2011....and still moving

South America
December 31st 2010

Published: December 31st 2010

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DMoss

New Years Day

Pucon

Thought I would start another entry as the other may be getting a big big.
Starting 2011 by catching an overnight bus to Santiago (home of the camera snatcher) and with luck get the first available bus to Mendoza.
Should be a bit of a Climate change and also cultural shift. See how it goes.
Enjoyed New Years celebrations in Pucon. Well done to 2 of the frenchmen who set off for the volcano climb this morning after a late finish to the evening. But it was great to see so many happy people up and out at midnight (and 1am, 2am, 3am etc.) The fireworks were great as was the atmosphere in the plaza for music and dancing.
I had no idea that fireworks could set off so many car alarms which added to the festive noise. But I did feel sorry for the dogs. Sorry folks, no pics of New Years, the camera was left at home Also sorry Dad, piccys are not always in date order. I will add a few as I can and when able

D

Hey, in Mendoza. 3/1/11 for 3 days. Looks like there may be quite a few hundred wineries around

again another citizen

Pucon, I dont think they enjoyed the fireworks, or the constant car alarms that were set off by them

here so it may be a bike tour tomorrow. Could be interesting, and no, we did not feel the earthquake from Santiago last night. Nor have I yet to see in person any of the Dakar race. But Im hoping to though the chances are it will be too much of a hassle to do so.
From what I have seen Mendoza looks great. Lots of parks, trees and a pretty layback feel to the place. Its the middle of summer but I saw the main swimming pools were empty. The main Park is big with a lake big enough for rowing, loads of tennis courts, a golf course and loads of locals, cycling, rollerblading and jogging around the area. Its an oasis in the desert

D

Made it to Montevideo.....but thats a long story, but now in a place about 2 hours east. Just got back from body surfing with hundreds of others. Air warm, water cool. 6/1/11 I think. This place Punte del Este is amazing. The contrasts are the interesting thing. Old cars, as in my photos, the latest BMW porches , mustangs and ferraris, restaurants and I must admit, the girls look fantastic. We

Havnt seen this add before

To deter smokers

had a quick feed in one place and all 5 girls at the front of the place could have been models. Have also realised Barilochi's party scene may have actually been tame. People don't seem to even think about heading out until at least 2am in this part of the world.
But thats a different story. Have been in about 5 towns in 2 days so sleep will b on the agenda soon. Montevideo was bigger than expected and I had not heard of 3 Kings Day. This happens to be today and is a public holiday. Not that anything appears shut here.
Still trying to work out how to get to Iguazu falls without going to Brazil, may be working my way into a dead end here.

D

9th Jan. in Iguazu after 2 overnight bus trips. Happy Birthday Dad,will celebrate by spending the 10th at the falls and in the park. Its got rather hot and humid and alot of the day was spent lounging around the pool. Spent a lot of yesterday killing time in Concordia after crossing back to Argentinia. We thought about swimming backwards and forwards between the countries but that was as

Volcano Villaricci

New Years day, all the noise was on the beach side

far as action went. Did weel with the steaks again but the sitting in a bus can get a little frustrating. Sitting in a bus station for 2 hours hoping a late bus will turn up can also be a drag. Hope toput up some piccys soon.

D

PS_ saw the falls,took all day, fantastic, and off to Resistencia tonight and probably Salta the day after before heading north to Bolivia. Hot and humid with a very red nose. Hard to beleive really. I guess we could have swum toBrazil and back but someone would have noticed among the hundreds present at the park

D

Just arrived in Salta near the top of Argentina. Sad to here of floods and fire back home and of the 250 plus dead so far from the floods in Brazil and those killed by lightening (and they had about 250 casualties from flooding last June). 2011 off to a bad start.
Will stay in this area for a couple of days. First impressions are that its a nice town (big) surrounded by big green hills. Resestencia was hot and spending a day there was enough. But managed to find a

Pucon Colour

Not all are real

park full of the giant amazonian lillies and lots of sculptures. Some nice, some possibly a waste of concrete.
Will put pics up when I find a place that allows uploads. Its still hot but has not rained for days. But when it rains..... The railway is out of action due to past landslides, in fact almost all railways in the country seem to be out of action due to natural causes. Bummer
In Queensland I hope the mossies are kept under control and a word or two said about developers and councils that allowed constructions in potential flood zones. ha ha

Hi all. Its 20.1.2011 and Im in Bolivia at some place called Uyuni heading to La Paz tonight.
Crossing the border took about 3 hours and we missed the only train and arrived in Tupiza around midnight due to a drunken bus driver. Have just cimpleted a day tour seeing the great Salt lake, volcanos, pink flamingos lamas etc etc. Stayed in a hotel made of salt last night and as I type there is a dust storm outside which is a bit different to home or nearby in Brazil, but it is one of the driest

OK seemed like a good idea at the time

El Calafate

places on earth. I think we are at 3600 metres in height.
The power here is intermittent as we fiund out but people friendly enough
Dont think I have lost much else but cannot upload piccys.
Cold at night and windy
Hi to all and Lucy who is no doubt preparing for her birthday

D

Next update, around 22 Jan 2011

Have just returned from the La Paz Bike ride on ¨The Road of Death¨ and Zip lining, or long distance flying fox. All fine although the bike ride starts at 4600 metres and it was cold and wet. About halfway down things cleared and by the bottom it was tropical. La Paz literaly takes your breath away and walking from the main street to the hotel is actually a bit of a chore. Interesting city and interesting people. Cheap food but I spoke to someone yesterday who had just had a game of golf for US$100. I think they call it the highest course in the world. But Im sure there was one near Darjeerling that claimed the same. Aiming towards Cpacabana in next few days but I hear accommodation is a bit tight. There is