Familia

Hola!

I’m starting to feel like I start every single post with “this was the best week ever” or “I experienced my favorite things I’ve done since being here,” but it truly does feel like it keeps getting better and better. So, I apologize for the repetition, but these past few weeks have truly been full of some of my best memories. I have felt like the luckiest girl in the world because my parents and older brother came to visit me here in Mendoza!

More than anything, the best parts of having them here were the moments of quality time that I got to spend with them. It really felt like a vacation for me and a breath of fresh air to have them here. But, we also got to do some fun, new things together that I will remember forever. Here are a few of my favorite memories from their time here in Mendoza:

1. Harvesting & making our own olive oil was such a satisfying and full circle experience. Most people don’t know that Mendoza is not only famous for its wines, but also for its olive oil. And, May is right in the middle of harvest season for the olives. So, we had the opportunity to go out to pick and harvest our own olives, put them through the pressing process, bottle the oil, then taste it and bring it home. We had the most fun doing it all together, and we even got to enjoy a delicious lunch at their farm-to-table restaurant afterwards. 
2. A mother-daughter spa day is maybe my favorite way to spend quality time with my mom, and in an international city is even better. Being able to experience new things in a relaxing environment with one of my favorite people in the world was such a special way to spend a morning, especially after not seeing each other for 6 months! We had the best time doing a little bit of self-care and having some time to ourselves to just chat and connect after time apart. What a sweet time! 
3. Taking a day trip to Valle de Uco was something I’ve dreamed of since moving here and it finally came true. Valle de Uco is arguably one of the most famous parts of Mendoza, just about 2 hours outside of the city in the mountains, and it is home to some of the most famous vineyards and the most breathtaking landscapes and views. When I found out my family was coming to visit, I immediately knew this was a must-visit place and I’m so thankful that we were able to explore a new part of the world all together. 

These past couple of weeks with my parents and brother were truly such an incredible way to book-end my time here in Mendoza and I feel so lucky to have family that makes the long trip to come and see this place that has quickly become like home. And while the last couple of weeks I have left here before I move back are going to be bittersweet, I’m thankful for every experience that I am fortunate enough to have.

With love, Sarah