drink it with almost every meal.

Here was the small section of soda in cans: notice how little there are?

     I went with Mari and a friend to a shopping center, very similar to a Wal Mart. We found the isle where sodas and drinks were, and Mari saw some cans of Coca Cola. She quickly pointed to them and shouted "I haven't seen these in years!!!!!!" I've never seen coke in a can either, or any soda in a can. It all comes in bottles. Everyone saves the glass bottles; you trade it in when buying a new bottle for a small discount.

 Another thing: It's not strange to touch some one's baby while you are waiting in the check out line. Evey one is very friendly in that manner. A lot of the times, complete strangers will start pinching the cheeks of some woman's baby, and she doesn't mind at all. I think in the U.S., that would anger some people... I think it's great though!

This was the woman standing infront of us in line. Mari reached out to hold the baby's hand.. and the mother only turned and smiled.