Many More Mendoza Memories

As we prepare to leave Mendoza following our month long stay, we wish the time hadn't passed so quickly but we are departing with more good memories of this beautiful city and region. Since our daughter Rachel arrived 11 days ago, we have been busy taking her to our favourite places and seeking out more new experiences.

Beyond repeating our favourite city walks (the expansive San Martin Park, the multitude of city plazas, and the pedestrian-friendly streets), we have also made multiple trips to the Central Market and street-side dining restaurants. Another day we went to the Museum of Contemporary Art where the 3 of us could not agree on our favourite pieces of art or sculptures, but that is what art is all about. We also managed to find plenty of time to do more wine tasting, with four different day trips to Chacras de Coria (Alta Vista was great), Coquimbito (Mr. Hugo bikes to Vina El Cerno, Tempus Alba, Trapiche and finally to Entre Olivos for olive and liqueur tastings), Lujan de Cuyo (fabulous 5 course lunch with paired tastings at Lagarde), and then back to Coquimbito (Bodega La Rural wine museum, La Botella tasting room). A good time was had by all on those excursions, although we may have been over-served at some of the bodegas :-) Another time we took a bus to Cacheuta where we spent the day at the public hot springs, checking out the many pools with  their varying temperatures (hot to cold). To satisfy our hiking needs we climbed to the summit of Cerro Arco (1500 metres) which was great exercise but that was the only reward......the 'sunny with cloudy periods' forecast never developed and our view from the top was lost in the surrounding clouds and light mist. The hiking clubhouse at the base however served ice cold cervezas, and with pictures covering the walls with summit views and a model of mighty Aconcagua (western hemisphere's highest summit at 6960 metres), we could sit and enjoy our beverages imagining we had just returned from the two week treacherous climb to the summit.

The Easter holiday in Mendoza started on Thursday, with Good Friday being the most special day (almost all shops and restaurants were closed). I'm also not sure the Easter Bunny comes this far south because I couldn't find any chocolate treats on Sunday morning :-(

Tomorrow morning we check out of our lovely apartment and the three of us will head to the bus terminal where we will board the bus headed to Santiago, Chile. The 7 hour bus ride through the Andes mountains was a highlight from our first trip to South America in 2010 and we are looking forward to doing it again travelling in the opposite direction this time. From Santiago we will continue on to the beautiful coastal city of Valparaiso where we will complete our adventure.

Just another mid-day stop to replenish our energy with one litre cervezas.

Alta Vista vineyard with the Andes Mountains in the background.

Merlot grapes ready to be harvested

Old cellar at Vina el Cerno.

Preferred parking for our bicycles. I presume they consider us all handicapped drivers.

At Trapiche winery......this is the room we should have booked our month-long stay in.

The 'do not disturb' area at Lagarde winery. 'Henry' was their top of the line wine.

The grand finale at our 5 course meal with paired wines at Lagarde. The 'pig' was a napkin holder.

A peaceful protest downtown on Easter weekend.

Taken at the Wine Museum which was part of the Rutini winery. There were all sorts of cooperage tools hanging on the wall to the left of the barrels.