Bariloche

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The decision to come to Bariloche may not have been the wisest decision I have made so far on my trip because of its location, but it was without a doubt a great one. Bariloche is a German and Swiss influenced town in the mountains. From the atmosphere, you do not feel like you are in Argentina, let alone South America.

My first day here I met Anthony. We both decided to take a trek up to Refugios Frey for a 360 degree panaramic view. We were led to believe that the trek would be 2 hours up and 2 hours down but half way through the trek we found that it was 4 up, 4 down. Either way, we found a turn off on the trail and headed towards a beach. A half hour trek down and the trees opened to a spectacular beach on lake Moreno Este. The water was crystal clear here and having mountains as a backdrop felt like how I would imagine Hawaii to be. We made a picnic with tuna sandwiches, apples and wine. Every lunch I have had so far seems to involve a bottle. It's just so cheap. A loaf of bread, salami, cheese, fruit, and wine comes out to about 21 or 24 pesos. Split between two people its the equivalent of $4 US per person.

My second morning here I met Tatiane from Brazil. We decided to hang out around the town and spent the day together having a picnic by the water. Bariloche is full of rocky beaches lining the water. We walked along the beaches resting in different places, taking in the gorgeous mountain views. Tatiane spoke English very well. We talked about politics, life in our countries, and our travels. Tatiane left for Mendozza on a bus that afternoon. I would have joined her if I wasn´t heading south.

After dinner that night I went back to my room to meet my new roomates. Two women from Buenos Aires had moved in with me. One spoke English pretty well but the other spoke none. We spènt that night together partying and and woke early the next morning to do the bike circuit around Bariloche. Prior to setting off on the circuit no one decided to mention that it was a very hard trek. Of course, being in the mountains how could you expect less. It was about 28 km in the mountains uphill and downhill. The views were gorgeous and the breaks we took at the beaches along the way made the trip well worth it. The pictures really do not do the experience any juistice.

Today I am sitting here in the hostel. I was planning on waking up early to go to El Bolson, a small hippy town two miles away but woke this morning to a thunder storm and cold winds. Tomorrow at 7am I get on a two day bus towards El Chalten. Until then adios.

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Comments

[MommaMia]

co-ed hostels
boy have things changed since my days in the hostels.....you sound like you're having a phenomenal time, meeting new people of different cultures, how exciting and wonderful. ENJOY

[Luca!]

I am so excited that you are having such a wonderful time! I want to eat salami and cheese and drink wine with you! just want you to know Im thinking of you! miss you!