Only 20km across the border into Argentina and before me sat a plate of perfectly cooked eggs covering a mean steak. Everyone from this country raves about the beef, so I had to try it - and it was unreal. I hadn't even cleared customs yet and I was high in the mountains, buying required insurance from this little shop. Then I noticed that these guys were sitting down to what looked like a really good lunch, complete with a bottle of wine - so I decided to give it a shot. Best introduction to a country I've had so far. Followed by the worst introduction to a city.
I arrived at the first large city in Argentina from Santiago; Mendoza. I pulled up to a hostel to check the prices and during my two minute convo I was relieved of my netbook, headphones, and dop kit from the saddle bag on my bike. I didn't see a thing, just my bag hanging wide open when I walked out. I recruited a young crime fighter, pulling him by the arm, and we ran through the park scanning the masses and bobbing our heads like gophers - nothing. I let my guard down and I got touched - that's the way it works.
The roads have been great and although I was really worried about freezing when crossing the Andes from Santiago to Mendoza, it was bearable... even enjoyable. There was snow on the ground and the bodies of water were frozen but I was armed with these new handguard sleeves that cover my grips completely and they helped - that and I was wearing practically every scrap of clothing I brought.
More later,
-John
