Commemorating Easter and having time off to travel, I decided to travel to Mendoza, Argentina and bus to Santiago, Chile. Little did I know, that this trip would indeed commemorate the healing power that is proclaimed in Christ’s inflicted stripes during his death and resurrection. Mendoza is widely known as a portal to the Andes Mountains and to the Argentina’s best wineries–many friends indulged in Andes-range excursions and winery tours. Nevertheless, my Mendoza excursions attested to the town’s chill, relaxing, and inviting nature it cultivates for visitors and locals–well that’s based on my 12 hour-turned-to-2-hour exploration of the town.
Nausea and tiredness plagued the commute from my Buenos Aires to Mendoza via flight. As I arrived to Mendoza, I battled various urges to “dispose” of the dinner I had the night before. These urges continued for over 6-7 hours to the point I had to go to the medical services at the airport. Heavily considering a return to Buenos Aires, I lounged around the airport for about 8 hours. After the medicine kicked in, after texts & prayers with family and friends, and after several naps, I started to feel better and was plagued with the decision to continue my journey of Mendoza & Santiago, Chile or go back home.
Motivations Made in Mendoza: In the moment of trial and hardship, you may never know the values, lessons,and skills you are acquiring–similar to reaching the peak of a hill, you may not know the view until you overcome that obstacle.
I decided to press towards the peak and decided to explore the “chill, relaxing, nature” of the town by taxing to the city. I arrived and explored various plazas and parques attributed to various cultures and causes.
A Mendoza highlight was definitely the Easter Program occurring as I arrived to Plaza de Independencia. This occurrence really rendered much joy as their joy permeated throughout the crowd–definitely uplifting my spirit.
Motivations Made in Mendoza: Joy may not be realized when you want it or you may not realize it in moments of difficulty, but know that it is always there, if you want it to be always there.
Following my experience throughout Plaza de Independencia, I stumbled upon La Peatonal– a vibrant pedestrian street & convergence of interactions among locals & tourists. Walking around the city reminded me of a college town with the neighborly vibe of the restaurants and the people. Mendoza is definitely a place that breeds quiet exploration and results in the city being a place with inviting possibilities!
