¡El fin de semana!

¡Hola desde Argentina!

¡Esperamos que todos estén bien! ¡La estamos pasando “re” lindo! We are having such a great time here in Argentina! With no school on Friday, our long weekend or fin de semana has been full of adventures throughout the region of Mendoza!

On Friday, the teachers enjoyed an excursion to los Reyunos. Los Reyunos is a dam and reservoir used to generate hydroelectricity. However, we visited the Lago Los Reyunos is a tourist center that serves as a place for visitors to camp, wakeboard, windsurf, swim, canoe, etc. Since it is wintertime, although we did not do any of those activities, we did enjoy a lovely lunch, a walk around the lake, as well as tirolesa or ziplining.

Here is a picture of Miss Churma, Ms. Rose, and myself getting ready to zipline across los Reyunos Lago. So much fun!

On Saturday, many of us went to sporting events (including rugby and fútbol), birthday parties, and dance classes! Others visited the incredibly beautiful mountains, went shopping in the local artisanal shops , and even met our extended host family (e.g., tías, tíos, primos, etc.). Such fun!

In fact, many of the shops include recuerdos (souvenirs), such as decorations, leather and Mate kits (the traditional Argentinian tea)! Personally, I am holding out for some alfajores, the traditional cookies full of dulce de leche! ¡Tan delicioso!

Apart from shopping, several students visited nearby monuments, cities, and sights! Like the teachers, many have been to Lago Los Reyunos. Here are some of their highlights that they would like to share!

This statue is from Los Reyunos and is located right by the lago or lake. It is such a fabulous, natural destination to visit here in the region of Mendoza, Argentina!

In addition, others went to the mountains or Valle Grande.

Some students even took a crack at the labyrinth!

I personally spent the day sledding with my host teacher and her husband in the Andes Mountains at Las Leñas! We were cold, but we had so much fun! Such an unforgettable experience!

All in all, you can’t deny the beauty of this country! The water and the mountains are just breathtaking!

On Sundays in Argentina, it is very typical for the whole family to reunite and eat an asado or barbecue. This tradition includes beef as well as other meat – usually some varieties of pork as well – which are cooked on a grill or parrilla over coal and an open fire. With very few additions and no sauces, this asado is quite delicious!

While the asado is just incredible, we can’t forget to mention the helado! There are so many ice cream shops – or heladerías – in San Rafael!

Thank you for reading this rather long blog entry and staying along for the ride!

Hasta mañana!

Miss Fallahi, Ms. Churma, Ms. Rose, and Mr. Fleischmann