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!