He's here, he's here, he's finally here!

Yes, it is true, a cup of jo and my dad. All in one, this morning, right here in our apartment. How fabulously surreal, I love it! Yesterday, I cleaned and busied myself all morning as I waited with great anticipation to finally hail a taxi and ride to the airport for the grand pick-up. I even arranged a little side table next to the little twin bed draped in an old lady pink comforter

with hotel soaps and a local English wine magazine. It was darling, or at least I professed this thought to Todd who humored me with false enthusiasm. Todd again humored my childlike anticipation as I bubbled down the street looking for wine and flowers. It has been 8 months since I last saw anyone in my family. Of course I was excited.

Last night, we sat at our apartment, drinking some Bud, while dad recanted his travel down south to Argentina. It was great. Then we were off to enjoy one of Mendoza's greatest gifts, vino. And where better to do this then, our now favorite hang out, The Vines of Mendoza. We ordered a lovely meat and cheese platter, and three cups of Argentina's finest. I opted for a Brut Xero Cuvee, dad enjoyed a Petite Fleur blend, and Todd the Monte Cinco Malbec.

Next, we opted for a stroll through Plaza Independencia and down Peatonal Sarmiento, the main pedestrian street in town. It was refreshing to see the city through new eyes. Comments about the power lines, yielded conversation about weather and different safety standards. The people, the canals that are used for watering the trees, the atmosphere all seemed so fresh with these new eyes in tow.

After our walk we strolled up to La Florencia for some meat. It was still a little early for dinner, even at 9:30pm, but that just meant we had our choice of table. We indulged in some vodka tonics, very full, plentiful pours, but a wonderful change from wine and sub-par beer. After the very large menu was finally deciphered, we all sat back and waited for our different cuts of beef. It was delicious! So, on full bellies and slightly boozy heads, we strolled back to our apartment.

It was time for bed. My dad is here, right here in Mendoza. Not just a voice coming through our computer, our words typed on a monitor, but here, to give me the hug I needed. I am a lucky girl!