Chance Encounters, Mendoza

Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina (as if we hadn't drank enough wine two and a half months into our trip!) We stayed in the nicest hostel we had dared stay in up to this point (excluding our house in BsAs). Huge kitchen, private bathroom, TV, outdoor swimming pool!

Our most memorable night and day consisted of a late night run in with some young Argentinian boozers, and a subsequent invitation to a birthday party of a folk dancer, which we gladly, and drunkenly, accepted.

The party was held on a beautiful property situated on the wine fields, in view of the mountains. Initially awkward outsiders, John and I eventually became the stars of the party, being serenaded by Beatles songs in broken English, and old Spanish folk songs that sent electrifying chills through the air. We had signed copies of books given to us, ponchos lended, and a drive all the way back to our hostel. Another successful adventure off the tourist track!

Aside from a horrific encounter the next morning with the managers of our hostel, this part of our journey was well worth it.