Out of Tucuman, on to Mendoza

After the aforementioned assault, a lengthy and unproductive police report with a young police woman who I could not communicate with I returned to the hotel to find Denyse and learn that the $600 camera went away too.

We waited around for awhile then went for a walk  which ended in a good Midwestern (USA) type thunderstorm just as we had to return to the hotel to get our remaining stuff and head for the bus terminal.

Plenty of taxis in Tucuman but all busy during a thunderstorm so we made an unexpected loaded walk of about 1 kilometer across ankle deep streets to the bus terminal where electricity was out.  Did I mention this day was an adventure?

Finally made it on the bus for a 12 hour ride (roads flooded) so took an additional 2 hours to make it to Mendoza, Argentina and our 5 night hostel.

Mendoza is a city centered on the wine industry due to its  dry climate but plenty of water from the Andies just west of town.  Nice outdoor cafe location, shaded streets and big parks.  So for several days we rested, did a little homework, urban hikes and museums.   Our second time in Mendoza and good break from unfamiliar territory.

A couple of observations...
1) No pictures...remember camera stolen. Twice.
2) Beer is about same price as soft drink.  Hard to find bottle that is not 3 times normal US size.
3) Half of the business establishments seem to be closed at any one time.  Especially during a three day New Years weekend.

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