Back to Monte
In the Summer of 2023, my family and I visited the small town of San Miguel de Monte, Argentina where my Grandfather Henry Garcia had spent his summers nearly 70 years prior. While there, we run into a distant niece, find his second cousin he hadn’t seen since he was 20, and finally manage to locate the site of his family’s farm.
The city of San Miguel del Monte lies 115 km outside Buenos Aires, Argentina.
My Grandfather, Henry Garcia, stands atop the steps of the church he used to attend 70 years prior during his summers.
Henry Garcia (88 years old)
Early afternoon in San Miguel del Monte.
Henry is on a mission to locate his cousin's farm, where he worked and resided during his childhood.
Henry talks to a gas station attendant and asks for directions.
Henry is surprised to discover the gas station attendant, Marina Oporto, is a distant niece.
Henry and his niece, Marina Oporto, pose for a picture outside the gas station.
Henry waits outside a residence of another possible relative in hopes of clearer directions to the farm.
Oscar Oporto of San Miguel del Monte listens to Henry to see if he can possibly be of aid.
Oscar and Henry realize they are second cousins who had last seen each other nearly 60 years prior.
Oscar and Henry embrace in excitement.
Portrait of Oscar.
Oscar gives Henry a lift to the possible site of the farm in his prized Fiat.
At last, Henry spots the beloved farm.
Henry Garcia and the site of what was once his family's farm.
Henry and his family marvel at their discovery.
Jordan (Henry's grandson), Henry and Dean, (Henry's son) admire the discovery of the farm.
Oscar and Henry sit in Oscar's Fiat, taking in the farm for the last time.
Oscar and Henry depart the farm.
Henry and Oscar wish each other well before going their separate ways in the late afternoon.