Tak’en it to the Country:  Relaxing at a Mendoza Inn

February 28th

We are out of the city in the Mendoza countryside, where tall poplar trees sway in a gentle breeze in the shadow of the Andes.  All you hear is the music of birds and the hum of bees, busy collecting honey from multiple lavender bushes decorating the grassy yard.  Only the occasional car or motorcycle passing by the inn reminds you that the city is not far away.  It is peaceful, and we love the change.  The Tikay Killa Inn is the dream- child of a shockingly handsome, thirty something, Argentinean single guy who, along with his adorable yellow lab Souki, and grey cat, fell in love with the life in the countryside and knew he needed to live here.  No more than four years ago, he bought a couple acres of land and had the inn built with four rooms for guests.  He has plans for a few rows of grapes that he will nurture into a small private production of wine.  Then, with the bit of ground that is left over, he will install a pool to replace the above ground, kiddy pool he uses to cool off in on a really hot day.  The closest town is about a mile away where, if you blink twice, you miss it. 

Our innkeeper is well traveled, and tells us that he learned his English, which is nearly flawless, in South Africa. He has had several years of experience working for a local winery and is a decent cook.  According to Michael, he makes the best sunny side up eggs this side of the equator.  It has been nice for me to have the opportunity to really communicate with a local after two Spanish language challenged months away.  It is also nice to have the company of a couple of adorable pets who know their manners, but enjoy the extra attention I lavish on them. 

We have gone on a couple of short bike rides further into the countryside where you can smell the yeasty aroma of wine processing in Bodegas that we pass.  Yesterday we stopped at a charming place that makes chocolates, “licores”, jams and olive pastes.  For about five dollars each, we got to taste the fruits of their labor while engaging a beautiful young girl who is getting her degree as an English teacher.  We took an instant liking to her and wanted to bring her home so she could fine-tune her skills. It is expensive for Argentineans to travel to the US.  It requires a visa and an expensive airline ticket, not to mention the expense of hotels and travel within the country.  For a young girl just finishing college, it is impossible.  I immediately started brainstorming about how great it would be to find someone who needs an au pair, or assistant of some type, who could sponsor her and offer her lodging in exchange for childcare and perhaps Spanish lessons.  Then she could really immerse herself in the culture.  If anyone has any interest in having such an arrangement, I am sure she would jump at the chance to have such an opportunity. 

The food in the countryside is far superior to what we have found in the cities.  We have gone to a recommended restaurant, Casa de Campo, the only restaurant that exists in this one horse town.  I am impressed with their wonderful food and the folk music playing in the background that adds to the charm.  I was in heaven eating the roasted pig, rustic potatoes and vegetables. Along with a glass of wine and a beautiful salad, we had a feast.  The pig was  “melt in your mouth” tender and dripping with delicious juices and flavors that only clay oven roasting can impart.  We will go back today and probably all the afternoons until we leave, just to try all of their wonderful dishes.  On Friday, the 2^nd of March, we will be traveling over the Andes on the top level of a double-decker bus.  We have front row panoramic seats--pray for us!!