| Leeuwenhof
Akademie
Rugby Tour to Argentina
Day One: Tuesday, 12 April
2005
 It
was with much excitement that the Leeuwenhof touring party
departed from Johannesburg International Airport on Tuesday,
12 April 2005. The flight to Sao Paulo was extremely smooth
and comfortable and the service on board Varig Airlines was
really good. Most of the boys managed to squeeze in 4 movies
on the flight as very few of us slept. Excitement set in as
we neared the coast of Brazil and the pilot pointed out Rio
below. We landed in a very humid Sao Paulo an hour ahead of
schedule and began the long six hour wait in the airport before
our connecting flight to Buenos Aires. This flight was delayed
by about 45 minutes and so it was an extremely exhausted touring
party that landed at Ezeiza International Airport at 3am (Buenos
Aires time). We were met by Magui and Manuel, our guides and
hosts for the next week. After checking into the hotel we
managed to get to bed at approximately 4am (27hours without
sleep).
Day Two: Wednesday, 13 April
2005
 We
are all up for breakfast by 09:30am and are confronted with
our first of many continental breakfasts. Horror of horrors,
no bacon and egg – only rolls, croissants, cheese, jam
and coffee. This is the way they do it in Argentina and all
the restaurants and coffee shops seen to operate the same
way. There certainly can’t be too many successful egg
farmers around. After breakfast we all go our separate ways
in groups to do some shopping and look around the city centre.
Lunch is at a typical Argentinean restaurant with an Italian
influence. After lunch we made our way to the Hans Christian
Anderson School to play the first matches of tour.
U/15 Match:
 Leeuwenhof
started off well, the bigger South African boys looked to
dominate in the forwards, however due to too many mistakes,
which lead to turnovers, they give away far too much possession.
The skilful Argentinean backline soon punished them with 3
quick tries. Leeuwenhof showed good fighting spirit to come
back and score a converted try and a penalty to see the game
finish in favour of Hans Christian Anderson School. Final
score: Hans Christian Anderson School 24 – Leeuwenhof
Akademie 10.
U/17 Match:
A game the South African boys started very well but again
were punished by the quick running Argentinean backline. The
boys never gave up and fought all the way to the end but never
managed to cross the opposition’s goal line.
Final score: Hans Christian Anderson School 34 – Leeuwenhof
Akademie 3.
 A
big eye opener for the tour party has been the weather, its
definitely 4 or 5 degrees colder. The Argentinean hospitality
is superb and we were treated to a wonderful after match function
by Hans Christian Anderson School in their charming club house.
The Leeuwenhof boys were taken back by the “forwardness”
of the girls at Hans Christian Anderson School, who were trying
desperately to catch the boy’s eyes. What was pleasing
to see was how well the boys mixed with the opposition after
the match and the really great spirit in which the 4 teams
played the games. Supper was at an Irish Restaurant down town
before we headed for our first decent nights sleep.
Day Three: Thursday, 14 April
2005
We woke up to a very wet Buenos Aires and the rain continued
to fall for the rest of the day. Most of the party spent the
morning shopping, the most popular items to be bought is the
Argentinean rugby jerseys and soccer shirts. After lunch we
left on the bus for a tour of the city of Argentina. Our guide
was excellent and the city is amazingly beautiful. The rain
did make it difficult to get out and take photographs. Most
of us are struck by the rich architecture of the buildings
and the large number of spectacular parks. One of the highlights
for the boys was a visit to the BOCA junior’s football
stadium in the suburb of BOCA. Supper was in a typical Argentinean
restaurant a couple blocks from the hotel (we got a bit wet
due to the rain).
Day Four: Friday, 15 April
2005
Joy of joy, the sun is shining and it's match day no. 2 for
the boys. Both matches are scheduled to be played under lights
in the evening while the rest of the day is free (more shopping).
At 16h30 the bus departs for the famous San Isidro Club. San
Isidro is the biggest rugby club in Buenos Aires and has won
the club championship for the last 3 years. The matches are
extremely tough but the Leeuwenhof boys apply themselves well,
eventually going down 43-5 in the U/15 game and 54-8 in the
senior match. Although these appear to be big defeats, one
has to take into account the size and strength of the San
Isidro Club. The after match function is enjoyed by all and
the club spoils us with a traditional Argentine barbeque.
The only part of the meal not well received is the blood sausage
(the name says it all). Once again, I am impressed by the
way the boys mix with the opposition at the after match function.
The highlight of the evening however is being introduced to
the Argentine National Rugby Coach. He has recently been in
South Africa coaching with Jake White and was happy to share
his insights on world rugby.
Day Five: Saturday, 16 April
2005
 It’s
another lovely day in Buenos Aires and the boys go off in
groups to explore Florida Street and its surrounds. Some of
us enjoy coffee in one of the many coffee shops while others
have shoes polished by street vendors. After lunch at the
Ce Blue Restaurant, its off on a guided tour of the Tigre
Delta. The coach takes us through the affluent suburbs of
San Isidro and we have a short break at the station where
most of us enjoy the world’s best ice-cream. It’s
a short drive to the Delta through the city of Tigre to board
the boat that will take us on the tour.
