Eight of us from the IBM team, Desh, Edwin, Jayan, Roman, Gina, Tarja, Tina, and I, travelled to Mendoza for the long holiday weekend. The city is beautiful, with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is definitely a ‘hot’ tourist destination, proven by the very large number of hostels per area. Though the weather is dry in the winter, Mendoza has an interesting irrigation system consisting of trenches along the city streets, creating relatively green park spaces. (I would have liked to learn more about the irrigation system, but unfortunately did not have the opportunity). We arrived in Mendoza mid-day on Saturday, and headed out for a very long lunch, where I learned what real ‘Maryland’ chicken is.

Roman and I then continued our tour of the city, walking down to the huge Parque General San Martin. Similar to nice days in Cordoba, it seemed like the entire city was out enjoying the beautiful weather in the park.
    

Later in the evening, Tina, Gina, and I wandered through the Plaza Independencia on the way home from dinner.

On Sunday, the team split up to go our different ways, with Desh and Jayan taking a bus tour of the Andes high mountains, Edwin, Tarja, and Tina experiencing life as a gaucho for the day, and Roman and I doing some hiking and rappelling next to a waterfall. A good day was had by all.
    

We met back up in the evening for some drinks, dancing, and dinner. Here’s Edwin, Jayan, Gina, Desh, Roman, and me eating a very late dinner.

Monday was spent on a bike tour of wineries, a small olive oil producer, and a beer garden. Typical for me, I enjoyed trying the olive oils and products more than the wine or beer. Edwin and Roman are enjoying the weather on the deck at the first winery, while Tina and I are taking in the great atmosphere at the beer garden.
    

#ibmcsc argentina