Una Moto en Argentina!!!!!!!

Today was my day to wander around Mendoza.

Mendoza is a small pleasant city. I was able to get around the main areas on foot during the day and still get in the customary afternoon nap. This area of Argentina is known for its wine so everything is centered around that industry. Clothing stores have mannequins wearing their lastest fashions, with a bottle of the local vino at their feet. One of my hosts is studying viniculture so she has given me recommendations of where to stop when I leave the city.

But today I wandered up to the Mendoza version of Central Park, Parque de San Martin, followed by Plaza Independencia. The plaza was great for people watching and I got to see a lone guy doing bike tricks in a dried out fountain and a gang of breakdancers showing off their moves. The guy doing the bike tricks was right in front of a bunch of bicycle cops and they nodded on approvingly, which coming from NYC is unusual. But it´s a good example of how relaxed this city is. The lifestyle is very fluid and spontaneous. Another amusing moment was when I heard “My Heart Must Go On” on Incan pipes. Is it mandatory for this song to be played by Peruvians??

As I walked down Calle Villanueva, I ran into a group of local cops. They all had the same bike as me! They were friendly enough and I should have asked them if I could take a picture with me sitting on one of the Mendoza Police bikes but I got nervous with my spanish.

I have mixed feelings about my bike now. Do I have the Crown Victoria of motorcycles? I hope not! It makes me feel decidedly unhip. Speaking of bikes, I´ve seen a fair mix of them since being here. There are of course the obligatory scooters and small bikes, but I´ve seen a lot more cruisers than I expected. This morning I spotted two Honda Falcons, ridden by two extranjeros wearing BMW gear. I also saw on Calle Colon a gigantic KTM Adventure in front of an internet cafe. I had half a mind to go ask whose it was. The family that is hosting me are a BMW crew. What amazed me is the cost of motorcycles here. When I was speaking with Mariano in BA he told me that a Honda CBR is $21,000 here. That is absolutely insane. And an old Vulcan would be $9,000.

Anyway, tonight I am going for some wine and then on to one of the plazas for Italian food.

I could get VERY used to this city. It´s a good thing I rented the bike, else I´d be very unmotivated to go anywhere else than here!!

Tags: 1, Argentina, Mendoza, Tag Index

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