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Published: April 19th 2011
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Gaucho
The cutest backpacker in Argentina! "Anathallo - Dokkoise House"
"Anathallo - Hanasakajijii"
The only difference between hippies from Argentina and Canada is their native language! They look the same, dress the same, act the same and smell the same! I found it strange that El Bolson, a self proclaimed refuge from the hectic world for hippies, has yet to ban plastic bags. El Calafate and El Chalten both have banned plastic bags from their grocery stores. What's with that El Bolson? I thought hippies praised mother earth? Come on, get with it! Perhaps you can swap out plastic bags at the SuperMercado's in exchange for a joint and a home made bar of soap! Now how hippie would THAT be?!!
Jokes aside, I loved El Bolson. It was always on my radar as I made my way up the Route 40. But Lucia, from the hostel I stayed at in El Chalten, said it was a MUST and I probably would not want to leave! Well that adorable little Argentine was right. El Bolson rests in a beautiful valley with stunning mountains on all horizons! The pace of life in El Bolson is unique, tranquil and colorful in its own way! I would
stay at the Hostel La Casa Del Viajero! The owners were the Uncle and Aunt of Lucia and I made sure to say hi on her behalf! There were hammocks strung up in all areas of the hostel, a green house, family dogs and cats that are as lackadaisical as the chilled out inhabitants themselves! It was obvious straight away that I would love this place and find it hard to leave. I wish I had more time to stay in El Bolson. I could sit on a hammock, drinking wine and read a book forever! If only I enjoyed reading! And the flowers are nice too! (yup, those flowers Tai!)
I only did one full day hike, and it was ok! It failed to yield the wonder and awe that of El Chalten or Torres Del Paine offered. I hiked along a farmers road mostly, but at least it was in the forest! I also hiked to a forest where the local artists carved some pretty cool shit. I appreciate the craftsmanship having tried my hand at wood carving in the past. I sucked at it, these people did not! Bosque Tallado is the name of the forest
where you will find the art! Its not a long hike, but you climb a fair amount of elevation in only 45 minutes! You will have buns of steal after climbing this mountain a few times!
I met some very very cool people. A wonderful couple from Belgium, a girl from France who oddly had an English accent and a nice, neutral Swiss dude! We hangout together for a few days in El Bolson and move to Bariloche together! We spent our nights cooking around the Disco...well, I did the cooking! We drank plenty of beer, played cards and hungout in the hammocks. Tranquil indeed! One night we decided to have a large BBQ including all the travelers at the hostel. I think there was about 16 of us in total! I cooked steak over the fire and Chinese fried rice on the Disco! A memorable night, as we ate slowly and shared stories. I bragged of Canada, like always and explained in detail why everyone should visit Canada. Especially Winnipeg in January... ha, suckers!
The farmers market was held on Saturday and has quite the reputation! It is full of colorful locals, stoned bongo drummers and little
hippie kids running this way and that! The crafts and art ranged from typical, unique, odd to the elegant and beautiful. I bought a bracelet, some fresh juice, a friggin awesome fresh waffle with raspberries and whipped cream, crab apples and some flowers!
I met an interesting girl from France, named Cecilia, who was working one of the booths. She had started her travels to South America 2 years ago, and had found El Bolson and stayed! However, I met her only three days before she would finally return home to France!
Like I have previously mentioned, I loved El Bolson. Its a beautiful little hidden gem and I wish I had more time to stay! I hope to have the chance to return this way in the future! Until then, I will continue my way north!
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