Express reporter Adam Toms spent some time in Argentina as the country claims ownership of the Falklands.
Express reporter spent some time in Argentina chasing stories (Image: Adam Toms)
I’m proud to be British. Despite the country’s present and historic flaws, I think it is the best place to live in the world, and it is no wonder so many people want to come here, and make it their home. Notwithstanding this, I felt a tad nervous as I approached departures at Santiago Airport, where I had to stop by, as the only direct flights from the Falklands to Argentina are monthly, connecting Mount Pleasant to Río Gallegos or Córdoba.
Famously, our two nations disagree over the archipelago, and I was hoping that I would be waved through smoothly with my journalist visa, which, incidentally, I had to wait nine hours for at the Argentinian consulate in London. I clearly looked as if I were from Blighty, as I was asked by a friendly member of staff at luggage check-in where I was from. Then I was asked if I had return tickets, and I proudly proclaimed that I had a visa, flashing them the document inside my passport.
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After a brief check with her manager, I presume, I was waved through, with no problems.
Nor were there any issues at immigration.
Adam enjoyed watching River Plate in Buenos Aires (Image: -)
My first stop was Bariloche, before we headed to Buenos Aires.
From there, I would wave goodbye to my photographer colleague, before travelling to Iguazu and Salta.
We focused on the Falklands issue, it turns out pre-empting the Pentagon, during our trip, interviewing Argentine veterans of the 1982 invasion, as well as politicians and locals.
Other subjects proved fascinating also, including the post-war lives of Nazis and people’s views on President Milei.
In Bariloche, we met a chap called Juan Wood, who, as his surname suggests, has British ancestry.
He was extremely helpful, and showed us around, while translating what interviewees told us.
In Buenos Aires, we met ex-combatants, including both Argentine army veterans and pilots of commercial aircraft used for reconnaissance; academic Professor Vicente Palermo; Daniel Filmus, the former secretary for affairs pertaining to the “Malvinas”; local Gavin Bruce, whose family was originally Scottish; and British expat Bruce Thompson.”
Everyone acted in a pleasant and welcoming manner, and were willing to listen to each other, whilst maintaining and explaining their own outlook.
They clearly do not interact with British reporters very often, if at all, which improved the quality of stories we were able to bring to you.
Afterwards, I had a brilliant time at a River Plate game with some Brits and Americans, led by a local, Chan. I booked it through HomeFans.
At Iguazu falls, I enjoyed a great tour with Say Hueque Travel.
All the way around, the Jurassic Park theme did not leave my head.
In Salta, I had another tour, with guide Homer Kosiner.
A father a daughter sported t-shirts with the Falkland Islands on them (Image: Adam Toms)
Nevertheless, images of the Falkland Islands kept appearing in the background, in car windows, on walls and road signs, proclaiming that they belong to Argentina.
On my plane to Salta, a family, seemingly on an annual trip, sported t-shirts with the islands on them, alongside text that read something along the lines of: “I can’t explain it to you because you just won’t get it.”
Clearly an inside joke involved.
The issue of sovereignty has been reignited after reports that the United States could review its support for British control over the territory.
Its cultural significance to Argentina struck me as slightly cultish. Indeed, Professor Palermo said it is “almost religious”.
One image in particular has stayed with me: a father and his very young daughter walking home from the football match, each wearing t-shirts with an image of the islands on them.
They also featured text, which I believe translates to: “The Crew from the Back – La Plata Movement.”
The country’s claim is clearly not disappearing any time soon, and seems to be being passed onto the next generation.
