The Beef on Argentina: Wine and Swine in Mendoza

Mendoza was the perfect introduction to Argentina. It is a smaller desert city tucked in next to the foothills of the Andes. Meika met me at the airport and we taxied back to her house that she shares with her dad, Tom, and his hilarious and adorable dog, Cachao. It is a funky and spacious two story house. The ground floor includes a kitchen, living room, a garage used to house bikes and firewood, a dining space attached to a larger room with a fireplace used for band practice and parties, a bedroom, and an oudoor patio. The second floor includes Meikaś bedroom and a spare bedroom which I stayed in, both with little balconies overlooking the street. There is also a laundryroom, and a rooftop patio used for drying clothes, asados, stargazing and wine drinking. It connects to the yard via a sprial staircase.

Winter here is mild, and I wish I had brought my sandals. The air is warm and very dry. Meika is a great host and I definitely made the most of my time in Mendoza. Due to La Gripe A (the swine flu) overtaking this country some music shows were cancelled, and the dance clubs all closed. People have their faces covered in scarves or masks on the streets and on public transportation. From what I understand, Argentina is the most affected country. Brasil and other neighboring countries are advising their citizens not to travel here. Unfortunately, Cachao got into my stash of Host Defense and fish oil, but so far so good. Being a school teacher, I think my immune system is pretty strong.

Meika and I treated ourselves to a fancy steak dinner. Thank God we shared because when the dish arrived it was a butterfly cut with two slabs of beef each the size of Andrea the Giantś palm , and down the center rested a kabob with more beef, oinions and tomatoes. It was DELICIOUS! After dinner we met up with Alexis (who I also know from Eugene, and happens to also be living here) at a rooftop loft art party. Everyone is very friendly here, and they really seem to take their time to know and talk with you, not just get your name like in the states. Of course there was lots of wine and Fernet, a local bitter liquer usually mixed with Coke. I was given my Argentinian name\ nickname, "Cielito", which means little cloud. Later we walked to a Chino con Africa, a bar, where we had to wait for police to leave the area before we could enter... lots of restrictions due to La Gripe A, once inside there was great music, more friends, and every so often they cleared the dancefloor because of Gripe.

Bikes and Wine filled another day. We rented bikes out in Maipù and rode to a few Bodegas to sip on some local Malbec.... mmm! Meika and I laughed a lot, and even popped some sweet wheelies on our crusers. Another day I borrowed Tomś bike and Meika led me on a ride up to Challao where we got views of the city and the foothills. I got a flat back tire on the way up, and I am proud to say that I successfully fixed my first flat (all that watching other people do it for me really paid off!). I spent some time walking around the parks and plazas, and overall really enjoyed getting more of a local experience in Mendoza. Tom and Meika took me to a friends birthday party one evening, catered with empanandas, wine, and dulcé de leche treats. We also celebrated Maria Inezś birthday at the house with some dinner and friends. I have had lots of opportunities to practice my Spanish, which I am relearning in each country I visit- pronounciation and vocabulary seem to change from region to region.

The most beautiful day by far was a day trip with Alexis and Meika to Cacheuta, where we spent a warm sunny day soaking in the thermal pools. Out in the middle of nowhere, tucked in a high, dry desert cliffside landscape, we enjoyed the natural waters, landscape, and a few cervesas. It was a Monday, and not crowded at all. I love vacation. I love that I get nealry 4 AR pesos to the US dollar.

More to come on overnight bus rides and Buenos Aires.