We`re elated to be getting caught up on posting our photos, as we sit in a café in the most boring city we have yet to visit, Bahia Blanca, Argentina. It´s not really Bahia´s fault, since Bahia is more a travel hub than a destination.

"Stop twirling the ring, Aaron."
"Ok."

Anyhoo, the first photojournal (Aaron informs me that is the proper nomenclature) we`re forwarding is from Mendoza, Argentina, a.k.a. Heaven on Earth. Ok, there were some downsides, like the half-naked party girls sent around to raise support for various election candidates, but how bad could any place get where you`re practically guarantied sunshine and 80 degrees as you stroll down the wide, tree-lined sidewalks on your way to a beautiful park?? Photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/aaronboydyo/200710181025MendozaAndTheAndes

Melissa accomplished a MOST amazing feat while we were in Mendoza. You´ll have to watch the video to find out. (the first minute is a little slow, but the conclusion is not to be missed... sound recommended) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4635136088480542563&q=melissa+bike&total=62&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2

As you`ve probably just seen, we snapped just a few photos on our drive through the Andes into Chile - it was 75 to be exact, be happy we cut liberally.

Valparaíso was our first stop in Chile. We really liked the vibe and bohemian style in Cerro Alegre. Melissa got an infection that earned her the nickname "puffy." See our second photo journal for a visual. http://picasaweb.google.com/aaronboydyo/200710251031ValparaSoAndCollipulli

From Valpo we headed south to Collipulli and had the pleasure of staying with Connie Landinez´s in-laws. They fed us VERY well, directed us to beautiful nearby locations (pics coming soon), gave us great opportunities to practice our Spanish and, most importantly, truly made us feel like family. We`re hoping to return the favor someday in Bend, OR.

We´re off to dinner before we catch our night bus to Buenos Aires for a T-giving reunion with the Boyds! Happy holiday and talk again soon.

xoM+A

We put up a new slideshow from our final three weeks in Buenos Aires. You can see it here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aaronboydyo/200709251017BuenosAires.

I took a video of some Tango dancing in Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo. You can see it here: http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid=-5872371759656143863.

More pictures to come soon. We are trying hard to get caught up! We´re having a great time right now, surrounded by the natural beauty of Chile´s lake district (mid-south part of Chile). Melissa scaled an ice mountain, after artfully accusing me of putting her life in danger, and then slid down on a make-shift sled made from her rain jacket. More on that later.

Hope everyone is doing well.

xoM+A