Wine, Olive Oil, and Chocolate Tour

Jeff's school provides all kinds of opportunities for the students to get to know the city and continue practicing their Spanish even outside of class time. And many of these activities are open not only to students but also their families and friends. Today's activity was a tour that visited two wineries (out of some 1200 in the area), an olive oil factory, and a tiny chocolate shop, which was right up our alley, so we signed up right away. Wine is Argentina's second-largest industry (after petroleum) and olive oil is the third, so the tour was a great way to become more familiar with the heart and soul of Argentina, particularly the area around Mendoza, and it was also a delight for our taste buds.

The first winery was a pretty large one called Baudron. In the tasting room, they served us one white wine (a Chardonnay) and one red (a Malbec, for which Mendoza is most well-known). Jeff and I are never much for white wines, but the Malbec was truly wonderful--the best we've tried since we've been here...And we've tried a few!

Baudron Winery

My favorite room on the tour!

For reference as to how big each of those barrels is

The two wines we got to taste.
That Malbec is amazing!

From there we headed over to Pasrai, an olive oil and raisin factory. The name is a blending of the Spanish word for raisin and the English word for raisin because raisins were their first product and first export. They have since added the olive oil component to the business, which is the only part we visited today. We got to see the olives being processed, and then we got to try some of their lotions and sample many of their oils, everything from straight up extra virgin olive oil to many different flavors like lemon, garlic, rosemary, oregano, basil and aji. Our favorite was the aji oil, which is made with a red pepper for a little spice (or a lot of spice if you're Argentinian). We were also able to try some of their raisins, both golden and regular. We thought everything was wonderful!

Pasrai

A batch of olives ready to be processed

The making of olive oil

So many wonderful goodies!

I loved the beautiful murals that lined the entrance.

Then we visited another, smaller winery, Cavas de Don Arturo, that only produces red wine, which is not sold in stores but is only available to purchase on site. We tasted three of their wines, but we did not particularly enjoy any of them, though we did enjoy the experience.

The tasting room at Cavas de Don Arturo

My favorite feature of this winery

The final stop on our tour was a tiny artisanal shop, which could barely hold our entire tour group. It was like someone's grandma had just set up shop selling all her goodies out of a spare room in her house. You had to be going there to get there, so I imagine someone in the tour company knew the owner and made this arrangement. The owner, who claims to use old family recipes for most of her items, was very enthusiastic and charming and had many products for us to sample, including some savory things like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spreads, as well as some sweets, which was definitely the focus of the shop. The most unique for me was the spaghetti squash jam. There were all kinds of jams and chocolates and a whole selection of liqueurs. Everything was delicious, and it was such a fun experience!

Sweet treats and liqueurs

Jams, jellies and sweet spreads

Liqueur samples

Final samples at A la Antigua

Celebrating 16

We had a pretty low-key, but still very fun, celebration for Ruth's birthday today. She had requested pancakes for breakfast, which was a little easier said than done, since that doesn't really seem to be a thing here in Mendoza. We also don't have any measuring cups in our house, so Ruth just threw ingredients into a bowl and hoped for the best. I then cooked the pancakes one at a time in a frying pan, which took quite a long time but was worth it. The pancakes came out super thick but quite tasty, and even though we couldn't find syrup, we found a number of other acceptable toppings. 

Birthday breakfast

Pancakes upon pancakes upon pancakes!

Later, Ruth made herself a chocolate pie, which also proved to be something of an adventure. We only had an oval pan, and the pie crust we found was more like phyllo dough. Also the handle on the saucepan was just about to fall off and would twist around in her hand every time she tried to grab it, so hot chocolate kept spilling all over everything. And a certain little brother released all the aerosol from the whipped cream canister, so that it came out creamy rather than foamy. But it tasted good and makes for a good story. 

Birthday pie

When we were giving Ruth our gift of many gift cards to some of her favorite places, Clay was sad because he didn't have a store-bought gift for her, even though he had drawn a lovely picture to give her. So, he begged me to take him to the store to pick something out. He is such a giver and a lover, and I couldn't resist his request. He found the perfect thing: a pack of four different writing instruments Ruth could use for school and a package of Ferro Rocher bonbons. He's such a sweet boy, and he does love his sister so!

