Argentina and Uruguay

We were sent to Argentina and Uruguay for our next medical mission.  We were there for one week and got on the plane 8 times during the week and spent a lot of time in the car getting to these hospitals and clinics.

After arriving to Argentina we had a chance to sleep at the temple hostel and catch a few hours of sleep after our red eye.



When we woke up, we were picked up by Gustavo and grabbed a bite to eat before we flew to Cordova.




Argentina is known for it's beef and it is so good.  Mostly, because they cook it so well.



Each meal comes with a loaded bread basket and this creamy cheese/butter spread.  It was dangerous!







Empanadas





Once we arrived in Cordova we spent the night and got up early the next morning to drive over the mountain range to Mini Clarvaro.

Cordova temple



Gustavo has a house at the lake that he wants to retire to in a couple of years.  He was nice to show us his house.





While traveling to get over the mountain range, there was ice on the road so we ended up waiting on the road for 2 hours waiting for the ice to melt. When we got up to the top we only found a dusting of snow had slowed us down.

We met this couple that has tried to put everything into their clinic so they can help the people of this town to get health care without having to drive over the mountain into Cordova (1.5hrs).  By donating some equipment they will be able to serve the surrounding rural towns there.  We had a lovely dinner with them and were given some yummy alfajore cookies.



On our way back to the main city of Cordova ...



We found Che' Guevara's house and had a minute to stop and take a picture



We also stopped and visited the hospital there too.








Back on a plane to Buenos Aires.  We had some time to shop the streets



And see Evita's house





We had lovely service from our waiter at a little cafe





We made some friends after buying their homemade jewelry





And we tipped some local Tango street performers



We stayed on the 11th floor of this hotel downtown.  It had the prettiest breakfast presentation ever!



We visited two downtown hospitals there.



Professional dog walkers outside of the Saint Lucia hospital



We then took off to the airport to head on a flight to Uruguay.  On our way we were shown the sad reality of how people live in the slums



We were driven by Brad Garrett and Bill Murray!



They showed us the Uruguay temple



We visited with the only public hospital serving all of Uruguay



Everyone drinks the hot drink Mate'! It is very cultural and Mat loves it.

Vending machine with hot water



Sign reminding people not to dump it on their plants.



And, Mat picking up his very own Mate set.



Again, more meat to eat.



The next morning we enjoyed a nice walk on the beach before we flew home.






I am hoping we can donate to 4 out of the 5 hospitals.  I think the residents and doctors that see so many patients a day will be so happy.  It will at least make their day a little easier.