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Published: March 21st 2014
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Hiya folks!
As Dave gets close to finishing his Antarctic duties in the south, I´ve ventured more north into the warmer temps of the lovely city of Mendoza. That is correct. As the title indicates above, I´ve settled in for about 2 weeks. That´s enough to become a quazi local in my books.
Wandering the city has been easy due to it´s lovely 5 plazas in the centre of the city. I was able to check off a couple things on my list, and yes, it is about food. Again. First thing´s first. The best restaurant for the amazing beef here (I knew you were thinking hot chocolate, I just know it!) Then the best ice cream shop. Both of these check marks were assisted by my fellow buddy traveler, Jeri, who has been in Mendoza for some time and was able to get the local vibe from her stay and from local friends and couchsurfers. So I feel that the close-to-1-litre of ice cream was well worth my purchase, as I had already known from my great source, that the ice cream was good. And it was. And I did eat the whole thing. I know, it´s a
dirty job, but somebody´s got to do it.
Upon reflection of my entries, I am starting to think that all I talk about is food. I promise, I´ll change subjects as soon as I find the best hot chocolate in town. (This may take some time though).
As a quazi local, I´ve decided to hang my hat in the lovely home of Sonia, my hostess, with her lovely cat, Luli (thanks to the Spanish School I am taking classes with, they arrange for home stays which are very affordable and well matched).
Having graduated to a leisure expert (from just a leisure-adoring wanderer), I had become rather flacid in any brain activity other than the normal getting from one place to the other, reading maps, booking rooms, buying food or groceries and reading a novel. So this week I am completely immersed in Spanish as I live with Sonia and Luli, and take my one on one Spanish with Diana, my lovely teacher. Hay muchas informacion aprendir, pero me siento que estoy mucho mejor hablar espanol que antes.
The photos are from around Bariloche and Mendoza. Although there are no photos of the Cacheuta Thermal Pools
Gorgeous views
Lake District, Bariloche just out of Mendoza, believe me when I tell you, they were lovely and wonderful (feel free to google some photos). We were quite relaxed after a good soak and the idea of lifting a camera to take a shot afterwards seemed like just too much work.
Wine tasting in Mendoza is one of the most popular things to do. You don´t say! So Jeri and I set out to enjoy the tastes of Mendoza grapes one day. Malbec wine is so far my favourite of the bunch. It has a very nice velvety taste of fruit with hints of vanilla and chocolate in some of the brands (I know, I said chocolate). Malbec grapes were originally sent from France, and it seems they are thriving in this lovely desert climate.
Being a cat lover, myself, Luli has been my buddy for the last few days. And I have to say, wow, she understands Spanish and English! And even French! Wow, she is such a smart kitty. Here´s to furry cuddles during my quazi local stay.
Enjoy the photos! Mendoza truely is remarkable being in the midst of a desert. One would not think so with all
of the greenery. Thanks to the Inca civilization and their amazing aquaducts that are still being used as the city continues to thrive!
Theresa
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Rachel
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Hi Theresa!
Beautiful Theresa! So glad you are having some wonderful travels :) Hugs!