Sandwich de Bondiola (Pork Shoulder Sandwich)

Even though Spring officially arrived in Buenos Aires on September 21, today was the first day that actually felt and looked like a perfect Spring day.

Waking up just slightly after noon, I opened my eyes to see brilliant sun rays flooding the room, a call for me to jump out of bed, have a quick shower and head out with Juan to enjoy the sunshine in a park nearby.

Saturday afternoon in Buenos Aires – the sun piercing through the canopy of trees..

A quick 10-minute car ride to Bosques de Palermo (Palermo woods) left us in the midst of plenty of fresh greenery, a cool breeze warmed up by thick sun beams, and in front of a cart selling meat sandwiches with a queue that could have gone twice around the cart.

The cart selling meat sandwiches..

I soon found a table for us to sit at while Juan (being the gentleman) queued to get us two sandwiches de bondiola. Bondiola is basically pork shoulder (according to forums online) and is very tender and especially juicy because of its fat. When eaten in a sandwich, it usually also comes with fresh ham, melted cheese, a crispy fried egg and whatever dressing you wish to add to it – such as a mixture of chopped tomatoes and onions (salsa criolla) or chimichurri, a sauce which is made from finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and white or red vinegar. Additional flavorings such as cilantro, paprika, cumin, thyme, lemon, and bay leaf may be included. In its red version, tomato and red bell pepper may also be added. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meat.

Chimichurri.. the closest thing to chilli sauce for me in Argentina:

In some cases, the sandwich may also come with extremely crispy and tiny fries:

While eating our very tender pork sandwiches in Bosques de Palermo, we soaked up the sunshine and stretched back lazily, observing the children and adults playing in the grass.

As well as other couples cuddling together..

Leaning back in our chairs, we were greeted with the perfectly blue, spotless sky looming above us.

It was obvious that Winter had just passed, with the trees still barren and awaiting their leaves to blossom. But a blue sky with a brilliant Saturday afternoon sun, complete with a nice warm temperature reminded us that more such beautiful days were to come.