We started off in Santiago, Chile. We were quickly enamored with this capitol; its buildings, stray dogs, plazas, food, people... We went on a "free tour" (donations at the end, of course) for four hours, which gave us a great overview of the city. Highlights were eating humitas (google them!), Pablo Neruda's house, and reuniting with my Dad! I was so excited to see him, I could hardly sleep the night before!
Then we went to Valparaiso, a hip port town covered with tasteful graffiti. I am still enamored with this city. It has so much character, it was probably our favorite city in Chile. I even got to eat some Thai food while there :) Then we went to Vina del Mar, an upscale beachtown just 10 minutes North of Valpo. There, we wandered around and had a beautiful dinner in a restaurant on the beach overlooking the sunset, ahhhhh!
The journey over the Andes to Argentina was beautiful, although VERY curvy! I had to down some dramamine after about 30 curves... The Andes are just stunning, no matter what country. And the border crossing was fairly painless, we were both excited to get some new stamps!
In Mendoza we spent a day riding bikes around wine country in Maipu. Just imagine my father and I wine tasting, drinking beer, eating chocolate all day and then riding bikes in the sun! Very fun, although silly due to how dangerous it appears to be. No worries though, we were happy and I felt safe. Argentina has the best wine, and it is very inexpensive for what it is! But I can't say I know much of anything about wine, even after these tours. Hopefully I have some wine cred once I return to the states.
And then to Villa Maria, a small city 2 hours south of Cordoba, very much off the tourist map. Our time here was phenomenal. My Dad's family and friends here treated him as if nothing has changed since he was there 30 years ago. The amount of love Argentines show towards each other and their family is beautiful, and they treated us just like family. The entire time we were there (about 5 days), we spent time with people; going to asados until late into the evening, relaxing at cafes, consuming gigantic lunches... It was wonderful. I feel like I have family there now. Dad's bff Alejandro was hilarious too, it was very entertaining for me to witness my Dad's bromance! Him and Ale would give each other gifts, like Ale's belt, Dad's watch, Ale's jersey, Dad's shirt, Ale's clock... It was hysterical and so sweet! I will never forget my time here. Also, my Spanish vastly improved. I am beginning to have quite the Argentine accent. Saying goodbye was sad, my Dad and I both cried a little. But we both promised each other that we will return in the upcoming years, and we won't allow that much time to pass. I will hopefully visit them during the school year.
And then we had our final days together in Buenos Aires! I am so excited to live there, it seems amazing. Ale's brother surprised us at the bus station, showed us around, took us out to a delicious dinner, and even let us stay at his house! The Argentina hospitality is so impressive. My Dad and I walked the antiques fair at San Telmo, booming with music and dancing, we strolled through the colorful neighborhood La Boca, took a bus tour to see all the sites, and ate plenty of empanadas and Italian food. A highlight for me was our final dinner on the river, a classy Italian joint where we ate our little hearts out and had the most delicious food and views!
It was really sad to say goodbye to my Dad at the airport. I feel so lucky to have travelled with him! We had the trip of a lifetime :)
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