Lou: So, its been a month, now. I’ve heard that when you travel, the homesickness really sinks in at 1 month—which I think was pretty true, but now, I think I’m actually homesick for Mendoza! I suppose the 20 below wind chill could have something to do with it…

Right now, I miss being cold at 32 degrees F.

What do I miss? I miss the truly warm, nice people—going out of one’s way to help a stranger is not unheard of. If they know you—well then, you’re practically family! Talkative people, too Mendocinos are never at a loss for something to say. Maybe they are more creative in the conversation starters because they can’t rely on the old, “Some weather, huh?” (It’s pretty constant within the seasons)

I miss the little things like the tiled sidewalks. I know it was a pain at times, but I miss walking everywhere that we needed to go. (ie being able to)

Also, all of the little shops—mostly clothing with the window displays. It was fun to take note of the displays that frequently changed. There was always a particular “in” color or two or a look. How many times would we be walking down the crowded sidewalks, to almost run into the people in front of us because one had stopped to take a look at the display & pulled the other person to a stop, too!

The little spontaneous parties that just came about at our apartment.

I miss the Capoeira group—how friendly and supportive they were to someone that didn’t understand what the heck they were saying much of the time!

I miss the “language exchanges” (which I had time for then!) which were also a cultural exchange & a fun way to meet people to boot.

I miss the awesome fruit & vegetables at Alejandro’s shop. Will I ever be able to eat grapes sold in Minn. again?

I miss having an English class with a wine expert where I was learning just about as much about wine making as he was English.

Oh, and the wine!! Just spending at least 8 pesos (less than 3 dollars) for a bottle of wine guaranteed that it would be pretty good. Here, a 10 peso bottle of wine is 11 dollars & up.

Siesta was sometimes a pain, too--since nearly everything was closed, but now that I have a somewhat regular schedule, I miss the naps—or at least being forced to take it easy for a few hours in the middle of the day (ie most of the afternoon).

Dulce de leche. I still have a stash of mate, but if anyone knows where to buy these things in the Cities let me know!

Fresh, awesome raviolis.

I’m not one for constant adventure, but it can be kind of fun when just going shopping can be a little adventure.

Watching dumb U.S. movies on tv, but since they were dubbed I counted them as spanish practice.

Getting on a bus, watching a movie and waking up at your destination across the country.

There’s probably more, and there’s probably a list just as long of the things I don’t miss. But its more fun to wax nostalgic.