 We
are supposed to take the train from San Isidro station to
the Tigre Station but unfortunately the railways are on strike.
The Delta is made up of 21 000km² of waterways and is
something that needs to be experienced to appreciate its uniqueness.
We do a one hour tour in a traditional tour boat and are awe
struck by the different homes, gardens, restaurants, pubs
and hotels that line the banks. It’s truly a memorable
experience. After supper the boys are transported to a u/18
disco in the city. This is a very well run club with extremely
strict controls. The teachers and our guide, Diego, are accommodated
in the VIP room where they are also able to keep an eye on
the proceedings.
Day Six: Sunday, 17 April 2005
 We
awake once more to a lovely sunny day. The boys fill me in
on the previous evenings entertainment at the night club where
they received VIP treatment from the club and special attention
from the girls. All in all a good evening was had by all.
Our departure for the Estancia Tour (Traditional Ranch) is
however delayed as our guide fails to arrive. After an hours
delay we eventually make our way to the Estancia with our
very Spanish driver. Once at the Estancia we are welcomed
by the hospitable owner, but all in Spanish I must add. As
the owner of the ranch rattles away various bits of information
regarding the tour, I become seriously frustrated with my
limited understanding of the Spanish language.
 However,
the day is saved when one of the residents of Buenos Aires
overhears our silly exchange and begins to operate as an interpreter.
This very helpful and friendly guy, by the name of Lalo, saves
the day and joins us for lunch where he begins to fill us
in on various bits of information on Buenos Aires and Argentina.
At 15h30 we return to the hotel and after a quick team meeting
it’s more shopping on Florida Avenue for some last minute
gifts. Dinner is especially good at the Posada de 1820 Restaurant.
Day Seven: Monday, 18 April
2005
 Although
we have an early transfer booked for the Santa Teresa School,
we decide to move this to 12h00 as most of the party want
more time to explore the buzzing city of Buenos Aires. I have
a really busy morning ahead with three meetings planned with
schools and agents in the city. Once again my taxi driver
spoke no English but I managed to reach my destination on
time. To say these guys should be on a racetrack is an understatement.
They make our taxi drivers back home look like saints. After
my meetings I meet up with the group at the Santa Teresa school
fields where the u/15 boys have just lost the first game and
the u17 boys are about to begin their match.
 We
are all amazed at the turnout of roughly 200 girls from the
Santa Teresa school that have come to see the touring boys
play. Daniel, the captain of the Leeuwenhof side receives
special attention from the girls when they begin chanting
his name during the team warm up. Needless to say he is a
trifle embarrassed but enjoys the attention. Unfortunately
the Santa Teresa boys are not as accommodating on the rugby
field and Leeuwenhof lose this hard fought encounter.
 Florida
street is a buzz that evening as the touring party cruise
up and down looking for last minute gifts for family and friends
as well as spoiling themselves with the latest designer jeans
and shoes. Levi jeans, le Coste shirts and Puma trainers all
seem to be the most popular amongst the group and are priced
at hundreds of rands less then what they sell for back home.
Our farewell dinner is scheduled for 22h00 at the La Posada
de 1820 restaurant. Once more we enjoy the empanada starters
and the main course of steak and chips. Desert is ice cream,
which is superb. A short presentation is held and the boys
present Mr Ronald Cilliers the master who made the tour happen
with the official Argentine soccer shirt as a thank you for
his efforts.
Day 8: Tuesday, 19 April 2005
 Its
an early start as we board our bus at 07h00 in the morning
to leave for the airport. The wait at Sao Paolo is not as
long this time around and we enjoy a smooth flight home on
the SAA 747. Some of us luckier than other with seats at the
emergency exit while some have 3 or 4 seats tothemselves to
stretch out on.
 All
in all this has been a fantastic experience for the entire
touring party. Buenos Aires is a magnificent city that has
a heart that beats a little faster than any city back home.
One has a sense of just feeling so alive as you explore this
vibrant urban centre, home to 12 million people. For South
Africans everything is so affordable as the rand is nearly
2 to 1 pesos. Meals, clothing and taxi fares are far cheaper
than back home in SA and the girls have got to be the best
looking in the world.
To the headmaster Mr Johann Ueckermann and his staff, Ronald,
Johan and Philip thank you for a most enjoyable trip. To the
parents that accompanied the boys thank you for your positive
input and support. To Mr Ronald Cilliers the man who made
the trip happen, thank you for your enthusiasm and drive without
which this tour would have not taken place?
Finally, I must thank the Leeuwenhof boys for their company.
They really are a fantastic bunch of young people and a credit
to both their school and country and I wish them and the school
all the best for the future.
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