While staying in Pergamino one of the planned activities was to visit the INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology) to see and learn about the agricultural activities being developed in Argentina. The tour was coordinated by Miguel Angel Cacciamani who very kindly explained their activities during the time spent there. Most of the tour was spent driving around the Institute in the bus, but there were some important stops on the way. The first one took place at the Library where Iris Baiestrase and Lujan Cardinale gave an in depth explanation about the largest collection of books in the agricultural area. The second stop was at the "Sector Avicola" where Marcelo Schang made his presentation.

The last stop was at the Administrative building of the INTA where the Director of the Institute Eng. Guillermo Joandet welcomed the group, thanked them for the visit and requested a couple of songs. The visit to the INTA ended with all the personnel, including its director, dancing and following the steps of the Wits Choir.

The Mayor of Pergamino, Mr. Julio Gutierrez, invited the Choir of the Witwatersrand University for a formal meeting at the City Hall. On arrival, he welcomed the group and together with the cultural authorities and director of the local choir signed a decree declaring the visitors "Guest's of honor" in the city of Pergamino.

After the presentation of the decree, the exchange of gifts took place and that was followed by the presentation to each one of the members of the Wits Choir of pamphlets with information about Pergamino.

Before leaving the City Hall, The Wits Choir thanked the Mayor and everyone at the Municipality offering them a few songs. Students from the primary and secondary schools from Pergamino were specially invited to the event and enjoyed the pre-performance of the South African Choir.

After a very busy morning, everyone was ready for a good lunch; and for that nothing better than a good traditional Argentine "asado".

At "El Fortin" the gauchos and paisanas were waiting for them with their traditional costumes and the meat on the fire.

Before aiming to the tables, the people from the restaurant gave a short introduction to Argentine traditions and took the group around the quaint old structure where they have a very interesting collection, - in their museum area, - of day-to-day elements that belonged to the gauchos

Of course, the asado was excellent as well as the folklorical musical quartet performing there. It was the first chance for everyone to learn about Argentina music and to dance, or at least try to, a chacarera.

Finally, it was time for a siesta... but the day wasn´t over yet.

And the Choir started singing...

It was a gala night at the Fundación Casa de la Cultura in Pergamino for the first offical performance of the Wits Choir in Argentina. More than five hundred people in the audience.

The choir showed some of his repertoire with songs like Ananka Kuti, Sizongena Laph´emzini and Ridibini and the public attention was complete. Close to the end of the evening, the performance of Jacinto Chiclana produced more than one teardrop from the audience.

After the first presentation in Argentina, the Wits Choir was invited to Dinner by the Fundación Casa de la Cultura. It was a nice time to relax and enjoy with the pergaminenses, and thank them for their hospitability.

The night started with chicken and salad, followed by ice-cream. But after that it was time for party. First a young couple of tango dancers made a fantastic performance; and afterwards the rock band "On the Rocks" played some music to make everyone dance.

The evening ended with a toast and and best wishes to all. Walk back to the hotel and everyone had some well eraned rest.

Last day in Pergamino, a late morning, some shopping, city tour and lunch. This time was in Locos por la Pizza, where they had a chance to try 35 different flavour combinations.

Then, back to the Hotel, packing and loading the bus in a very efficient chain of work... and Pergamino was over.

Next stop: Cruz Alta.