Here are some of the things I've been up to:
Two weekends ago, I went to Mendoza, Argentina. It was about a 7 hour bus ride, but I didn't mind that because we basically drove straight through the Andes and the view was amazing for pretty much the entire ride. My favorite thing that we did in Mendoza was the wine tour. We rented bikes for the day and rode around some country roads to different vineyards and wineries. I got to taste some wine, of course, but we also made a stop at an olive oil/chocolate factory. There, we got to taste olive oil, balsamic vinegar, olives/olive products, and chocolate. It was super tasty! We ate lunch at a vineyard, and it was really wonderful because it we were the only ones there, and we got to sit outside next to the vineyard drinking wine while they grilled our amazing chicken and steak.
Preparing samples for us to taste
"Bienbebidos," literally, "well drunk," a word-play on "bienvenidos," or "welcome"
The next day in Mendoza, we watched the Argentina-Mexico game in a fast-food restaurant that happened to have a big-screen TV. Little did we know what a popular spot we were in...once the game started, the employees locked the doors to prevent more people from entering and causing a scene, only to cause an almost-riot outside. The police came three times before they sent the really intense police on motorcycles to chase everyone away. In this picture you can see the employees trying super hard to hold the doors closed:
Mendoza, Argentina is known for their chocolate in addition to their wine. We went to an amazing chocolate shop called La Cabaña, and I bought so much chocolate that I'm a tiny bit concerned it won't all fit in my suitcase!
The next weekend, I traveled to San Pedro de Atacama, which is the driest desert in the world. I was told it only rains three times a year there! Our flight left super-early in the morning--around 5 AM, and after the flight and 2-hour bus ride, we finally arrived in San Pedro around 11 AM. Our hostel was really neat, but very rustic, to say the least. Our room wasn't completely enclosed, so it was extremely cold at night, and the bathroom was a bit open to the outside, so I couldn't even force myself to wash my face some nights. I think that was the first time I've ever slept with my gloves on. In the daytime, however, it got very warm and sunny--about 70 degrees.
During the first day in San Pedro, we toured the Laguna Cejar, which is a salt lake that contains more salt than the dead sea. Even though it was only 70 degrees out, and the water was rather cold, I forced myself to get in. I was so glad, though, because it was so much fun to float in the water!
Us Floating in Laguna Cejar
The next stop on our tour was Ojos de Salar, or literally, "salted eyes." The Ojos de Salar were two small-ish lakes, and what was especially neat was how clear the reflection was in the water.
Part of the group and Ojos de Salar
Lastly, we went to Tebenquiche Lagoon to watch the sun set. We even got free pisco sours as part of our tour! Even in just one afternoon, I saw so many neat things in San Pedro.
Tebenquiche Lagoon
The next day, we had a tour that began at 4 AM. Our first stop was the Geysers del Tatio, where we watched the sun rise. At this time, the temperature was below freezing, and that morning may have been the coldest I've ever gotten. I really enjoyed seeing the geysers, since I find it really fascinating that things like that just occur naturally in the earth. By the end of the sunrise, we were served breakfast, but I was so cold that I couldn't even stand to eat outside. After a bit of time back in the van, I slowly started to regain feeling in my hands and toes. Shortly after, however, we arrived at the hot spring. Originally, I was determined to swim in the hot spring, but I was so freezing cold that I couldn't imagine the idea of getting wet. Although the water was relatively warm, the air was still very chilly. I managed to force myself into the water, however, and I'm really glad I did. I enjoyed it a lot, and I'm glad I compromised my desire for comfort in order to experience the trip 100%.
Sunrise at the Tatio Geysers
It was a bit chilly
The hot spring. Notice the people who are NOT in the water and what they are wearing!
After the hot spring, we went to visit another geyser/salt lake thing, and then to a small pueblo where I tried llama meat. That's right! I ate llama. It actually tasted really good!
These are called vicuñas; they're closely related to the llama
More Scenery
About to eat our llama kebab!
During the second half of our tour, we went sandboarding and then watched the sun set over Valle de la Luna ("Valley of the Moon"). We hiked up part of a mountain, so we had an excellent view of the entire valley. Being in Valle de la Luna, I really did feel like I was on the moon!
After sandboarding--it was quite the workout!
Me in Valle de la Luna
Sunset in Valle de la Luna
I had a really wonderful time in San Pedro. It's by far the neatest place I've ever traveled to. I have a really strong desire to go back sometime in the future and bring my family with me. Mom, Dad--wanna go to San Pedro? ;-)
One last picture. During our last day in San Pedro, we came across a man with two baby llamas. They were so cute and I was so excited that I literally stopped talking mid-sentence and skipped excitedly over to pet them. They were so cute!
Me giving Little Llamita a snack!
Again, sorry for the lapse in posting. Expect another one this weekend! I miss you all!
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ReplyDeleteYour pictures are fantastic! I can almost feel the cold from your descriptions, too, brrrrr! Oh, don't try to come home with a baby llamita - your father will freak (but they are SO CUTE)! Maybe grandad would want one?!
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