Enjoying the days

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Hello again everyone. We are still very much enjoying Mendoza. The house where we are staying is in the central part of the city. I'm not sure how old it is, but it has definitely seen some living within it's walls. The style of architecture is beautiful, though it wasn't designed for cold temperatures.

It is only a short walk from our house to reach Parque San Martin, a beautiful place to walk or to sit by the lake. There are also fountains and statues. We have had plenty of opportunity to enjoy it with the weather staying in the 60's most days. The more I see of this park, the more enchanted I become with it. It is 865 acres with a man-made lake, a zoo and a science center. We've seen the zoo and want to return there, but have not yet seen the science center or anywhere near all of the park.

On Sunday we took ten children from the Brazos Abiertos home to the zoo. We packed a picnic lunch and ended the day with ice cream. I think all of the children had a great time. As with most zoos, some of the animals appeared to be too confined, but others seem to have plenty of room to roam. There were monkeys freely swinging through tree branches in one area of the zoo. There were other primates and several species of big cats as well as birds, bears, elephants, zebras, goats, llamas, and a variety of deer.

We managed the language barriers with the children and succeeded in keeping track of all of them. However, one little guy got a bit close to some large chimpanzes that we were feeding sections of apple. A chimp reached out and got a firm grasp on his sweatshirt and was quickly pulling him toward the bars. His sweatshirt sleeve was a bit stretched, but he was unharmed. He actually thought it was very funny.

Yesterday was Independence Day for Argentina. Plaza de Independencia is very near the house, and we went there to enjoy the music, the dancing and the vendors. There were boothes filled with beautiful craft work. I hope you enjoy the photographs. I miss all of you.

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Photos

Fountain of the Continents
This is one of the main features of Parque San Martin. It is quite the work of art. My photographs don't capture the full effect.

Merman
There are four of these in the base portion of the fountain.

Another City of Trees
One of several tree lined entrances

The Lake
In the early morning the water is often very still and the reflections are beautiful.

January in July
July is like January in the States. As you can see, so far it is a mild winter.

Julio Roca
Our home away from home.

One of three fireplaces
Each fireplace in the house in beautifully crafted from marble.

The Windows around the Staircase
Just inside these windows is a curved stairwell that leads from the first to the second floor.

The Front Stairway
All of the stairs in the house are made of stone. The front stairwell is spacious and gracefully curved. The back stairwell is also curved, but much small. I think it was originally designed for the servants to use.

A View of the City
The zoo is built on a hillside. This is a view of the city from one of the higher points.

The Zoo Crew
Children from Brazos, a staff member, and a student.

Un Bailador
One of the dancers at Dia de Independencia.

Comments

[Jan]

What a treat!
Dear Shannon and Steve, I can't tell you how much I am enjoying you sharing your journey with the rest of us people who are here in the states, giving us the opportunity to see some of Argentina through your eyes. The pictures of the fountain and statues are beautiful, and it appears that art is part of the culture and appreciated by the people there. What a beautiful house you live in too!! How is your Spanish coming along? Tell me about the food, how is it different from what you would eat here? (I'm always thinking about food and think I could eat my way around the world.) Keep writing, you do such a good job. Again, thanks. I miss you too. Love to you both, Jan

[Fran Miller]

Glad to hear from you.
Your trip sounds terrific and fun. Only copy 3 of your pictures will copy. I am sharing your blogs with Darrell. So far, not any changes, though Tammie will be your replacement. Finally getting a few more nurses so Shannon has help. In my thoughts and prayers. Love, Fran

[Jill]

Thank you
What an adventure! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos with us. We will be watching for more postings, as they come out. You're in our hearts! Kids say hi.