Call to Prayer

Listen closely and you can hear the call to prayer (one of several a day) from the town's mosque just over the bay...pretty wild.

Turkbuku

Made it to the sea a few days ago. We ended up at a small village called Turkbuku - nothing short of beautiful. Our hotel is stunning...and the scenary is equally amazing. We've done nothing but lounge by the sea, soak up some rays, read and watch the boats go by.

45% Memory Loss

Micah drinking Raki, Turkey's old school, traditional cocktail...clocking in at 45% alcohol, 0% enjoyment (for me).

From Mullets to Gullets

Last leg of the trip...and it's been a great one. Started off with two and a half days in Istanbul - very interesting city. Much more modern than we expected (and stylish!), though the old traditions and Muslim roots still shine through. Spent a day at the sights (hot and VERY crowded) and another roaming the ritzy neighborhood our hotel was in.

Food is incredible here. Ate at Kosebasi for kebabs twice in 24 hours...Jennie, thanks for the recommendation again. Micah is still talking about it in his sleep. Mohs - special shout out - the doner kebab joints are off the chain. Rumor has it they are tipping 32 on Zagat.

Adios South America...

Relaxing during our connection at an undisclosed US airport. We're on our way to Turkey! The monopoly money travel tour continues to bust budgets.

Pastimes & PLENTY of Cocktails...

Micah playing Jodete - Argetina's version of Uno - with our favorite hotel bartenders Danny and Paula. "Jodete" roughly translates as "f*ck you." Strangely, we bought these cards at a children's store.

Lomotose

Buenos Aires recap:

Less than 48 hours after the steak-a-thon at La Cabrera, we hit the grill once more for lunch at La Brigada. We're monitoring Micah for gout symptoms.

Had a great six days in BA - shopped around Palermo Soho, wandered the famed Recoleta cemetery, hunted for antiques in Sal Telmo, snuck a few fabulous, late dinners in and tipped cocktails back at some very cool bars.

Oh, and Micah and Annie ran up a killer, late night mini bar tab. Johnnie Walker anyone?

La Kentucky Derby

Our hotel bartender - Danny - was able to whip up some Mint Juleps for us (with Maker's Mark - a first since our travels started!) around lunchtime...6pm that is. Great preparation before heading over to the Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo - the city's racetrack just minutes from our hotel.

After waiting 25 minutes in line to place our bets (in typical South American fashion, only one ticket machine was working?), we crowded around the TVs only to lose all our pesos. All was not a loss as the track was beautiful - plus they had slots in the basement.

Como Lomo

Started our Steak Challenge on Friday night at La Cabrera - Annie of course took the early lead and held stronge until the end. Micah went pale by the the time the bill rolled around.

Recipe for recovery the next day: pool + Coronas.

Surprise Guest Appearance...

Annie Zast takes on Buenos Aires!

Quilmes Beer Pong

Micah sunk 2. Biz = 0.

I'm coming back big at tonight's tourney.

El Calafate

After battling an 11 hour bus from Mendoza, and an overnight airline strike in Buenos Aires, we made it to El Calafate. Certainly worth the wait.

Snuck in a great dinner last night and some maddening Quilmes Beer Pong (see next post) before setting out early today to trek Perito Moreno, one of Argentina's famous glaciers. Truly amazing, and one our of favorite parts of the trip so far.

The Vanilla Ice jokes were flowing...especially after a whiskey on [glacier] ice toast post-hike.

To Jon Zast...Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIZ!

Take one:

Take two:

Success:

"El Wino" Takes Mendoza by Storm

Micah charmed his way through our tasting tour yesterday. I, for one, certainly got my money's worth by the second stop...I thought the lightbulbs hanging from the winery's ceiling were microphones.

Also snuck in a five course tasting lunch with more steak (and wine of course). Perfect day in Argentina.

Breaking news...

A step towards taming the "bigote."

To the Zasts...

Reader Poll

Cast your vote: Ace Ventura Pet Detective or Oompa Loompa?

BBQ Night

Timed it right and hit the weekly asado (grill) at our hotel...the lomo was medium rare, but as always Micah's jokes were served well-done (editor's note: joke by Micah Zajic).

Buenos noches.

Argentina!

Arrived late last night to Salta following an eleven hour bus ride...lucky us, we got seats right next to the John. After a sad goodbye to our friends Darren and Lucy (they are headed to Brazil) we made it to the House of Jasmines, a beautiful estancia outside of town.

Valley of the Moon

Had a lazy three days in San Pedro de Atacama...we finally pulled ourselves from the pool for an afternoon tour of the Valley of the Moon, said to be the driest place on earth. The scenary was incredible - huge sand dunes (we spotted a few sandboarders in the distance), craggy mountains, and massive salt crystals. Our guide (who happened to be wearing a great t-shirt if you ask me) informed us this area is in the midst of an eight year draught, averaging 2mm of rain a year.

We timed the finale with an equally stunning sunset enjoyed from a mountain peak. Can't beat the view.