Blogs from Neuquén, Neuquén, Argentina, South America

After spending my last day in the city (partyl with Andreas, an Austrian guy from the hostel), visiting some parks and the MMAMM (museum with paintings of the Andes - very beautiful), I took my bus to Neuquén. This time we didn't have any problems except for a delay of about 1/2h. Since it's very difficult to sleep in these buses, I watched the movies and looked out of the window. However, most of the time (12h) one could see only grass, bushes, and some trees, which is impressing but after a while a bit boring. But the starry sky and the sun rise were great! The hostel here is very close to the bus station (convenient), but a bit far from the microcentro. However, the bus drivers are lovely: I took the bus to go ... read more

(pictures to come) I spent the last few days in Bariloche at the Playa Bonita and kiyacking on Lago Guiterrez. The lake was huge and we stopped after an hour and a half to drink some Matte (Argentinian tea) and to eat medialunas. We also had a quick swim but the water was freeeezing! It was sad to say goodbye to Bariloche but a breathtaking bus ride out of the town made me realise how lucky I had been to spend two weeks there. 6 hours later I was at Neuquen. The bus terminal looked more like an airport and following my trusty guidebook I found the bus and headed into town to find a hostel. Neuquen was a little peculiar on first thoughts. It has a 1950´s American feel to it, with pastel colours, huge ... read more

Ok, so Santiago had a point - Bariloche is beautiful. The weather has flipped, the wind dissapeared and revealed a most beautiful lake, rugged snow-capped peaks, massive lakes, crsytal clear rivers, the whole deal. If you´re into the outdoors, you could happily spend weeks exploring and adventuring here, but unfortunately after our week of intensive spanish, we are leaving at the end of the week. Our two rides over the weekend highlighted the dichotomy of this wee town. On sunday we cycled part of circuito chico along the lake, a picturesque, mostly sealed road circuit with huge monstrosities to attract the tourists. A lovely ride. On saturday we went hunting for some single track, and on our journey ended up in the back waters of town. It didn´t take long to lose the seal on the ... read more