I ran away

Photo 1: Horseback riding in a campo, or farm, in Córdoba. It was really cold. And I got caught in the thorns--twice. And my horse didn´t like me--we went astray and I needed rescuing. As miserable as I was, I loved every minute of it. And the girl on the right is Catty, my friend from my program who also happens to live really close to me.

2 weekends ago, I had a long weekend with no plans. So, as I sat in class at 8pm, I received a text message (as I can no longer do without a cell phone) that read, "let´s go to Córdoba tonight." I had no more information than that and I decided to take the 10.30p bus that night. In the morning, we (2 other girls) realized that we don´t have a place to stay. Luckily, we found a hostel ($8 USD per night) that had room, people were friendly, and had a certificate that stated that they were bug-free. PERFECT. If you´re ever in town, look for Tango Hostel. Great place.

It´s very rare that I´m spontaneous like that. But surprisingly, I had no problems going and letting go. In turn, I had an amazing experience and met wonderful people.

Photo 2: A glimpse of some of the people (other tourists, non-American) I met at the horseback riding excursion. This was taken after the asado, or extremely Argentine barbecue. We sat in the little shed thing next to the stables listening to someone play the guitar. It was dusty, smelly, and "farm-y" but unforgettable and very lovely. City girl in country life doesn´t work well all the time.

Catching up...because me han robado

A few weekends ago, I went to Alta Vista bodega, or winery, a little south of the city (of Mendoza). Though there´s not much life or greenery because it´s winter, look at how gorgeous the Andes are. And get this, these are only the foothills of the mountains.

If you are into wine, look for Malbec, a type of red wine that is absolutely delicious but very unique. It has a caramel-y, dulce de leche taste that is different than its aroma. I´m far from being a sommelier, but Mendoza has some great wines.

It´s been difficult finding patience and time to use the internet here because I can´t use my laptop. Actually, when I finally headed downtown to use my laptop at a wifi station, I was robbed. And this is why I am finally posting.

Mendoza is a tiny little city and relatively safe. However, a city is a city and people are still people. This past Saturday, I was walking (with a friend) a few blocks from our houses towards a trolley stop. A man on a bike got off and went to a door and fiddled with the door with his keys, as if he were going to enter. However, he was staring at us. I am observant, but I shrugged him off, especially in this society of piropos (catcalls) and machismo comments/actions. Soon after, he comes up to my friend and I, points a weapon (he tried to use it as a gun, but it looked more like a waterpipe, so i didn´t take him too seriously) and asks for my cell. I gave it to him, then I took it back, trying to negotiate a little (I know, dumb). So I got hit a little (don´t worry). Then he went to my friend and asked for her cell.

Now, we both had our laptops in our bags, so we were willing to give up our cellulars. He was the dumbest robber in the world, but that makes me really lucky. Ironically, this was the most ideal mugging situation.

Yes, this was in broad daylight and I was only one block away from a busy street. But things like this still happen. That guy had more fear than we did, which could have been dangerous too. However, all I can do is let it be. I am safe, I have my computer, and I will be less trusting (sadly enough). However, I believe in the law of karma.