Fast Forward to Mendoza

Mendoza is 1400 kms south of Salta.
We covered the whole distance in 2 days and pretty much visited nothing in between.
We knew we had to sacrifice a section of South America as our delay on our trip plan was getting bigger by the day and the north of Argentine became the victim.
As we were rushing through the countryside we only took few picture of this land that looks fairly desertic.

We made a brief stop over at the hotel casino in Catamarca, to rest for the night.
Casinos are always a good bet when it comes to hotels.
These sort of establishments tend to be absolutely gorgeous offering bedrooms and restaurants at very competitive prices, simply because they make every effort to keep you there to ensure you go and waste fortunes at the casino.
We even took full advantage of the welcome coctails, swimming pool, gym and steamroom too (all included in the price).
I am pleased to confirm that Elena was finally able to wear a pair of shoes with hills that we had been carrying around in vain for 4 months.

The following morning we went back into our goretex clothing to complete the second part of the journey.
100 kms north of Mendoza I asked for directions and I was redirected to a shortcut accross the fields.
The scenery changed suddenly from desert to vignards.

In Mendoza we stopped at a traffic light right next to a policeman on a motorcycle.
I pointed out to him that we were riding the same bike (GS 650).
He asked me where I was going and decided to take us there.
What a triumphal entrance at the hotel...escorted by the police.

We truly enjoyed Mendoza.
This town is pretty much in the middle of the desert and yet it displays beautiful boulevards with lines of chesnuts trees and wonderful parks.

When we got the Plaza Italia we really decided to push our luck and asked the porter of the hotel whether they would allow us to go to the terrace at the top of the building to take  some pictures.

Not only they agreed but they gave us plenty of tips of things to see + a full map of the best vignards for the wine tour the following day. (nice people)

Mendoza does not have any particular landmarks or monuments that deserve to be mentionned and yet the whole atmosphere, its beautiful houses, the parks and fountains are captivating.

Around the World Mendoza is famous for its wine.

The following day we jumped on the bike and went touring the vignards in the sorrounding area.

If you drive south on the Routa 40 for 25 kms after Maipo you will eventually get the exit for Routa 7.

This is where most of the best vignards are.

The routa 7 itself is spectacular (btw this is the road that takes you to Santiago in Chile).

You have vignards on your left and right and just in front of you the Andes with snow topped mountains.

After checking out a couple of places on the main road we opted to get lost into the adjecent B roads.

Then splashed out at "Chandon" for a posh lunch and bubbles.....

And finally visited the "cantina septima" for a full lesson on wine production (topped up with more wine tasting).

Yes, we made it back home safe and sound with a big smile on our faces.