When you get exactly what you
wanted for your birthday.

There will be some shopping in this girl's future

These two have the sweetest relationship!

For dinner, we went out to a cool place that Ruth picked out called Fuente y Fonda. The restaurant didn't even open until 8, and we were some of the first patrons to arrive. The concept of the place is shareable dishes served family-style. We ordered three different things: Chicken Milanesa, Shepard's Pie, and Steak, which came with sides and bread and desserts. Everything was delicious, and we had such a great time!

Fuente y Fonda

Birthday dinner

So much yumminess!

And Just Like That, You're Sixteen

Dear Ruth,

I know that at the stage of life you're in time seems to move too slowly. You are ready to be out on your own, becoming your own person and making your own way in the world. But for me, the years are flying by, and it's hard for me to believe you are already 16! I do love this age, though. I love that you are capable of doing everything. I love that you are planning your future. I love that our relationship is evolving to be one more of friendship.

We spent last summer traveling around the western U.S. and Canada in our tiny RV, and though you were sometimes annoyed by the lack of space and privacy, you were a trooper, and overall I think you enjoyed the trip and learned some things about yourself and about some places you had never been. One of our stops on the trip was the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Our time there lit a spark in you and inspired you in many ways. You decided you could see yourself at a place like that and immediately began to make plans and take actions to try to make that happen.

For example, you had never been a runner, but you decided almost on the spot that you would start a training program for yourself and that you would join a cross country team when we got back to Flower Mound. You were disciplined to get up early, even while we were on vacation, and to put forth whatever effort you could muster for that day, working up from short runs that left you wiped out to runs several miles long that left you energized. Once we were back and you were part of the team, you diligently followed all the recommendations of your coaches and continued to improve your times and gain more stamina, working hard both at practice and on your own. By the end of cross country season, you definitely considered yourself a runner and were eager to continue the work you started by joining the track team. You improved at every meet during the track season and even earned your letter jacket by running on the varsity team at several meets.

In addition to running cross country and track, you participated with IEA again, though by the end of the season you were feeling a little burned out and were wanting to put more of your focus on your running sports, college preparation, and some of your other activities. You haven't decided if you will go back to IEA in the fall. Sometimes it is hard to walk away from something that is familiar or comfortable or something you have previously loved and go a different direction, but I'm really proud of you for taking a critical look at your activities in order to decide what is truly important to you, what really brings you joy, and what is best for you in this season of you life.

Other than sports, you also participated in a homeschool honor society and took on a volunteer position at a barn that works with disabled kids. And you found the Civil Air Patrol, which seems to be what brings you the most joy right now. You feel connected and inspired and challenged there, and you are working hard to move through the ranks. You joined the Color Guard and got to participate in a parade and a horse show with them. You also got to do your first training flight, which thrilled and excited you in so many ways and may have sealed the deal for you to pursue getting a pilot's license at some point in the future.

Aside from our summer trip, we had several other opportunities for travel this year. We went to Nashville in August to see the total solar eclipse, which was really something spectacular to behold. We also traveled to Washington D. C. in November, which was a trip you thoroughly enjoyed. In December, we spent time with family in South Padre. We took a short trip to eastern Oklahoma in March, which was restful for all of us. And, we are currently traveling in South America. We've already visited Peru and Easter Island, and now we are in Mendoza, Argentina. And, we still have Chile to look forward to. You have had a very open mind on this trip, and it seems you have enjoyed the overall travel experience more than you have in the past.

You have been working on your Spanish this year and have improved dramatically. And you have been so thrilled and proud to be able to understand and communicate with a variety of people while we are traveling in Spanish-speaking countries. Doing something hard, like learning a language, never seems like much fun when you're in the midst of it, but it's usually worth it in the end, if for no other reason than to know that you are capable of doing hard things. You are definitely capable of doing hard things, and I'm proud of you for putting in the effort and pushing through the discomfort that comes before the accomplishment.

