Lago Reynuso to Mendoza, 120 Miles with "Truck-Man"

Lots of “Lysol and Cola” (as Amie calls it) was our excuse for sleeping in until almost 11am. As we were concluding our late breakfast of bread, dulce de leche and mate, more friends of Francisco’s arrived to enjoy some lake time and a Sunday BBQ. Ernesto and his new girlfriend Susana (or Susie) are in there late 50s/early 60s and quite eccentric. Ernesto has a little poodle he cuddles named Pepina, and Susana was just down right whacky (more on that in a minute). Walter and his wife Beatriz are cut from the same gracious mold as our host, and with them came there two sons Maxi and Mati. Maxi is finishing his last year of Chef school and Mati is a monster of a kid; 21 years old, basketball star.

The wood for the asado (bbq, and yes they always bbq with wood) was lit at noon, and the feast that ensued soon after will not be soon forgotten. Ribs, sausage, steaks of all different varieties were served in succession over the course of 2 hours. Amie and I could hardly believe the quantity of meat consumed. We were shocked when we learned that this was not even a special occasion feast, just a typical Sunday asado!

After lunch all of the adults took a nap. It was incredible, all of these people just sawing logs at 3pm in the afternoon. The kids (or those under 30, including us) enjoyed more lakeside activities. Amie and I learned a bunch more Spanish and our new friends a bunch more English. We also spent some time clearing up the pronunciation differences between the words “Bitch, Beach and Peach.”

Marisol has to complete a physical test which includes multiple handstands and things for her major as a physical therapist. I thought I could help her out, you know, since I’d been practicing and all. What followed was an all out Gymnastic expo. A 5 year old girl ended up stealing the show with a tumble routine and splits made to look effortless.

We started to pack up for the three hour drive back to Mendoza at about 9pm. I thought this was a bit late as Francisco and the others had to work tomorrow (it was Sunday remember). While Amie and I were packing up our things, we noticed more meat coming out of the refridgerator and more wood being lit. No one was going anywhere without dinner first! Yes, that’s right, we had another heart-attack asado at midnight, everyone gorging themselves on sausage and steak (with almost no vegetables or side dishes) before heading out on the road for a 3 hour drive. We pulled into Francisco’s garage in Mendoza at 3:45am. He was at work at 8am the next day.

The patio on Sunday

Ernesto and his stuffed animal

Walter the grill-master

Salud!

Gymnastics Session

Francisco curing Amie's headache

Yoshita gets a break

The second round of food
Dinner at midnight, sunday night (our only foto of the very zaney Susie)