More From Bariloche

In our group we have several hard-core Redskins fans determined to watch the Skins play the Seattle Seahawks Jan. 6th. They agreed to meet at 6:30 p.m. in Mary P.’s room, where plenty of beer was stashed. They had ordered pizza from the hotel kitchen and we gathered at the appointed hour, only to find that ESPN was featuring a soccer game.

Fred and I came in to watch for a while before we went for supper in the dining room. In Room 5 discontent reigned. It was a scene out of a sci-fi movie; everyone in the room was trying to get the game on THEIR appliance…and failing.

Mary P. and Betsey U had iPads; they were annoyed because the battle between iPad and Adobe meant that they didn’t have access to the Flash Player…which meant that all they could get was a schematic rendering of action on the field. The men were also stuck with only schematics, while Betsey and Mary gave by blow by blow accounts, enthusiastically cheering on the Skins early gains while trying to imagine them in their minds.

Several of us were trying to call the States with iPhones, dialing 011 for the United States and getting a Spanish speaking recording that, although we didn’t understand it, clearly was telling us we were morons.

Then Billy L. picks up his Blackberry, hits his son Philip’s number in his contacts, and instantly reaches him, AT the REDSKINS GAME! So then we get first hand comments but still can’t see the game.

Belatedly I remember I have my computer, go get it, and Mike U. GETS THE REAL GAME (not the schematic game) via NFL. Contentment reigns. Fred and I go up for dinner and some good Malbec and come back an hour later. Contentment no longer reigns. The Redskins are losing and their quarterback is hurt. We all go to bed.