Mendocinos (people from Mendoza) are very kind, welcoming and respectful people. They also love to make fun of each other and me. The other server here are always asking about my family and friends, what kind of music I like and what I do for fun back home. They tease me about going to bed early (which is what happens when you live on a vineyard 20 miles away from the nearest bar), and my silly language mistakes. Today, I thought I asked my friend Dani is she could bring some water to the server station. What I actually said was,"Could you bring water to the gas station?" I try to think of my friend Caroline's wise advice: Always be able to laugh at yourself. Right, Karo?!
The Mendocino accent is proving to be pretty difficult for me to understand, as opposed to the porteño (from Buenos Aires) accent that I am used to. Often times, I have to ask someone to repeat something two or three times. It can be frustrating, especially in groups of native speakers, because you don't want to stop the conversation to ask, "Wait, what?" I try to enjoy the learning process, but I so badly want to speak and understand all kinds of Spanish naturally.
Another interesting thing about the vineyard is that people are always zooming around on two wheels. People that work here ride around on motorcycles, but a lot of people use bikes, too. There are also sirens that go off at all hours here, which is very strange, because nothing goes on here at night. We're going to try to get our hands on some bikes to use on a day off.
There is a dog here named Syrah, like the wine. He is big and friendly and keeps me company while I write these blog entries. He keeps himself busy trying to catch the frogs in the pond.
One last tidbit before I go-last Sunday, which was actually Mother's Day in Argentina, I accidentely set off the alarm at the restaurant. I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to arrive at 10 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and when I tried the door, it just sort of popped open. Alarms, everything. Those who know my tales from Buenos Aires know this also happened to me at my host family's house. Anyways, I waited for the security that seems to be around at all hours except for just then, but no one came. I slinked away back to our little Casa 5 and then later told my boss. Shame, shame, shame. At least I can laugh, no?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The road that will soon become memory lane...
There's a road at the vineyard that I know will become memory lane...check out my photos below.
It's not memory lane...yet. One thing I think will help it become memory lane is if we can figure out how to climb up on the roof to watch the sunset. The vineyards kind of block our view of the Andes, so it's essential that we figure out how to get up there. There are two possibilities: a tree, or a cement block that separates all the little cottages from each other. I'll let everyone know.
I'm working in the Casa del Visitante (Visitor's House) and will be a server as soon as I learn the ropes. It's a really classy restaurant and they have lunch with wine pairings. I'm learning A LOT about wine and also practicing my Spanish to the point where I kinda have a headache at the end of the day. All of the other women that I work with are very nice and help me with everything. Today I learned how to work the coffee machine and how to carry 7 wine glasses in one hand. I will be able to come back and do all sorts of party tricks.
The only place there is internet is by the restaurant, so after hours you have to sit outside to get Wifi. I feel like a creeper sitting here in the dark updating my blog, and it's a little cold, so I'm going to get going. There is so much to tell, and only a limited time to do it in. I will leave you all with some words from my Argentine host father:
Disfruta cada momento, cada instante que te da la vida.
Enjoy every moment, every instant that life gives you.
It's not memory lane...yet. One thing I think will help it become memory lane is if we can figure out how to climb up on the roof to watch the sunset. The vineyards kind of block our view of the Andes, so it's essential that we figure out how to get up there. There are two possibilities: a tree, or a cement block that separates all the little cottages from each other. I'll let everyone know.
I'm working in the Casa del Visitante (Visitor's House) and will be a server as soon as I learn the ropes. It's a really classy restaurant and they have lunch with wine pairings. I'm learning A LOT about wine and also practicing my Spanish to the point where I kinda have a headache at the end of the day. All of the other women that I work with are very nice and help me with everything. Today I learned how to work the coffee machine and how to carry 7 wine glasses in one hand. I will be able to come back and do all sorts of party tricks.
The only place there is internet is by the restaurant, so after hours you have to sit outside to get Wifi. I feel like a creeper sitting here in the dark updating my blog, and it's a little cold, so I'm going to get going. There is so much to tell, and only a limited time to do it in. I will leave you all with some words from my Argentine host father:
Disfruta cada momento, cada instante que te da la vida.
