Sick in Mendoza

After I made the decision to bail on Bariloche after only a few short days, I bit the bullet and hopped another overnight bus, heading back north to Mendoza, Argentina. The 20 hour bus ride was a bit rough but after all the buses I have braved on this trip, the time went by somewhat quickly. I had two seats to myself, a new book to read and fully charged electronics, the only downside being a missing cover for the air vent that was constantly blasting cold air on me all night. I was glad I hadn't put my sweatshirt in my checked baggage! When I got to Mendoza, I was clearly a bit tired and groggy, and I began to feel as though the open air vent had really done me in. Thankfully I had booked 5 nights in Mendoza and my hostel had a pool and hammock, so I would at least be comfortable while battling the severe head cold that I felt coming on. I had a few chances to walk around town before I got really sick, but I definitely couldn't muster up the strength for any full-fledged sightseeing or bike/wine tours around the city. The italian style promenade was within about 10 blocks and the amazing argentine steak sandwiches really did help me in the mental battle against a vacation sickness. The hostel I booked in Mendoza came through a recommendation of a college buddy, and was really a great place with real socially welcoming atmosphere. On my second night there, what started as an afternoon conversation between myself and two sommeliers from Europe quickly gained traction and resulted in a group effort barbeque for 15 people. Being that we were in the meat capital of the world, it only seemed right to go to the local carniceria to scrape together five and a half kilograms of assorted meat, with some vegetables, bread and tons of wine on the side. The trip to the carniceria was an experience in itself - the butcher whipped out an entire ribcage and cut us strips of beef ribs using an industrial band saw, and we also got a great assortment of sausages and lomo! The feast was on! That night was a very memorable gathering of people from every corner of the world, all sharing their travel stories and striking up amazing conversation until the wee morning hours. We even managed to get a group photo, which is posted below. The next morning was certainly a struggle, battling a hangover and a cold, not to mention that it was a dry and hot summer day in the Mendoza desert. Still I was grateful to have a wonderful place to hang out and relax, reading my book by the pool and taking it easy. While I had by then given up on the idea of wine tasting, I still had one treat ahead of me: a trip to a place called Termas Cacheuta in the Andes. Stay tuned for that one!