Over the Andes to Argentina

It is a 35 minute flight over the Andes to Mendoza, Argentina.

















We went to Tejamar for a midnight dinner and Tango show.








Here is the passionate singer and host.








We spent the next day at the National University of Cuyo in Mendoza. Faculty in the Engineering School built an earthquake simulator (next 3 pictures) in 2000 but the government went broke and was unable to enclose it in a building until a few years ago.




I don't think I'd want to be teaching in a classroom when they turn on the earthquake simulator. One focus of their studies has been to create the technology that will allow low-income houses to withstand earthquakes.






Earthquake simulator








Our delegation along with faculty from the Engineering School, National University of Cuyo.






Of course, a trip to Mendoza wouldn't be complete without visiting a bodega (winery).

Vineyards














Andes in the background








Bodega de Luigi Bosca








2006 Malbec

















I met with the director (left) of the Kinesiology and Physical Therapy School and vice president (right) of Maza University in Mendoza. These two hope we can arrange a visit with a group of ISU students to see their university, program, and to meet their students!












The neon welcome to Mendoza sign, Independence Park.

Santiago de Chile

Our group from ISU at the Valle Nevado Ski Resort at 10,000 ft. in the Andes mountains. We're here to discuss international exchanges for faculty and students at 3 universities in Chile and 1 in Mendoza, Argentina. This is Kiki, Jeff, me, Aslihan, and Klaus. Jeff is our college dean, his wife Kiki, Aslihan - professor from Agriculture, and Klaus - professor from Technology


First meal in Santiago, Chile. Beef sandwich with tomato and guacamole.







Street art in Santiago








Lamb chops from southern Chile








Pisco - the national drink








Universidad de Santiago








Meeting with faculty from U of Santiago








Andes Mountains








Ski resort at 3000 m with a condor flying in the background








Meeting with faculty from Universidad de Temuco








Dinner at the Peruvian seafood restaurant: la Mar








Chips, sauce, and roasted corn kernels appetizers








Sea bass on rice with a fried banana chip









Meeting with faculty from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile








Engineering building which resembles a copper mine







Santiago central market








Thirsty cat at the market








Central market








Giant sized corn








Central market








Fruta








Chicken feet








Baby costumes








Hotel Sheraton, Santiago









High in the Andes mountains

PBR...and I don't mean Pabst Blue Ribbon!

In professional bull riding, the cowboy must ride 8 seconds to earn a score. Judges rate each rider on how well he matches the bull's moves and maintains control of the ride. They judge the bull on his athleticism, which takes into account direction changes, spin, kicks, and height of jumps.



The overall winner is the rider with the highest combined score on five bulls for a three-day event. We attended the finals in St. Louis in February.

Click on the picture for a closer look.





The funniest name for one of the bulls was Booger Red. As expected, he threw the rider off in less than 4 seconds.

I prefer bikes over bulls.




And daddy won't you take me back to Mulenberg county
Down by the Green River, where Paradise lay
Well I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in askin'
Mr. Peabody's coal train has hauled it away (lyrics by John Prine)