Aniversario!

Our trip to Mendoza was unbelievable! The stars aligned and it just so happened to be convenient in our schedules to take a nine day trip during our anniversary to the gorgeous wine country and explore the Andes a bit. Everything was amazing--the clean, tranquil mountain town with amazing bakeries and Malbecs. I started trying to think about my favorite parts, and realized there's just too many--instead, here's my list to save you the agony of reading my indulgent detailing of everything amazing in the Andes:

Bus rides with three-course meals and beautiful scenery

Exploring the GIGANTIC park and all of the green space, taking naps in the shade and seeing mountains.

Fun restaurants and waiters who made fun of our "porteño"(Capital) accent

Completely nutso driver brought us through the Andes, thought I would die, but exhilarating. Gorgeous sights, took a hundred pictures.

Decided to stay a few days and explore Chile—so green, little streams coming down the mountain, cacti, trees, flowers…

Los Andes, el pueblo--probably the only tourists there, amazing ice cream, cute little town with music in the plazas at night.

More climbing and meandering around: hillsides not exactly made for tourists and we sort of made up our own “trails.”

Back to Mendoza—strange how much more “homey” it feels to be back in Argentina…especially when first arriving it felt so foreign.

What luck! Found an amazing apartment and we cooked some delicious meals to save money and enjoy our digs.

Rented bikes in Maipu and explored the different wine and olive bodegas. Tree-lined streets with fall leaves changing color, mountains in the distance, warm sun and cool air. We even made some friends at the last bodega and ended up sharing dinner together after.

Creativity on every corner! Painting, dancing, making music, free shows every night and lots of fun andando por los calles. Loads of people out and about, yet it felt completely relaxed.

Another luxury bus ride and it’s back home and back to work.

ps: See photos!! http://picasaweb.google.com/leeann.sit/ArgentinaOtono#