Wendy

el 9 de julio!

Today Argentina celebrated its 200 years of independence. We expected fanfare in the main square and parades, but everything was quiet. We rented bicycles and rode up the famous route 40. I don’t think I have ever had more spectacular scenery for a bike ride. We then went to the Esteca bodega, Patios Cafayate, for a highly civilized lunch in a Spanish hacienda built in the 1800s. We ate under a hot Argentinian sun in the manicured garden next to the pool. Probably the best bife de lomo (steak) we have had yet! 

On our way back to the hotel, we noticed a kind of rodeo right across the street and decided to check it out. There were typical gauchos (men and boys) riding horses and roping calves, but I have to admit that it was hard to follow what the exact goal was and there was quite a bit of down time. 

As night came, the independance day partying intensified. We went back to the Casa de Empanadas, but this time sat in the garden with the live music. As we headed back to the hotel, the fiesta was in full force!

Alexis

Balade à vélo sur la mythique route 40.

Bodega Esteca

Ce Cactus semble protéger la vigne des malotrus.

Petit gaucho admire grand gaucho.

Sasha

Nous avons fait une petite promenade en vélo (oú je n’arrivais pas à respirer à cause de l’altitude) mais nous nous sommes arrêtés pour manger un très très bon déjeuner, en fait mon déjeuner préféré pour l’instant! Que c’était bon… Une petite salade fraîche pour l’entrée et puis une lasagne à l’aubergine! Et pour finir un très bon café con leche. 🙂 En plus nous avons bronzé.. Que c’était magique!