jozzhart's blog

Beautiful place on a massive lake surrounded my mountains and is one of Argentina’s main ski resorts. Put the backpack on and headed into the mountains. After four hours I found myself at a small hut at the base of a massive valley, well above the snow line. Again, an amazing feeling of remoteness. Very beautiful place with a very charming mountain hut with two very intimate dorm rooms. The rooms basically consist of one large bunk bed that sleeps 12 people. With the arrival of a group of 10 and other resident skiers meant we were in for a full house that night.

After Mendoza, I got a 2hr bus up to Uspallata, near Montana Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. Originally wanted to climb it, but was 12 day trek so spent the day in the desert, trekking through a military zone instead.

Good fun setting out into the desert, and soon being the only person around for miles. The whole, last person on the earth after nuclear war feeling is always fun. Even found a cave I could live in. But it didn’t have broadband, so I wouldn’t have survived 24hrs.

photos

Hello all

Sorry, but this is a a quick post to let you all know I´m still alive, but nursing a bit of a hangover. I won too much beer last night, beating the locals a foos ball. Local customs pertain that it´s considered rude not to finish a beer that has been bought for you. even if they are litre bottles. hahhahah.

Haven´t posted becuase I have been in the desert and in the mountains and in the desert mountains.

Every now and then during your travels, you might do something that isn't actually culturally right. You know, fly to the other side of the world, and end up in an Irish bar. Which is fine if the other side of the world is Dublin, but you know what I mean. So the guys I was with decided that we should go to the casino. Now the casino can be the backpackers best friend (if he can find his shoes to be allowed in). If everything goes right, you can quickly fix your financial position now that you've realised the ridiculous 25 peso a day budget that you

But always seem to disappoint. I'm here in Mendoza, Argentina's wine region. What sounds better than hopping on a bus and touring some of the vineyards in the region in a place that gets sun shine 360 days of the year. Nothing sounds better, in theory. My first mistake was to book it through my hostel. I'm normally against doing this, but due to tight time frame was forced to. And reminded very quickly why I try to avoid it. As soon as I hoped on the bus things didn't look promising. It was full of..... ssssssssshhhh, old people. I have nothing against old people in fact I'm related to some, hi Pop, and if things go to plan I'll be one, one day. But the chances of a rocking afternoon of partying, quickly disappeared.
I'm not going to bore you with the details of it, so here's the summary.
We went to the first vineyard. Spent an hour and half looking at stainless steel vats, and then got the equivalent of two shots of wine.
The next vineyard was exactly the same scenario. Admittedly a nicer vineyard and had some impressive wine casks. Then a trip to a church and before I knew it the fun packed afternoon was over.

Rather large wine barrel

Wow, bottling the wine

mmmmm dusty wine

They say travelling is about experiencing something new. Well, even after all my travels so far, this still holds true. Today's new experience was accidentally soliciting the services of a prostitute……………

Hello All!

Welcome to the new website! It's been over four years since it's first inception as a travel blog (and over 3 and half years since last update). Now it's an all conquering site, travel blog, photos, music, what more could you want. I will endeavour to keep things updated, and encourage all your comments on the site. So relax, take your shoes off, make yourself at home and have a read of the (mis)adventures of me and who ever can be bothered commenting. Let's hope the laughs never stop......