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Brave New World
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I’ve been in South America for over a week now, and am beginning to feel right at home. My pallid British skin is now beginning to show signs of colour. The sun is once more in the right side of the sky, and the sky itself has expanded greatly since the claustrophobic days in England. I’m staying in Rob’s wonderful little Mendoza pad, slowly immersing myself into Latin American Culture. It’s a balmy 30 degrees most days, so to you folks getting into the Northern Hemisphere winter, enjoy. There is still snow on the Andes though, and there are splendid views of this magnificent range from just outside the Town. Sunday saw us drive deep into the heart of the mountains, where the snow still lies close to the road, and the wind howls with an icy winter chill. My plans see me here for another two weeks before drifting off up into northern Chile to the driest desert on earth. After the drive to the base of Aconcagua, I simply can’t wait to get to grips with the Andes.
Everything I have seen in terms of mountains did not prepare me for the sheer size and harshness of this environment. Culture shock is still taking effect, and my abysmal Spanish does not help. The next week is dedicated to at least mastering a passable travelling version of the Language. It will take many months to be comfortable with it, but there certainly is no lack of chance to practise Mendoza is a stunning little jewel of a city, set on the arid plains beneath the Andes. It is in full spring flourish, and the streets are lined with delicate greens. Canals and ditches along the streets feed trees that line all the major streets. It cools greatly what would otherwise be a very hot town. I am still not into the Siesta mode, and the afternoons can be very warm. This is more than made up for by divine evenings, and we have already had many games of paddle {a tennis derivative peculiar to Argentina}, some lasting until past midnight.
Well that’s pretty much the news. I have not got too much to tell in terms of travelling, simple because I have been stuck {out of choice} in the town. But watch this space, many adventures to follow.
Sorry folks but I haven't got to read mail yet, as the machine I'm using is so utterly slow, and you have all written so much