I’m a city girl at heart, but every so often I crave the calm of the countryside — away from bright lights, neon billboards and endless traffic.
It had been a long time since Juan and I left Buenos Aires for a trip to the outskirts. When a long weekend came in mid‑August, I hoped we could get out of town for a while.
When my friend Rosanna texted “¡vamos al campo!” (let’s go to the countryside), I couldn’t wait. Her husband Mariano’s family owns a ranch in Rauch, in the province of Buenos Aires, about 250 km from the capital. Since the family wouldn’t be there for the long weekend, Rosanna and Mariano invited Juan, me, and another couple, Charlyse and Gonzalo, for a getaway.
The drive out of Buenos Aires felt refreshing. Leaving the city behind, I found myself smiling and singing along to the radio. After roughly three hours we arrived at La Chela around 8 p.m., and Rosanna, Mariano, Charlyse and Gonzalo were already there to greet us.
We stepped inside to a warm house and a lit fireplace, and I instantly forgot the city and work. There was no phone signal and no internet — a true break from everything.
That night we clustered around the fireplace for a simple dinner: guacamole and chips, bacon and cheese quiche, garlic bread and hummus. Mariano told the story of his family ranch, showing photos of his great‑grandparents and old books they had kept. The countryside relaxed us, and before midnight we were yawning and retired to our rooms.
The next morning sunlight poured through tall farmhouse windows and roosters crowed as they woke us. After a hearty breakfast of toast, marmalade, cereal and tea, Mariano gave us a tour of the ranch.
Tall trees surrounded us and we walked beneath their shade. Even though it was winter, the weather was mild and we didn’t need many layers to stay comfortable.
The highlight for me was horseback riding. It had been almost three years since I’d ridden, and I was eager to be on a horse again, running across open fields.
There were about fifteen horses. After Mariano and Rosanna saddled them, we mounted and began riding slowly. We moved into a trot, then eventually galloped from one end of the pasture to the other.
I’ve never been an animal fanatic, but that weekend felt special. I rode Tormenta, an eight‑year‑old grey‑white mare with a steady gait and a gentle temperament.
At the first gallop my heart raced — I worried I wouldn’t control her. After about half an hour I relaxed, gripped the reins confidently and let the wind hit my face. The feeling was at once freeing and exhilarating; it’s hard to put into words, but it was unforgettable.
That connection with nature felt deeper than anything I’d expected. The weekend taught me to be present — to stop worrying about control and instead flow with the moment.
We only stayed two full days, but it felt longer. The fresh air and the pace of ranch life are real therapy for the soul. Though our bodies were tired from activity, our minds felt renewed.
Now we’re back in the city, carrying those quiet memories with us. Gracias, Rosanna, Mariano and La Chela, for a beautiful weekend.
