Argentina ~ Think Tango (Buenos Aires), Vino (Mendoza) and Gaucho (Patagonia)!
Not your typical honeymoon of resort or water bungalow hibernation (which sounds amazing). Rather, 5 flights in 12 days - covering only half of Argentina. Each destination offering a completely different vibration. So much to learn through travel - here's what I discovered on our journey through Argentina:
Buenos Aires - Strong city with deep roots. Safer than it appears. Spanish speaking city with European flare and an Italian influence. Shopping is catered toward Men (at least in Palermo). Lots of buildings and concrete, but balanced nicely with tree-lined streets. A typical meal is Meat with Meat and a side of Meat! So this non-dairy, fish eating, organic vegetarian was a real complicated customer - But everyone was happy to accommodate! Phew! Hotel recommendations: Legado Mitico & Home Hotel. Restaurant recommendations: Capo (dinner) & Baraka (lunch).
Mendoza - Wine Country (but don't think Napa) about 30 minutes outside of downtown Mendoza. Snow packed Andes Mountain range is the common backdrop at these wineries. Malbec is 'The' wine of Argentina. My not-so-sommelier description of a Malbec wine - fruit forward, full body, simple (not complex). I'm more of an 'earthy' wine drinker, but that didn't stop us from bringing home 8 bottles on the plane, 6 bottles shipped and a year long wine club membership, Oops! Argentine Vino Trivia: Only around 10-30% of the wine produced in Argentina is exported - ie, Argentinians make it to drink it, mmm! Hotel Must: Cavas Wine Lodge. Wineries: Mendel (Amazing), Achaval Ferrer, Catena Zapata, & Melipal. Restaurant: 1884 Francis Mallman. Oh, and if you want to build your own vineyard, you can - prices start at $180,000 - hmm? Contact, The Vines, if this is your vision.
Patagonia: Gaucho region - Earth workers & Cowboy terrain. Villa La Angostura & Bariloche is where we got lost in exploration. These two parts of town are on opposite sides of the amazing Nahuel Huapi lake (think Lake Tahoe but bigger). Beautiful deep turquoise lake surrounded by lushious green mountains. My favorite place in all of Argentina was on the water at Las Balsas in Villa La Angostura. The skies are are so blue, air is so fresh, water is so peaceful and the energy is so full of life. I had an amazing energy balancing session - crystals on my chakras, tibetan singing bowls resonating from head to toe, and reiki energetic clearing. The healer spoke only Spanish and me, un poco, at best. However, we both spoke the langue of energy. Hotel Must: Las Balsas & El Casco. Activity Must: Horseback Riding!
Oh - don't forget - Siesta is no joke! May as well take an afternoon nap - because thats what everyone else is doing! Yes, drink tea/coffee around 5pm (17:00) because dinner doesn't start until (at least) 9pm (21:00)!
Argentina has inspired me to grow in the following ways:
* Horse back riding lessons
* Learn functional Spanish
* Incorporate more swimming
* Develop my own energetic clearing techniques
* Cook with Love
* Art exploration
If anyone wants to join me with developing in any of the above ways - then let me know! Life is more fun sharing experiences!
Ciao~
Live~Love~LiLa
More photos of this trip can be viewed on my Facebook page :-)
