Submitted by Jacob Parish on the 2018 winter session program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
As a first-time explorer, I truly had no idea what to expect when I found out we were spending the day driving and hiking through the Andes Mountains in Mendoza. Unfortunately, I had always been a firm believer in the fact that Google Images could show me anything I wanted to see, for a much cheaper price and a lot less time. I am astonished and embarrassed that it took me 19 and a half years to realize how wrong I had been all along.
Despite my lack of sleep the night before, I just could not allow myself to shut my eyes on the early morning bus ride. Anywhere you looked, all you could see were the beautiful mountains. Along with periodic stops for photo-ops, the views hiking through the Andes (shown below!) were simply breathtaking. I still stand by the fact that every single picture taken looks as though it could have been in front of a green screen.
As if the entire experience wasn’t enough, we were then treated to Argentinian parrilla, where they put every piece of meat imaginable on your plate and the meal seemingly never ends. Watching the chef work with a grill and open flames right in front of us, as well as cut our lunch with a hacksaw, was truly incredible.
Without a doubt, from the mountains themselves to the culture and gastronomy, just one day in Mendoza provided more than I could ever imagine. This has been an amazing experience so far, and I cannot wait for more new memories and events next week!