Argentina Part 7
Kevin and I flew from Buenos Aires to Mendoza Tuesday evening and stayed in a cheap hostel for $100 pesos which is about $12 USD per person. It wasn't fancy at all, but at least a private room with a bathroom and we didn't get bed bugs. So, it did the job. We weren't quite sure what to think of Mendoza that first evening, but it turns out we just didn't know where to go yet.
On Wednesday morning, we hired a driver to take us to do zip lining which was about 1.5 hours away, towards the Andes and Chile. The driver was very helpful and answered any question we could think of. He started off playing Led Zeppelin IV then once that finished he switched to some classic tango music. He said he didn't personally do it. But he just enjoyed listening to it.
Neither Kevin or I had done zip like before but it turned out to be everything we expected and better. They seemed to call it "canopy" there. The guide spoke english just enough to explain to us the hand signals and techniques of what we were supposed to do to be safe. I was glad we weren't doing something more dangerous like parachuting or hang gliding because I think I only got about 30% of what he said.
Yes, that is a real dog that had poofy bangs.
Our driver/guide Emilio also showed us how Mate was done by the locals. He always carries a bag around with him with his gourd, straw and hot water. He gladly answered all my questions and shared a few rounds while we were waiting for the tour to start. I ended up getting a gourd similar to his later in Mendoza at a place he recommended.
When we were finished they had an excellent lunch at the base camp. Chicken empanadas with a croissant like shell and a juicy sort of salisbury steak with a mushroom sauce on top ending with flan for dessert.