The view on the way was incredible as we all marveled at the Andes Mountains, and joked about how we have the same picture about 20 different ways. Going through the customs/immigration into Argentina was no problem at all.
Surprisingly, there is a big difference between Argentina and Chile. I didn't think there would be a significant difference at least between Mendoza and Chile, but there was. Argentinians seem more put togther, more calm and laid back. They definitely have more a European, rather than indigenous look, speak slower and better than Chileans, and things are CHEAP there! I think the other shocker was not to be living so crowded or on top of each other. We weren't on a hill, but it a nice plain with space to move around.
The next day we took a bike tour throughout the countryside of Mendoza. Someone likened Mendoza to the Wine Country in California. It has many vineyards and farmers in the area. It was such a beautiful ride to different vineyards and an olive oil plantation/factory that had a delicious sampling of chocolates, marmalaides, olive oils and olives. This one was by far our favorite. It was a cute, mom-and-pop, antique feel. Here's an artsy-craftsy shots of it.
It's a toss up whether we looked like the circus was coming to town or a bike gang.
From there we biked to a restaurant in the middle-of-nowhere to eat some tasty empanadas in the countryside sitting on a bail of hay. What fun but exhausting time biking around! After the bike tour, a few of us ventured to a eat Argentinian steak. We were told that they have good and very cheap steaks! For the first time ever, I, Allison Johnston, ordered a steak dinner. I enjoyed it as well!
Sunday, we decided to walk. All morning long three of us, walked to 3 of the plazas that were named and gifted from different countries. The fourth is named after a founding father, but they are situated in a square shape with a major plaza, Plaza Independencia, in the middel of them. There is a 6-7 block radius between the 4 out-lying plazas. Needless to say, it was lot of walking but a good time exploring the plazas and a famous chocolate shop in Argentina.
We came to the conclusion that Plaza Italia was the best plaza, complete with teeter-totters, slides swings and a spinny-thingy. Plaza Espana was the second best with beautiful tiling and fountain, as well as, a decent playground. Plaza Chile, however, disappointed us dearly. The fountain didn't work, the playground was minimal and that's about it. A bust for sure.
After our unsaid battle of the plazas, we met the rest of the group in the massive public park in Mendoza. It holds a lake, their zoo, soccer stadium and much more. It was a gorgeous and massive park. We finally rested a bit, ate empanadas and explored the park grounds. It is here that we came upon a display by the government of Mendoza/Argentina, I think to promote the park, with the police band playing and traditional folkloric dancers. It was quite entertaining to watch! The little boy below in the pink shirt was my favorite! The one with the sweet pants and beret was also up there! They were precious dancing around with ladies almost 2 feet taller than themselves! After the police band came the boy scouts. Who knew they were international?!
Following the park, we passed the time shopping in art markets. We topped the night of splitting a kilo of ice cream together for a splendid trip to Argentina! The next morning we traveled back to Chile on a double-decker bus! We were excited about that and once again took some more Andes Mountains pictures.
After spending nearly 2 hours trying to enter back into the country at Chilean Customs and Immigration, we made through. Chile sure is a stickler on their border protection/control. It was an intense process, but it was good time to marvel at the snow that we were standing in?! Such extreme weather changes.
All in all, it was a great trip to Argentina. I truly loved Mendoza! However I am excited to back in Chile as the festivities kick up for Fiesta Patrias. Flags were out in full-swing on our bus ride back making us eager for the many days of activities and celebrations to come!
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