More European Than Europe

Trip Start Apr 09, 2006
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Trip End Jun 09, 2007


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Flag of Argentina  , Mendoza,
Sunday, March 18, 2007

Mendoza has been a pleasant sigh of civilization after the wilds of Patagonia and Antarctica.  It is a city in Western Argentina that has somehow become more European than Europe itself.  The main boulevards are bordered by sidewalks wider than the streets themselves and are covered for blocks and blocks with outdoor cafes, restaurants and heladerias.  (Sarah will be jealous to hear that I've had several helpings of pastachio gelato...YUM).  All this is well shaded by a tunnel-like canopy of trees that extend as far as the eye can see...leading to one of countless plazas covered in spanish tiles and fountains and filled with lazy mendocinos during each day's siesta.

And if all this still isn't enough, the nighttime certainly will satisfy!  Heading out for dinner at dusk results in a 500g carnivore's dream and a spectacular bottle of malbec or three...all for little more than a McDonald's extra value meal.  It's just too easy to stay out late and sleep until lunch.

The weather here could not have been better and has added tremendously to the overall feel of Mendoza.  Shorts and sandals have been a respite from the piss-poor conditions of some of my hikes.  I also splurged for a 35 peso private room with windows on both sides that have let the cool, autumn air flow through each night.  I haven't slept so well in many moons...but perhaps all the red meat and wine has helped that as well.

There are several excursion-type activities in the area that I've chosen to soundly ignore.  Being the heart of wine country, the province of Mendoza is littered with wineries.  Having done the tour thing in Oz and South Africa, I just didn't feel like heading out to learn about the art of wine making.  I know the process...now I can walk out my front door and say "Get in my belleeey!"  Mount Aconcagua, South America's tallest peak and the highest mountain outside the Himalayas, is also nearby.  Sounds like it could be a good view but most say that it's not all that.  I couldn't drag myself away from my wine IV to see it.

I have enjoyed the Argentinians very much and I hope the rest of South America delivers more of the same.  My limited Spanish could easily be more of a problem for me if the people weren't so great.  If I don't understand something they often just keep saying it over and over...or try to say it differently so I understand.  There's no sign of the reserved nature or fear of being seen foolish that I found in Asia.  Thank you Argentina!

So, I've accomplished little but have had a marvelous week here in Mendoza.  I've spent my time with several travelers that I met in my past few stops.  Susan is the evil Irishwoman from the cruise who lead the charge on Saturday night for St. Paddy's Day. 

IT. WAS. UGLY.
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Comments

simm
simm on Mar 23, 2007 at 03:17AM

Misrepresenting the Irish
honestly rodney if you can't take responsibility for your own drinking at this stage in life then there is no hope for you. If you feel the need to blame a defensely young Irich girl for your drunkeness so be it....

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