Chest infections or not it was time to get going!  We had one night of luxury at the amazing Hyatt hotel in Mendoza where we would meet the rest of our group and have our final decent nights sleep for a while.  So we took full advantage of the spa and restaurant facilities – well it would be rude not too!

 The Hyatt was also the only place where we saw any sign of Christmas in Argentina!  The foyer was dominated by an enormous and beautiful Christmas tree, decorated in the traditional style.  Having been in Argentina a few days and it being the height of summer, it took us by surprise somewhat.  It was strange being away over the whole of the Christmas and New Year period.  Now I wouldn’t want to miss it every year, we both love Christmas, but it was nice not to have to do the mad dash around the shops for a change.  It also gave us time to reflect on what Christmas meant to us and what it was about it that we would miss.  And of course it isn’t the gifts you receive that you remember but things like sharing a glass of mulled wine with friends and of course Christmas dinner with the family.

Shortly after arriving, we met up with the rest of the group and we were relieved to discover that they were all very friendly and seemed like people we would get on well with.  This was of great comfort as we knew we would be spending a lot of time together over the following weeks and that at times we may be tired, unwell and that had there been  people who didn’t get on it could become unbearable.

Christmas at the Hyatt Mendoza!

Team Aconcagua - the before picture!

 And finally it was time to pick up our packs and make our way to Penetentes Ski resort where it would all begin.  It felt good to finally be on our way even though I was still feeling under the weather and by now on antibiotics.  We stopped at a restaurant on the way where the carnivores of the group tucked into the biggest steaks we had ever seen in our lives!  I exaggerate not!  I think each person must have had a whole cow on their plate!  It was quite amusing to watch some of the group battling to finish, not wanting to show any weakness at this stage in the game.  Suffice to say, I was quite glad to be a vegetarian at this point!

We were met with a friendly smile as we arrived at the deserted and somewhat dilapidated ski resort.  As it was the middle of summer, there was only one hotel open in this tiny resort that sat on the main road from Argentina to Chile.  Some of the group went for a training walk, we chose to rest for one more day and try and shake of what was left of our chest infections and for Steve to try and digest the cow he had earlier consumed.  Another huge meal and then to bed.  Tomorrow we start to climb.