In many ways, this year has been easier and happier for you than last year. You seem to be settling in to who you are and feeling more comfortable in your own skin. You still had some difficult classes in school, but they didn't seem to frazzle you as much. You've been better about not taking yourself so seriously and giving yourself grace, and there is peace in that. You also made some good friends through your various activities, who you have enjoyed hanging out with. And you and Weston have really developed a special bond, which is touching to see and good for both of you.

You got your driver's permit right after your last birthday and have been driving us everywhere. You have driven in all sorts of conditions and have encountered some stressful situations on the road, but you have kept your head and maintained a calm demeanor. It has been a delight to see you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to handle the unexpected. You are looking forward to getting you license when we get back to Texas, which will mean a new level of independence for you. You are more than ready for it, and I'm excited for you!

Ruth, it's actually sort of difficult for me to put into words how very proud I am of you, but I hope you know that I am. You are an amazing young woman, and I'm so thankful for you! You are a hard worker and put your heart and soul into every endeavor you attempt. You are a helper and a giver. You are funny and intelligent and brave. You are so responsible and mature, and I trust you completely. I'm so glad that you made me a mother 16 years ago. You have taught me so much and have brought immeasurable joy to my life. Even if I wasn't your mom, I would consider it a privilege to know you. I know there are amazing things in store for you, and I can't wait to see where your path takes you this year and in the years to come. Happy 16th birthday! I love you!

Love,
Mom

Our first Saturday in Mendoza

Today was our first Saturday in Mendoza, and we packed it full of fun. Jeff didn't have class, but his school organized a tour out to Villavicencio, a natural oasis in the otherwise barren Andes. The natural springs there provide the water for one of the most popular bottled waters in the area and one of the best sparkling waters we've ever had. There is a lovely hotel that is in the process of being restored with the goal of reopening next year. And the grounds contain a lush garden and spa that is beautiful now but must have really been something in the former heyday of the hotel. Even though the whole tour was conducted in Spanish and was a little difficult for most of us to follow, we still had a wonderful time and enjoyed the experience.

A fun outing to Villavicenio

It was fun to visit the home of
one of our very favorite sparkling waters.

In the afternoon, Jeff and I took Clay to the main plaza and park in Mendoza, while the other kids stayed behind to rest. Clay was determined to make a friend and use as much Spanish as he could remember. He played hard on the playground and also had a chance to do some painting, buy a balloon sword, and see a mimi magic show. Jeff and I took turns watching him at the playground and strolling through the rest of the enormous park, where there were tons of craft vendors and interesting characters set up enjoying the beautiful day. We found one vendor selling wooden kitchen utensils and were able to add some unique pieces to our collection.

So many lovely wooden utensils to choose from

The great playground defender

This boy's happy place

A new friend

Deciding on a special treat on the way home

Since today was Weston's half-birthday, he got to drive the plans for the rest of the day, which included a dinner of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and a trip out for gelato after dinner. We also decided to revisit Plaza Independencia so we could see what it was like after dark. The answer is "happening." There were so many people and vendors and the whole park was lit up and full of life.

You can take the kid out of Texas,
but you can't take the Texas out of the kid!

Half-birthday gelato party

Plaza Independencia

Argentina's Independence Day

We spent the middle part of this gorgeous day participating in the Independence Day activities going on at a nearby plaza. It is always fun to get involved in local festivities, and doing so helps us appreciate how similar people are no matter where they come from. Later, we had a picnic and played at a small park in another, quieter plaza. It was a wonderful day, and we are so glad we got to be a part of it!

Meat upon meat
(And locro, a traditional Andean stew,
which is the main dish on this special day.)

Lots of sweet treats

Joining the crowd in the plaza

Marching Band

Dancers

Enjoying the Bubble Man

Clay was chosen from the crowd of eager kids
to put his arm through a bubble.

When National Wine Day corresponds
to Argentina's Independence Day

Picnic in the park

Big fun!

Round and round....

...And up and down

The boys found this dilapidated soccer ball and
gave it several hours of new life.

Any good Independence Day deserves a good BBQ.
These two were the fire starters.

And this one was the head chef!