Countries and Chacras

“Countries” is the Argentinean name for Beaverton-like subdivisions, garnished with golf courses, tennis courts, equestrian clubs, private schools, and - most importantly - walls for security.

Sarah and I had been getting a bit homesick, so we rented a mini-van, picked up our friends Lindsay and Matias, and headed for the Countries.
Our first stop on this foggy Saturday was 54 Km North of Buenos Aires just outside the town of Escobar:

Haras Santa Maria

Featuring a 72 hole golf course, equestrian facility, 17 clay tennis courts, 3 futbol fields, 1 volleyball court, 2 pools, and a private elementary school, Haras Santa Maria is the American Dream.

A friendly Argentinian lass - whose name escapes me - explained how more than 1,000 lucky families will realize this wonderful dream for somewhere between $50,000 to $100,000 for each 10,000 square foot lot.

I know this is wordy, but it would be irresponsible for me to omit the official "folosofia":

Because your priorities are clear
Because your children are always first
Because you value their growth and development
Because you are responsible for their future and present
Because by realizing their dreams you are realizing yours
Because now is the time
Here
Haras Santa Maria

We resisted the urge to purchase a lot on the spot, and moved on.

Another 50 km along the Pan-American Highway and then another 30 minutes off-highway, we found Chacras del Parana:
Chacra means mini farm. But these were really just large (2-3 acre) residential lots more than an hour away from the city.
Matias envisioned life in the country while Lindsay tired of my camera work.
Sarah just wanted to get out of the cold and away from the mosquitoes.

TO BE CONTINUED.....