Mendoza

We went overnight to Mendoza on 27th January and the journey passed without incident. For the record, Andesmar always seem to provide blankets and a pillow. On Friday 28th we took a taxi to our Hostel Lagares probably 15 blocks from the bus station and the same from the centre. The hostel was fine and full of TV watchers and a majority of Brit guests. First time on tour this has happened. Xavier the owner has a library of some 500+ DVD´s (hooky) which are in English with Spanish sub titles. You name it, Rambo, Rocky, ET and lots more. Coupled with comfortable sofas and bean bags and a refrigerator full of drinks for sale at reasonable prices means people could chill comfortably. It is hot in Mendoza!

No TV for us travellers! We walked to the main square and the 4 equidistant other squares all of which are splendid. Mendoza is full of trees which makes it lovely. After a 2 hour siesta we caught the 19.30 tourist bus to the park area of the city, which is just wonderful and provides for runners, joggers, picnickers etc.

On Saturday we took the Alta Montaña trip on the bus to the Chile border, largely following the brown river Mendoza ( of white(brown) water rafting fame). We went up and up and just short of the Chile Border we took the 800 metre zig zag road to the summit and the statue of Christo Redentor at 4200 metres. It was very windy and cold at the top but the views were brilliant. Down the hill again for late lunch and we were hoping to get the view of Aconcagua on the way back but the summit was obscured by cloud. This trip comes highly recommended.

On the Sunday we took the "Wine tasting" 1/2 day tour . Firstly to a modern winery called Vistandes and then to a traditional one called Don Arturo. Both visits were very nice and I still don´t like Malbec. Then to an olive oil producer called PASRAI . Fascinating stuff all round. Produce was purchased at each place. A little Torrontes 2008 and a 2006 oak aged Cabernet Sauvignon which I will save for some good beef at Hanne´s. · different olive oils ( all extra virgen) one traditional, one with basil and one with oregano. (We tried the oregano one on salad last night, mmmmmm. The Torrontes was also very nice)

After lunch out and in temperatures of 32/33 we took refuge at the hostel to wait for the 22.30 bus to Cordoba. Rocky 2 was enjoyed by most of the hostel then it was time for the taxi to the bus station.

Summary of Mendoza

It was hot and sunny, we liked it and made the most of the 3 days there. The tree lined streets make it lovely and the prices are probably 20% less than Patagonia. No real architecture of note but fewer dogs. One down side is the number of beggars both adult and children. With all of the activities possible from Mendoza it would be easy to spend a week there. The tourist office is very good.

Coming next..a week in Cordoba resting before the trip North West.