Well I have got used to the routine including the brutal cold when I wake up at 7 in the morning (my radiator is extremely poor). However work is coming along nicely and I can now drive tractors which is pretty cool. Its not that demanding but it is still 7 till 7 which is fairly full on.

A couple of days ago we actually butchered a sheep for a barbecue which was interesting and certainly got me over any squeamishness about guts and such like. Whilst the meat was not brilliant it was a proper Argentine meal.

What was fun was herding the cattle. We had to corral them to select the best ones for meat and it was what you would imagine the stereotypical gaucho moment to be like. Daniel was in the corral riding his horse separating the cattle and it was brilliant to watch. Unfortunately I did not bring my camera but the second time when we were tagging and selecting again I did, and got some brilliant photos.

What is staggering is the weather, freezing in the morning and then it heats up a lot by midday, but if the wind is up and with it being so dry you are absolutely drowned in dust it is horrendous. Who needs smoking when you have this amount of dust!

The good news is that it is very peaceful and (god I hate to sound like an elderly pensioner) but it is very character building. Having to cut firewood for the hot water and waking up with the freezing cold gives you a certain amount of mental steel. Never again will i take ANYTHING for granted.

Otherwise my birthday approaches and whilst there will not be much to celebrate its still nice to have 'my day' so to speak.