The Abingdonian 2019

71 www.abingdon.org.uk Summer Term We spent the following morning with our new hosts before our afternoon kick-off against Liceo. Due to a series of injuries, we only put out two sides, with the 2nd team winning 12-5, and the 1st team putting in a strong performance before the game was called off due to further injuries. We then returned to our hosts’ homes before a really action-packed day in which we enjoyed the Potrerillos Valley rafting and zipline experience. We spent the whole day at the valley in two groups, taking turns rafting in the pristine water at Potrerillos or soaring above the valley. It was a truly remarkable experience. The following day, we flew from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, which we toured, taking in our new scenery. We then had our night at the Tango, which included introductory lessons for all (and we have the certificates to prove it)!, as well as the opportunity to marvel at the incredible show. The next morning we set out for a full day excursion to the Candelaria Estância, a classic Gaúcho Ranch. There we had a tour of the grounds, enjoyed a classic Gaucho Asado (BBQ), and watched classical Gaucho dancing. The next day brought about our fourth and final match of the tour, against St Matthew’s School, where we fielded two sides once again. We maintained the high level of rugby that we had played throughout the tour, with two very close games being played. We then travelled to Iguazu Falls and spent a day on the Brazilian side. From our first look around, it was obvious how special and unique this place is. We then got settled into our hotel before leaving for a tour dinner in a unique restaurant from where you could see the border between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. The next day we set out for a full-day tour of the Argentinian side of the Falls, including the Gran Aventura boat ride. The day began with a walk along the bottom of the Falls, then up to the top, from where we could gape at the water crashing below us. We finally got to the boat trip where, wearing our stylish ponchos, we went close up to several of the waterfalls, which showed just how useless the ponchos are when it comes to being under so much water! We then returned to land, dried off, and returned to our hotel before our flight back to Buenos Aires. On the last day of the tour we set out to work with the charity Botines Solidarios to coach children from Villa 31. Playing a mixture of football and rugby, we all had a great time - it was a truly wonderful experience. We then met for our final tour dinner, a wonderful buffet in the centre of Buenos Aires, which proved a lovely end to a fantastic tour. The flight home went by quickly, with us all getting some much needed sleep before arriving back at school. The tour brought us all great fun, great rugby and unforgettable memories. It was the perfect way to wrap up the summer and to set us up for a new season of rugby. Krishan Handa, 5KEML