The first of what was sure to be many low points. As the bus pulled in to the terminal at 5am a horrible feeling of dread passed over me. My illness, together with the bleak Mendoza weather meant I wanted nothing more in life than to be asleep for an undetermined period of time. My wish soon came true, and after standing in the terminal for an hour I was asleep in a hostel reception, desperate to fight off anything holiday-ruining disease.

I awoke the next day refreshed, with one thing on my mind. That sweet, sweet wine. Coloured dark red (preferably) and causing all sorts of saliva causing action. The challenge was getting to my 'reward', and accompanied by 3 French hombres also longing for the same thing. We were (literally) racing, tandem bikes and all, in a dangerous fashion to the nearest vineyard. Yes folks, Le tour de Vino was well and truly underway and it wasn't long before the tandem bikes became a regrettable choice and things got a bit wobbly, specifically when it was gun-ho to the next vineyard for a re fuel. To be honest, we only made it to 2 vineyards, where we learnt about the grapes and making process. There is actually a lot of chemistry behind wine making which I found interesting (but who cares?) The tastings were useless however, as our glasses were drained before the guide started the "aroma test". We broke up the vineyards with a stop at a liqueur bodega, where we were invited for samples of any 6 fruit/sweet product. First up was the 45% brandy which nearly knocked me off the chair, however, they got a bit less potent as we enjoyed more fruity goodness.

The race was on to the bike rental. Myself and Thibaut (but I could have sworn it was James Franco) vs Vincent and Kenzo. The thing with tandems is that you have to put your trust into the driver and just pedal. I think if I were driving there would have been a serious pileup. The streets were narrow and full of trucks going fast enough to blow you off your bike. In our somewhat intoxicated states this was a great time. Copping strange looks from the Maipu locals the whole way home back, ps I think me and Franco won, good times.

That night was spent nursing my battle wounds and watching Borat, a movie I hadn't seen in along time. Very nice!!

In terms of Mendoza city. There isn't a lot going on. It is home for around 950000 peeps, but the vineyards are the main draw card. The lake is enjoyable for a walk, as I found out. I also treated myself to an a you can eat buffet, because it was my last proper meal in Argentina, (so I thought). I actually felt quite ashamed sitting alone, smashing plate after plate. It was time for a well deserved rest after a huge eating event, in the form of a slothed out bus ride to Salta (18hrs). I am an actual slob.