PISCO SOURS

The wines in Chile and Argentina were excellent. Surprisingly complex, rich and heavenly, but after two lengthy tastings per day on our trip, all I wanted in the evenings was a refreshing, boozy cocktail (or two). Meet the PISCO SOUR. Have you had one?

A Pisco Sour involves Pisco--a yellowish grape brandy-- bitters, fresh lemon or lime and egg whites for froth. Man oh man this is a divine combination! In Chile I threw quite a few of these back and they always hit the spot. I'll definitely be trying my hands at the Pisco Sour come summer time.

ME AND THE MOTO BOYS!

Pardon the excessive amount of photos from my day, but it was an excessively awesome type of day. After we began what would appear to be a very civilized tasting at a bio-dynamic vineyard, a group of about 30 motorcyclists (friends of the winemaker) rolled into our picturesque setting. Now I couldn't just stare out the window and watch this opportunity pass me by, could I?!

I'm so happy I jumped out of my seat and set about photographing this motley crew of jolly guys. You couldn't have staged a more handsome, rustic group of men and a more perfect, sunny day in an idyllic spot on this Earth. We laughed, snacked, drank some wine and I photographed all the while. At one point, I found myself on a carriage with a darling guy, trotting out to the grapes, glass of Malbec in hand. I did a princess wave and they all photographed me, "La Americana!" I giggled like a school girl.

It was an unforgettable afternoon, full of laughter and great photos. Then as we were about to leave, the unthinkable happened . . . As I was photographing the group of muchachos, they started to chant my name; "LEELA, OLE OLE OLE OLE, LEELA!!" And I joined them for a photo. The miraculously strong, thinnest one of the bunch, who they all called "La Rana" (the frog), swept me off my feet and held me in the air for quite some time. As they chanted the leela song and I was smiling the goofiest of grins, I thought -- This is my rock star moment!!! and HOLY #$%&, I hope my skirt doesn't blow completely above my head.

It was a spectacular afternoon.

CARO

I'm very far behind on posting and photo editing! All I can do when I get back from the evening is to collapse, purple-stained tongue and all, into bed. Seriously, we eat dinner here at 10:30 pm! It is a wonderful, late night culture but I'm such an old lady at heart, it's hard for me to function on so little sleep. I'll sleep when I'm dead, that's what I figure!

We have been in Mendoza, Argentina for a few days now and it is spectacular. The land, the warm sun, more passionate wine makers and chefs -- it's quite the experience. Caro Winery was the first we visited and so I'm starting there with a few photos. Isn't Estella, the winemaker, gorgeous? She spoke very personally about the challenges of her work and being a woman in a very male-dominated profession. She was frank, courageous, totally charismatic and brilliant. I fell in love.

Each place we visit, the men and women are so incredibly, draw-dropping good looking, it's hard not to stare. I don't know the secret, but perhaps it's all the good wine and delicious empanadas? Espero que si!