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Published: February 7th 2010
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After a very long and turbulent (It was scary to say the least!) flight, I eventually landed in Paris, for an hour and a half's transit before flying to Manchester where my parents met me and took me home to Leeds. My parents spent a month in the Caribbean and they arrived the same day as I did so they picked me up at the airport on their way home from Gatwick Airport. I thought it would be nice to round off my trip and also my thoughts about Argentina in doing an overall summary.
Hostels My first hostel in BA on my first leg of the trip was the
Garden Hostel in San Telmo. It was adequate although I found my room too hot because of the weather. However, the staff were nice and friendly and advised me of the "no go" areas and recommended what to see and do. I met some friendly travellers over breakfast. There was a great restaurant, Nuevo Gorgy´s, just down the street where I had most of my meals and where I recommend.
On the final leg of the trip, I stayed in the
Hostel Inn, again, in San Telmo. It was a
Experiencing Patagonian Wind!!!
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile nice hostel although not disabled friendly as there are a lot of steep stairs and some of them are very narrow. I even struggled taking my suitcase up the final flight of stairs. However, I was on the top floor and I had a lovely room with air conditioning - perfect after sightseeing in humid temperatures! I met some friendly travellers and outside my room there is a terrace where you can take in the sun and watch the world go by with its city´s roof tops.
Costs Argentina has a better economy now than in previous years. Things are not as cheap as they were during their economic situation in 2002. Coming from the UK, I found things cheaper and more reasonably priced compared to back home. However, if I was a budget traveller and travelling longer, I would have to work hard to keep costs to a minimum especially that prices are increasing and significantly. I noticed a rise in prices from my previous visits in 2007 and 2008. However, I was almost paying GBP prices (expensive for Argentine standards) for things and services in Patagonia. I do not think it is a place where budget travellers spend a very long time there and some I spoke to were only staying a minimum time to see the Perito Moreno glacier before moving on. However, Patagonia, despite the costs, I highly recommend for a visit!
Giving Something Back... I remember that on my way to the hostel from the aeroparque that there were a number of shanty towns particularly in the Retiro area. It is clear that there are social issues still need to be addressed. I feel I would like to contribute in making a difference even if it is a little. So I have decided, during my career break next year, to volunteer in BA at one of the organisations that are proactively addressing the issues and helping the deprived.
Conclusion What an amazing trip this has been!!! There has no major issues at all although I was bit nervous about my flight home because of the turbulences but that is all. Although this trip has been short and sweet, just over two weeks, it has more than exceeded more than my expectations. Buenos Aires is an amazing city with so much to see and do!!! Patagonia has stolen my heart and I need to return so I can try and retreive it! The Argentines are some of the most friendliest and honest people I ever met on my travels. This along with a lot of things have given the confidence to return. Soon as I get reorganised again, I will be planning......
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Two4deRoad
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Bienvenidos y hasta pronto!
Seems like you really had a wonderful time. I especially liked the pictures from the Evita Museum and the Torres del Paine National Park. The mountain view is spectacular! Did you see any coins with typo's while you were in Chile? :-) Thanks for the heads up. Looking forward to reading about your next adventures!