From Santiago to Mendoza by Bus

I'm officially back in Santiago and the search for work and an apartment is on. I will continue working for www.airbnb.com while here but it is certainly not the same market as New York City and I will need (and obviously want) more work. As far as the apartment goes it is a great feeling to be able to afford an apartment in the neighborhood I want to be in. Not to have to pick a neighborhood in NYC based on the affordability, which is still too damn expensive. Here I can live in Bella Artes or Barrio Brasil with great parks, restaurants, bars and museums right outside the door.

Last weekend I took a trip to Mendoza, Argentina, mostly to renew my visa and of course to visit another Argentinean city. The 6.5 hour bus ride from Santiago is an experience in itself. It's beautiful mountain, river, lake and vineyard vistas the whole way. Right after crossing the border into Argentina you get a glimpse of Aconcagua (22,841 ft), the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalayas. I could write about the beauty of it all, but it will do it more justice to show some photos. From Santiago to Mendoza:

Just outside of Santiago

Getting into the mountains and away from the city

Chilean Vineyards

Local on the side of the road

Driving through The Andes

View from Chilean Border Control of Portillo Ski Resort

Switchbacks on the Chilean side

Heading into Argentina

Close to Mendoza

Beautiful lake just outside of Mendoza