Horseback riding, steak, tango, gauchos, and fellow floaties; the perfect combination to create an ethnic Argentinean experience I will never forget.

After a long drive to the ranch, we were greeted with orange drink and empanadas. As we entered, the aroma of smoke and cooking steak filled the air. Upon finding the source of the alluring smell, we saw rows and rows of flanks of steak cooking over a large ash grill. After a while, I couldn't take it any longer, I had to find something else to do to resist my temptation to eat the steak then and there.

After a short time of wandering, I found a horse stall. Many of the horses were enjoying the company of other floaties gently petting their large heads, though a few horses were being stubborn, backing away and getting angry at whoever tried to get near them. As a few of us were playing with the horses over the wall of the stable, we were being ushered onto the backs of horses. There horses were obviously trained very well. They were trained to follow; the riders didn't have to do anything but enjoy the ride. I have only ever been horseback riding twice before and is definitely unique in Canada to say you been horseback riding in Argentina.

After a short and memorable ride, we had the option of also enjoying a short carriage ride. Through the carriage ride, we had conversations about what it would be like to actually run a ranch in Argentina, the majority saying it would be interesting but they would surely miss being home.

Finally, we were called in for lunch. We entered a large dining hall, where long tables were full of groups from all over the world. Conversation varied from what we were about to eat, to what we were planning to do the next day, and even about the long 31-day sail ahead of us. We were each served a thick piece of tender steak, most of us devouring it with the craving we have had since we first got here. Soon we were served with sausages, and then T-bone steaks. Surprisingly, even the hungriest of the hungry were beginning to feel full.

"You haven't had Argentinean meat until you have tried this!" exclaimed one of the enthusiastic waiters.

Many couldn't resist, not knowing what they were about to eat, and accepted this mystery meat. Personally I was too full to have a whole one, but I did have a bite of the person's portion beside me. Some were soon disgusted by the way the sausage burst, many didn't notice and ate it, some had to spit it out, and most either enjoyed it or managed to get it down. We soon found out it was blood sausage-- definitely a delicacy I have never had the pleasure in trying before.

We were all loosening our belts when the pastries were served. As we were letting our stomachs settle, we were privileged to see an exquisite tango between two practiced Argentineans. Once able to move again, we made our way to the stands where the main event would soon take place.

Argentina is where most of the original cowboys are from. The gauchos (cowboys) gave us a traditional performance to show off how well trained their horses are. This performance we saw, however, was for the ladies. The gauchos were to catch a one-inch ring on a pencil while riding below it. When the ring was caught, it was given to a woman in the audience. Once the show was over, the gauchos then took their woman for a short ride with them, though somehow one lucky boy was able to get a ride. From what I gather, this show has been an Argentinean tradition for hundreds of years. Before I knew it, it was time to get back in the buses and head back to the ship we call home.

I have never been to a Canadian Rodeo, but when I do, I think it will be interesting to compare differences and similarities between the two cultures.