Enjoy every moment, every instant that life gives you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Employed!
Today was wonderful. Not just plain ol' wonderful, but really, really wonderful. Everything just fell into place. I'll back up a little. We are in Mendoza (pop. about 110,000) and spent the night at a hostel last night. Today we woke up early to go to "Bodega Familia Zuccardi," the vineyard owned by a friend of a friend of my host family. The vineyard is about 15 miles outside of the town of Mendoza. It's really beautiful there, just how you would imagine a vineyard to be, with rows upon rows of grape vines.
We met with Julia Zuccardi, the daughter, who basically told us if we wanted to work there, the jobs were ours! I could barely contain my excitement, but luckily Matthew stayed calm and we both expressed our gratitude for the opportunity. Julia told us that they really enjoy having people from everyone come and work, because everyone learns from one another. That is exactly the kind of experience I was looking for, so I am really, really excited. I can't wait to learn about the wine-making process, as well as make friends with these friendly, laid-back Argentines. The vibe is much different from that of Buenos Aires, which suits a mountain person like me much better.
As far as the jobs go, one of us will work in the restaurant, and one of us will work at reception. We haven't decided who will do what yet, but since we've committed to two months as of right now, we will have the opportunity to switch. We will earn our daily bread and shelter with our work, but we won't be paid a salary. Of course it would be nice to be earning money, especially for traveling, but I think it will be fine. Simplicity is underrated.
Peace out, amigos!
We met with Julia Zuccardi, the daughter, who basically told us if we wanted to work there, the jobs were ours! I could barely contain my excitement, but luckily Matthew stayed calm and we both expressed our gratitude for the opportunity. Julia told us that they really enjoy having people from everyone come and work, because everyone learns from one another. That is exactly the kind of experience I was looking for, so I am really, really excited. I can't wait to learn about the wine-making process, as well as make friends with these friendly, laid-back Argentines. The vibe is much different from that of Buenos Aires, which suits a mountain person like me much better.
As far as the jobs go, one of us will work in the restaurant, and one of us will work at reception. We haven't decided who will do what yet, but since we've committed to two months as of right now, we will have the opportunity to switch. We will earn our daily bread and shelter with our work, but we won't be paid a salary. Of course it would be nice to be earning money, especially for traveling, but I think it will be fine. Simplicity is underrated.
Peace out, amigos!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Springtime in Buenos Aires
"Mi Buenos Aires, querido..." (my dear Buenos Aires)
Those are famous tango lyrics, sung by my Argentine host father at a wonderful asado (Argentine bbq) a few nights ago. In one night, Matthew experienced his first true asado, some impromptu tango singing and also got to know José Luis, Laura and Marianela, my little Argentine sister. It was so wonderful to see them, as they are so welcoming and truly treat me as part of their family. The Spanish was flowing as well as the wine, and it was a great night overall. José Luis and Laura have friends who have contacts with some vineyards in Mendoza, and I just heard back from one of them saying that they were interested in having us come work there! We're going to Mendoza tonight on the bus, so I'll update once we know what the deal is.
For your enjoyment, a few photos from Buenos Aires.
Here we are at "La Flor Gigante."
This is Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetary.
Mi familia argentina: Laura and José Luis
Those are famous tango lyrics, sung by my Argentine host father at a wonderful asado (Argentine bbq) a few nights ago. In one night, Matthew experienced his first true asado, some impromptu tango singing and also got to know José Luis, Laura and Marianela, my little Argentine sister. It was so wonderful to see them, as they are so welcoming and truly treat me as part of their family. The Spanish was flowing as well as the wine, and it was a great night overall. José Luis and Laura have friends who have contacts with some vineyards in Mendoza, and I just heard back from one of them saying that they were interested in having us come work there! We're going to Mendoza tonight on the bus, so I'll update once we know what the deal is.
For your enjoyment, a few photos from Buenos Aires.
Here we are at "La Flor Gigante."
This is Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetary.
