The High Andes

From Andes

This outing took us on the route that links Mendoza to Santiago in Chile, through the Andes. The road replaced an earlier rail link that has now fallen into disuse, as the traveling time via rail was 16 hours, compared to the 6 hours it now takes by road. For much of its length, it follows the Mendoza river that feeds glacial melt water to irrigate the vineyards in the Mendoza region and provide a substantial part of the city's water supply (there is hardly any annual rainfall in the desert that surrounds Mendoza.)
The final destination for this trip was the top of a mountain where Argentina borders Chile. At 3760 meters, this summit was high enough to make you out of breath after only very mild exertion, but it provided a stunning view of the Andes range in all directions. On our route we were able to catch a glimpse of Aconcagua, which at just under 7000 meters is the highest mountain in the whole of the Americas. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the view of the summit was somewhat obscured by clouds.


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Location:Mendoza

Mendoza

From Mendoza

After an early morning flight from Buenos Aires, we arrived in Mendoza in time for a late breakfast, followed by a brief wander round the city centre. The weather here is hot, but not humid, so one does not get too sweaty just walking around. The fact that most of Mendoza's streets are lined with avenues of shady trees certainly helps as well.
The main event for today was a cycling tour of some local wineries. We learned all about how they make the Malbec wine for which the region is famous, and of course got to sample a selection of their produce. It was heartening to see just how much effort and dedication these new winery teams are putting into improving the quality of Argentina's wine exports.

Buenos Aires, Day 2

From Buenos Aires

We continued today with our exploration of some of the more interesting neighborhoods in Buenos Aires ,including the San Telmo with its quaint cobbled streets and antique markets, and one of the city's original coffee houses from the early 1900's. Took in a trip on the Subte A line (underground), which has old wood paneled trains dating back to the days when the BA underground was first built.
In the evening we went in for the full Tango experience, which included a brief lesson (Alison's feet are healing up nicely, thanks), followed by a Argentine steak dinner and a very professional and entertaining show.

Buenos Aires

From Buenos Aires

Left London on a dull winter's day. Arrived in Argentina in the middle of summer, with clear blue skies and 30+ temperatures. Great!
We spent the first few hours being taken on an orientation tour of Buenos Aires, before being dropped off in our hotel in the Recoleta district of the city. After a brief siesta, time for some more sightseeing. Although Buenos Aires is a vast city, the interesting bits are mainly concentrated in the centre and are reasonably easy to get round on foot or by taxi. First impressions are that BA is a very elegant city, with most of the buildings being constructed during the country's boom period in the early 1900's, when Argentina was one of the most wealthy countries in the world, at least in terms of per capita income. The overall impression is Parisian, with perhaps a touch of Madrid. Certainly not what you might associate with a Latin American country. The fact that the city has a somewhat rundown feel does nothing to spoil its overall charm. You get the impression that when the Argentine economy recovers from its current bout of inflation and the country can afford to invest again in its infrastructure, then it could easily return to its former glory.
Our itinerary took in the impressive Recoleta Cemetary, where the family tombs are works of architecture in their own right. We also had to visit the tomb of Evita, who is still something of a cultural icon hereabouts. Also a walk around Plaza de Mayo; scene of many civil protests over the years. Currently occupied by a group advocating the repossession of the Islas Malvinas, which is still a very sore topic for some Argentinians (don't mention the war!)
In the evening, a very enjoyable meal in a cheap and cheerful Argentinian restaurant specialising in stews cooked in a log oven. We are saving ourselves for the full steak blowout tomorrow.

Nearly Christmas in Qatar

From Qatar

They don't really do Christmas in Qatar (thankfully), but my hotel did have this token 'tree'.

Next trip I really must make time to get out and see more of Doha, as I am getting a bit tired of the hotel bar. 

Coldplay, O2

From Coldplay

Although I had seen many Coldplay performances on TV, mainly at various outdoor festivals, this was the first time I had ever been to see them live.  And based on this performance, I can confirm that they certainly know how to deliver the authentic stadium experience.  An amazing stage set with luminous graffiti, an array of dazzling lighting effects and Coldplay's usual blitz of coloured confetti, balloons, etc.  However, the stand-out moment was when the main lights went out and suddenly we, the crowd, were the main attraction as our wrist bands were simultaneously lit up, as if by magic, and proceeded to pulse in time with the music.

Oh, and the music was pretty good too!

Qatar again

From Qatar

Yet another trip to Qatar.  Apparently Vodafone is i-conX's largest customer, so there is virtually nothing that the company will not do to keep them happy, which includes making my consultancy services available to them on a regular basis.  So it looks like there will be several more visits to wonderful Doha over the next year or so.
This time we were staying in the W Hotel, which was certainly very comfortable indeed. This was just as well as there is not much to do elsewhere in tone, and the international hotels are basically the focus of all night-life, not only for us visitors, but also for all the ex-pats working here.