The two don't seem to go together, but they do here in Mendoza. That's where I ended up after another long, overnight bus ride.
As many of you know, I'm not big into wines. Well, any type of alcohol for that matter. But considering that this was THE thing to do, I had to give it a go.
I hopped on a local bus to Maipu, the wine region for 1.50APR. 45 minutes later, I was on the main street with several bicycle rental shops. They all looked the same, but I walked into the one recommended by the grandpa I met in Puerto Madryn. I admit that I was a bit worried that they wouldn't have small enough bikes to accommodate my short legs... Once the seats were adjusted on the smallest bike, though, I was all set to go!!!!!
With map in hand, I first headed to the wine museum. Very pretty.
Although they offered free tasting, I opted out. Seriously...I wouldn't be able to handle the wine and the biking in 35C weather. Yes, wimp.
From there, I decided to head to the farthest area, about 10 miles on a paved, yet narrow, road. I thought 10 miles on a bike would be a cinch. I was WRONG – It's hard!!! I even contemplated turning back around at some point. But then again, I didn't have much planned for the rest of the day, so why not keep going, right?!
When I finally made it to the edge of the Maipu wine region (at least according to the biking map), I headed to the olive factory instead of the winery. Hehe. Unfortunately, one tour just left, so I had to wait another hour. Which was no problem for me – gave me some time to rest my getting-sore butt and legs. It felt great to be off that bike! Even better when I entered the factory for some reprieve from the sun, not to mention the delicious aroma of olives. Mmmmmmmmm.
On the road back, I made a short stop at one of the wineries for a tasting. About time!!! Just a sip, though. I had more biking ahead of me.
To the chocolate factory. I was sooooooo looking forward to this one (left the best for last!), but it turned out not to be all that. I had pictured various types of chocolate and nuts for tasting; even paid 10ARP for it! What I got was chocolate-based liquor. Darn it. OK, the taste wasn't too bad...just wish it was plain chocolate, meaning minus the alcohol.
By this time, my butt was killing me. VERY sore. I had a hard time walking straight for a few seconds after getting off the bike. Probably an indication to head home...
I went to return the bike, and the guy at the agency offered me a glass of wine. Since they had a nice terrace, a perfect place to relax and drink before getting on the bus, I accepted. And managed to finish two glasses (not kidding!) while chatting with other bikers who, like me, were done for the day.
Lesson of the day – I think wine is more enjoyable when I don't have to worry about biking afterwards.
Other than that, Mendoza is a pretty city to spend a couple of days. Here are some random tidbits:
- They have the most amazing park (looked expensive to build). I wanted to go the Cerro (hill) there, but never got a chance since the buses stop running in late afternoon. To give you an idea about the park's enormousness, this is the roundabout at the entrance:
- Discovered "menu-of-the-day" lunches. Cheap, filling, and yummy! Tried my very first Argentinean steak, and was not disappointed.
As many of you know, I'm not big into wines. Well, any type of alcohol for that matter. But considering that this was THE thing to do, I had to give it a go.I hopped on a local bus to Maipu, the wine region for 1.50APR. 45 minutes later, I was on the main street with several bicycle rental shops. They all looked the same, but I walked into the one recommended by the grandpa I met in Puerto Madryn. I admit that I was a bit worried that they wouldn't have small enough bikes to accommodate my short legs... Once the seats were adjusted on the smallest bike, though, I was all set to go!!!!!
With map in hand, I first headed to the wine museum. Very pretty.
Although they offered free tasting, I opted out. Seriously...I wouldn't be able to handle the wine and the biking in 35C weather. Yes, wimp.From there, I decided to head to the farthest area, about 10 miles on a paved, yet narrow, road. I thought 10 miles on a bike would be a cinch. I was WRONG – It's hard!!! I even contemplated turning back around at some point. But then again, I didn't have much planned for the rest of the day, so why not keep going, right?!
When I finally made it to the edge of the Maipu wine region (at least according to the biking map), I headed to the olive factory instead of the winery. Hehe. Unfortunately, one tour just left, so I had to wait another hour. Which was no problem for me – gave me some time to rest my getting-sore butt and legs. It felt great to be off that bike! Even better when I entered the factory for some reprieve from the sun, not to mention the delicious aroma of olives. Mmmmmmmmm.
On the road back, I made a short stop at one of the wineries for a tasting. About time!!! Just a sip, though. I had more biking ahead of me.
To the chocolate factory. I was sooooooo looking forward to this one (left the best for last!), but it turned out not to be all that. I had pictured various types of chocolate and nuts for tasting; even paid 10ARP for it! What I got was chocolate-based liquor. Darn it. OK, the taste wasn't too bad...just wish it was plain chocolate, meaning minus the alcohol.
By this time, my butt was killing me. VERY sore. I had a hard time walking straight for a few seconds after getting off the bike. Probably an indication to head home...
I went to return the bike, and the guy at the agency offered me a glass of wine. Since they had a nice terrace, a perfect place to relax and drink before getting on the bus, I accepted. And managed to finish two glasses (not kidding!) while chatting with other bikers who, like me, were done for the day.
Lesson of the day – I think wine is more enjoyable when I don't have to worry about biking afterwards.
Other than that, Mendoza is a pretty city to spend a couple of days. Here are some random tidbits:
- They have the most amazing park (looked expensive to build). I wanted to go the Cerro (hill) there, but never got a chance since the buses stop running in late afternoon. To give you an idea about the park's enormousness, this is the roundabout at the entrance:
- Discovered "menu-of-the-day" lunches. Cheap, filling, and yummy! Tried my very first Argentinean steak, and was not disappointed.- Great ice cream/gelato. Me thinks second to Italy.
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