Instead of heading back into Chile from Bariloche (we couldn't face another border crossing and/or another long bus journey) we headed back into wine country to Mendoza.
On the first day we checked into an HI hostel which wasn't very nice (Mike's choice) so spent the rest of the day getting to know the city pretty well as we looked for alternative accommodation. In the end we settled for dorms in Damajuana, by far the nicest hostel in what can only be described as the 'Notting Hill' area of Mendoza.
Our first night was spent in the grotty hotel so we made the most of it by joining in a pizza party and drinking lots of beer.
The next day we moved hostels. We had already booked a nighttime excursion, moonlight horse riding and asado at an estancia out in the hills so spent the rest of the day just chilling out by the pool and making new friends. We met Dan, a cameraman from London and had a good old natter.
Come nightfall we headed out on our trip. On arrival we were ploughed with red wine. At first we were a bit reluctant to drink realising we would have to be in charge of a horse. However when the 'gauchos' told us we would be going out in three separate groups and we realised we would be waiting three hours before our trip it seemed to make sense. I mean all there was to do was eat, drink wine and chat. We met Izzy here, an English girl who had volunteered at the ranch and was staying at our hostel and I spent the next few hours discussing the merits of the two gorgeous Argentinian brothers who ran the place (much to mike's annoyance :)) with her. Seriously though I don't think I have ever seen men with such pretty eyes, very sexy in their gaucho gear in charge of their stallions - Beccy you would have appreciated it.
Unfortunately I was too tipsy by this point to remember to take a photo and it was about to be our turn on the horses - ahh.
I mounted mine feeling a little bit concerned that I seemed to have the biggest horse and was definitely not sober. This coupled with the fact that my horse once again wanted to be at the front and it was pitch dark with a lighting storm in the distance led to a disconcerted first ten minutes. I soon settled into it though and relaxed. Mike did well too and got his trotting down this time. All in all a wonderful, magical experience and despite the black clouds, thunder and lightning we managed to see the moon for about ten minutes just before midnight.
The next day was scheduled for a day of wine tasting with Dan and Kat (from BA and Cafayate who had headed across to meet us with her friend Lukas from Santiago). We headed out to Maipu and rented some girly bikes (yes the boys had baskets and all) and took in all the area had to offer. Unfortunately we didn't get to see to many vineyards as we ran out of time but managed to taste lots of lovely wine which is all the matters I guess.
We had planned to go to the Boca Riverplate game that evening but had got back too late from the wine tasting so headed out for dinner together instead before retiring to watch the game on tv in the hostel.
Our last day in Mendoza we just chilled by the pool, having planned an asado with everyone for the evening. Kat and Lukas were heading to BA, we were off to Santiago, Dan was leaving to climb Aconcagua and Izzy was to move hostels in preparation for her stint as a horsewoman.
The farewell dinner was, I have to say, the asado to beat all other asados. Muchos carne seasoned with garlic, spicy chorizo, potato and egg argentine salad and of course obligatory Malbec we ate and drank into the night (well all except Mike who was in bed by midnight of course!).
A great end to nearly two months in Argentina. Don't cry for us though ... We will definitely be back.
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