Mi familia argentina: Laura and José Luis
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Poisonous Ivy Child in the City
As many of you know, I came down with a case of poison ivy a couple of days before I was supposed to leave for Buenos Aires. I believe this special little plant brushed my leg while I was taking a walk by Boulder Creek and then I scratched it all over my body while I was sleeping that night. Well, it kept getting worse over about 25 hours of traveling, to the point where raised, oozing welts covered my arms, legs, stomach and half of my face. When Matthew and I arrived in Buenos Aires, I came to my senses and told him, " I need to see a doctor." He agreed, having witnessed me being eaten alive with his own eyes.
Beware reader: This is going to get graphic.
I had to wear shorts as we searched for medical attention due to the large amount of goo dripping down my legs. I have never felt like such a social pariach as when people on the crowded streets looked at my legs and then made a face that can only be described as horrified. We stopped at a pharmacy first, because in South America many times they can just give you over-the-counter medication. They took one look at me, made those same faces, and sent me to El Hospital Universitario (a teaching hospital, which fortunately was only a few blocks away). Once there, they sent me to dermatology, where I only had to pay 10 pesos (about $3) to see the doctors. You know how on the medical shows on TV they call all the students in to see certain cases? Well, that was me. Four very kind residents/doctors crowded around me and fired questions at me, such as, "Did you roll around in this plant?" I answered all their questions in my best Argentine castellano, and they decided on my treatment. Antibiotics, a special wash for the shower, and creme. Oh, and I dropped my pants for a cortisone shot in the rear end. I know that moment will never fade from my memory.
Anyways, I'm fine, I've been improving rapidly and pretty soon I will no longer look like a monster. Matthew has been really amazing and supporting throughout all of this, for which I am very grateful. It is nice to have someone by your side when the world is staring at you like you are a freak of nature. Remember these words, family and friends, and give a hug to those people that would be there for you!
Anyways, I thought my poison ivy deserved to be the star of this post, but I will write more later about our time in the city. I can't wait for the asado (Argentine barbeque) that we're going to eat with my Argentine host family this weekend. Love you all!
Beware reader: This is going to get graphic.
I had to wear shorts as we searched for medical attention due to the large amount of goo dripping down my legs. I have never felt like such a social pariach as when people on the crowded streets looked at my legs and then made a face that can only be described as horrified. We stopped at a pharmacy first, because in South America many times they can just give you over-the-counter medication. They took one look at me, made those same faces, and sent me to El Hospital Universitario (a teaching hospital, which fortunately was only a few blocks away). Once there, they sent me to dermatology, where I only had to pay 10 pesos (about $3) to see the doctors. You know how on the medical shows on TV they call all the students in to see certain cases? Well, that was me. Four very kind residents/doctors crowded around me and fired questions at me, such as, "Did you roll around in this plant?" I answered all their questions in my best Argentine castellano, and they decided on my treatment. Antibiotics, a special wash for the shower, and creme. Oh, and I dropped my pants for a cortisone shot in the rear end. I know that moment will never fade from my memory.
Anyways, I'm fine, I've been improving rapidly and pretty soon I will no longer look like a monster. Matthew has been really amazing and supporting throughout all of this, for which I am very grateful. It is nice to have someone by your side when the world is staring at you like you are a freak of nature. Remember these words, family and friends, and give a hug to those people that would be there for you!
Anyways, I thought my poison ivy deserved to be the star of this post, but I will write more later about our time in the city. I can't wait for the asado (Argentine barbeque) that we're going to eat with my Argentine host family this weekend. Love you all!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The adventure begins!
I can't believe that I'm leaving for Argentina tomorrow! I'm so excited to see what's in store for me this time. Matthew and I are staying for a week in Buenos Aires, in an apartment that my host family owns. I'm looking forward to showing him my favorite spots and introducing him to friends in the city. After that, we're headed to either Mendoza or Bariloche to look for work in English teaching or hostels. I'm really excited for whatever comes my way! I'll be posting again soon, and I'd love to hear from you all too! Much love, Julia
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