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OK - it's been a couple of weeks or so since I last blogged - been either nowhere near computers, too busy or around crap computers!
Have been in Mendoza for over two weeks - my favourite city thus far on the trip. I had arranged some Spanish lessons in advance via my buddy Bruno, who has some friends in Mendoza. Luciana was to be my teacher and she recommended a hostel to stay in, ran by some friends of hers. All sounds a bit insestious eh?!
Anyway, I wanted to get away from the English speakers and I certainly managed that. Hostel Parque Central is run by a great bunch of people - respect to Rodrigo, Gabi and the crew for being such great hosts! I had 2 hours a day for 5 days with Luciana, sitting outside cafes drinking coffee beats the hell out of sitting in a classroom me thinks. My Spanish improved but still along way from making any decent conversation, and I have the impression that I sound somewhat like an English version of Borat. Still, I'll crack it at some point.
Mendoza itself is a real beaut of a city, nice wide boulevards, plazas and parklands. Produce the most wine is Argentina. Very European. Most beautiful chicks that I've seen on this trip to date too - damn my Spanish! Johnny turned up midweek looking somewhat bedraggled after a 36 hour commute from London, so we were eating out and making merry for the remainder of the week.
The following week we headed north to spend a week up in the Alta Montana (High Mountain) region in the nearby Andes, notably Mount Aconcagua which at 6,900m is the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. We had intended to join an organised tour from Mendoza but the prices were exhorbitant so we decided to go DIY intead. Our first stop, the valley of Uspallata, would have been a great base but alas the hostel we stayed at was 8km from the nearest village, with no means of transport and thus a 3 hour round trip to get supplies. Still, the scenary and isolation was great for a couple of days after the city and Cristian was another top notch Argentine host. The highlight was the Asado (BBQ) we had, Cristian invited all his family and friends for a full on meat feast!
Onwards and upwards to the tiny village of Puente Del Inca (Inca Bridge). The main claim to fame of this place is the natural bridge spanning the Rio Mendoza that gives the village it's name, brightly coloured by mineral desposits through the millenia. It is also here that we found the most bizarre accommodation to date - a railside Refugio that used to be a railway station, constructed of corrogated iron and containing a climbing museum. Most baffling!
The other purpose that Puente Del Inca serves is as gateway to the Aconcagua national park. We took a bus to the entrance and bought a permit but alas Johnny's knee was playing him up so he decided to turn back. Undeterred I trekked the 3 hours or so up to the first base camp, Campo Confluencia at about 3000m. Trekked a further hour or so and would love to have carried on but time had the better of me so had to turn back. Toward the end of the trek I was hit by a sudden and harsh storm featuring sideways hail and a thoroughly good soaking. Returned to the refugio in tatters! I wish I had more time and the equipment to reach the summit of the mountain but alas I didn't, it takes around 2 weeks. I found the mountain addicitive so I can see the attraction of mountaineering. It's not a technical climb at all, but 4 people lost their lives up there in January alone, which kind of puts it into perspective.
So back to Mendoza again, was delighted that Bruno was back in town and staying at the same place too. That evening was the start of Vendimia, the annual wine festival as the Autumn sets in. Lots of wine tasting, street entertainment and all round good stuff! We also got invited to some friends of Bruno's party, right out in the sticks in a beautiful house. They go late over here, the party didn't start until 01.00 and we finally rocked home at 10.00!
Johnny decided that he's not digging it and wants to go home. I don't know what he was expecting, surely a beautiful corner of the planet, 25 to 30C, wine, song and beautiful members of the opposite sex would float anybody's boat! Still, he's changed his flight and I've left him in Mendoza.
Currently in Salta, northern Argentina for a few days. Will let you know what occurs!
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