Don´t Cry for us Argentina...but we are leaving

We are writing from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina where the weather is similiar to Corpus hot and humid. Today we spent the majority of the day walking around the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls. It was amazing to see the length of the falls, the beautiful forest around the falls, monkeys, toucans, a couti and countless other birds. We thought of Karen as we walked over six houndred steps to see the falls from an island in the middle of the falls. This park is different because it puts you at different parts of the falls from the top overlooking a 240 ft waterfall and all the mist to the middle where all around you are waterfalls, below looking up and from the side where you can see just how big they are and just how small you are. No picture could capture the magnitude of these falls, but we will try to include one to give you an idea.

Yesterday we said goodbye to Mona and George after a fabulous time in Mendoza. We greatly enjoyed the ¨country¨ of Argentina more than the city of Buenos Aires. On Sunday, we walked around all morning than had a picnic with goods bought at the Central Market, followed by a bike ride in the park. These were bikes for two but you sit side by side (a hilarious sight and lots of fun), then we walked back to the B&B. Later that afternoon we (Nate and Kristy) took a much needed run and happened upon a fantastic company (The Vines of Mendoza) that arranged wine tours since in Mendoza you need a reservation for a tasting. That night we went to 1884 which was rated the 7th best restaurant in the world. Unfortunately, after an amazing meal in Buenos Aires at Cabana Las Lilas (thanks Lori and Andres Nisimblat) this meal and service did not meet expectations and we left dissappointed in our food and service.

Monday all four of us took a tour into the Andes. It was gorgeous to see the highest peak in the western hemisphere (Aconcagua), the border of Chile and Argentina, the Puente del Inca (a natural bridge found by the Inca´s near a hot spring) and our favorite, we stopped at a ski resort and Nate and I rented sleds to partake in the fun. It was hilarious to see us because the sled is only about 1´x2 rectangle which only fits your butt so we learned to learn back, stick out our legs (also the only brake system) and hold on to the rope in the front of the sled. After 8 runs we were tired from the walk uphill at about 8,000 ft, cold becuase we were not prepared for this activities and had kayak pants and sneakers on and wet from not being able to stop ourselves except to fall off the sled! See attached pictures.

Our last day in Mendoza was spent going to four wineries. Each very different and interesting for different reasons:
La Rural - Maker of Mona´s favorite wine from Mendoza (San Felipe) also housed a wine museum and showed us how they used to crush grapes, used an animal hide turned inside out then stomp the grapes and the juice comes out where the tail used to be located. Thank goodess that has changed!!

La Lagar de Carmelo Patti- Family run boutique winery. The owner Carmelo took us on a tour and speaks no English so we had to translate. He allowed us to taste a Cab Sav from his tanks from 2006 and then 2005 to show the maturation procss then during the tasting we tried the same type from 2002. WOW! It tasted totally different and the 2002 was delicous so we bought a bottle. It may not make it back to the US but at least we can enjoy it again. An aside he sells to a rest. in Phoenix (Hacienda del Sol).

Catena Zapata - the building was modelled after a Mayan Temple and it was gorgeous. The guide was from Brazil and spoke excellent English. We tasted the Alamos line which was decent and can be found in the US. Tried a new type of wine the Barbara, which is similiar to Malbec but slightly fruitier. They use a lot science in their winery and it was interesting to learn different techniques in making wine.

Norton - Started the tour by offering us a glass of their sparkling white called Especial, which was quite tasty, then had a very good tasting in a beautiful room.

Yesterday was a long day of travelling for all the two flights Nate and I took were extremely bumpy and I lost my lunch upon landing in Iquazu. Needless to say yesterday was a relaxing day.

Tomorrow onto Brazil to look at the falls from their side then on to Rio where Danny will meet us. Looking forward to seeing a new country and curious about the culture and language differences.