Adios Mendoza, Hola Montevideo

We all have to be somewhere at Christmas and I am incredibly lucky to be on a beach in South America with the greatest travel partner. BUT, I ate an entire bag of cheese crackers because everything is closed and the airport sandwiches looked disgusting and the only thing I've had all day is one empanada and an Aerolineas muffin.

Now empty bag of cheese crackers

Aerolineas muffin

At Familia Cassone, Frederico asked our group where we had visited and where else we were going. When I said, "Montevideo," he replied, "That's another country."

To get from Mendoza to Montevideo we had two option: A) Fly one airline, connect in Santiago (yet "another country"), and have a total travel time of about 20 hours; or B) Fly one airline back to Buenos Aires, collect our bags, check-in to another airline, clear security & immigration, and have a total travel time of about 6 hours. We chose Option B and John has been nervous about it ever since.

The change went incredibly efficiently. The airport was uncrowded, no line - seriously, we were THE ONLY people - at security and immigration, and the Aerolineas Argentina (government owned) check-in put American Airlines (private) to shame.

(John's new worry is how we're getting to Colonia de Sacramento three days from now.)

We were pleasantly surprised by Aerolineas. On a 25 minute flight they served the airplane food equivalent of a bento box. One pass down the aisle, tossing boxes left and right. It was quite efficient. The box had juice, thus elimnating the need for a drink service. And, it came with a separate muffin. (See above.)

If I had known there would be no other food, I would have eaten the box.

Montevideo is a beautiful city. The airport is absolutely stunning. Our driver said it is three years old and was rated the number one airport (uncertain which publication) last year.

Looks like a spaceship

It doesn't feel very Christmasy. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why. It's not the heat. Lord knows we've had warm Christmases at home -- thinking of you all now with the record heat this year. Then it occurred to me, it's because of how few decorations are up. The homes do not have lights or wreaths. Very few business have anything and there are no municipal decorations. However, our hotel has this tree in the lobby.

Wine Tree

We read that Montevideans traditionally shoot off fireworks over the water on Christmas Eve. We are just two blocks away and are looking forward to it tonight. Tomorrow is Beach Day!

Final thoughts on Mendoza

As previously mentioned, Mendoza is in a desert. Like all deserts, water is scarce. The Mendoza River is the primary source. Private wells are not allowed except in rare cases of being grandfathered.

The residents do not have what we consider "water on demand." Water is delivered on a set schedule and each home stores it in rooftop tanks. The wealthier homes camouflage the tanks with structures that look like a chimney.

Most homes do not hide their tanks

Mendozans love their dogs. These fine canines were waiting dutifully for their owners outside a large supermarket. I love how they are all facing the doors and do not need to be tied up.

Besides being dry, Mendoza is hot, just like Austin. Many (most) of the car parks have awnings over the entire lot. In same cases they are attached to free-standing poles, and when possible, attached to the surrounding buildings. This would be great at home; especially in August.

Merry Christmas!