Thulani arrived in Argentina on July 26th (it took him a little bit longer than expected) most specifically in Trelew, a city in a place called Patagonia. We must say we were a little bit worried about him, but finally he arrived safe and ready to do very fun things with us.
As many people know, Patagonia has very beautiful places known worldwide, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia and its snowed mountains, Punta Tombo where the Magellanic Penguins come to breed by the thousands, like little people attending a very big party!
Near to Trelew we have Puerto Piramides which is worth visiting to watch the whales that come here every year to breed and have their babies, it is a sight worth seeing. You can also swim in its transparent blue waters, do scuba diving, etc. It is placed in Peninsula Valdes, which is a Natural reserve for wildlife preservation.
Now, I am going to introduce you all to our story of the foundation of many cities and towns such as Gaiman, Trevelin, Rawson, Trelew.
On 25 May 1865, one hundred and sixty three Welsh people sailed aboard the Mimosa from Liverpool. Two months later, on July 28th, they arrived at the coast of New Bay, in Patagonia.
However small this group might seem to us today, it just the beginning of a social phenomenon that has left its mark to this day.
One of the main objectivs in the formation of the settlement in Patagonia was to keep the welsh language and traditions alive. And they succeded in doing so.
Thulani isn’t a fool, he arrived just in time to attend a traditional tea party in Gaiman, where lots of people gather to spend some time with family and maybe why not, have a cup of tea (or two or three as he did!!!). We had a wonderful afternoon after eating more than our bodies could handle, after of course paying the little price of having to queue for an hour outside of Salem wihch is the welsh chapel we decided to visit.
In the picture we can see: Ana, Sofia, Santiago, Martin, Clara, and me, Natalia. Ines took the picture
In Trelew the little bear is staying with Natalia and Ines, we are 2 friends; Natalia is a paediatrician, Ines is the proud mom of Clara (9) and the lovely twins Ana and Sofia (4). But we also have a lot of kids around for Thulani to meet, like Santiago (our nephew) and Martina, who is Clara’s friend.
Ana and Natalia
Ana
Clara and Ana
Clara
Natalia and Babel
Santiago
Sofia
He also met Babel, the lovely shih tzu puppy (who is unfortunately going through a bad hair decision). We even had to go to the pet shop with the twins to choose some coats for her!!
Thulani travelled to Viedma with Ines to do a job, she wanted to take him to tell his story to some friends. He had a very delicious asado with chorizo and meat!!!
As the days went by, we did lots of things, but we couldn’t show you the pictures because our camara broke.
On his last day, Thulani sat on a fallen tree to say goodbye to our beautiful country, so he watched the sunset alone with a great big smile on his face.
We will miss you.
Come back whenever you want!!
