There's Always a Parade in Argentina

We arrived in Mendoza, Argentina after an incredibly long day filled with the usual and inevitable airline delays, immigration delays (one agent to process two international flights that had arrived simultaneously) etc.  Ah travel!  But--flying over the Andes was spectacular.  The plane seemed to barely brush the tips of the magnificent range.  As the mountains fell away we could see the beautiful, fertile land of Argentina with vineyards, olive groves, and other agricultural crops.  Everything seems beautifully tended.

The city of Mendoza is small but beautiful and the air is soft and perfumed.  Wine is sold everywhere in bottles decorated with lovely and intricate labels.  If the wine we had with dinner last night is any indication the quality is extremely high.  Although we were exhausted we went out to dinner at a tiny neighborhood restaurant that did not look particularly distinguished but had tasty food.  Home made pasta in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes and a very tender chunks of beef that were like very long simmered brisket.  Yummy.  The area we are staying in has lots of trees and small plazas with fountains and benches for just sitting around.  Tons of little sidewalk cafes dot the are serving coffee and pastries as well as simple meals and wine or beer.

I think the parade above was a labor demonstration.