Bedding down for a realxing time in Bariloche

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Buenos Dias Chicas,

"The road was long with many a winding turn"... The Hollies weren't actually writing about their brother with "He ain't Heavy", it was infact after they'd experienced a 28 hour Taqsa bus trip...and believe me that was really the reality of the 28 hour bus journey from El Calafate to San Carlos de Bariloche.

7 years ago was probably the last time I'd endured such a long distance journey and how the memory cleverly blocks out the aching limbs, cricked necks and being at the mercy of whatever this partiular driver's taste is in entertainment. We didn't suffer too badly with the entertainment. The free food given out on the trip is a bit hit and miss. I wouldn't rely on it for the trip!

As Taqsa goes, I don't think it's the worse bus company, it didn't break down! I don't think it helped that the journey started off being horrendously badly organised. Two buses arrived on time to pick us up and none of the staff really knew which bus we needed to be on. People were argueing over the same seats, because they had the sane number tickets. After much confusion and a 50 min delay we set off with everyone wondering if they were on the right bus. The staff hadn't really explained what was happening either.

We had to change at Rio Gallegos which is in fact further south than El Calafete. The reason they do this, i think is because the roads are better the coastal side and then we cut westerly over the country to reach Bariloche. The views are bland and unfortunately you feel like you are traversing the side of the moon. The good side to this is that it makes the views on entering Bariloche even more stunning as you approach the beautiful green tree covered mountains combined with the vast lakes. A potent mix which enchants the eye.

And after being here for 24 hours we have discovered a great many things to do on the cheap and so we're increasing our days here to 8! Yesterday, although there are many tours on offer we decided to just take a walk round the lake, especially as we are dictated by our strict budget. We were rewarded by a secluded place by the water, perfect for chilling out. We cooked up some juicy steaks for tea and life felt good. Once our burnt bits have calmed down we hoping to get on some bikes and visit the surrounding lakes...until then.

Adios Amigos

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Comments

[Lyndsey]

Hi guys
Hey China and Lee, Sounds like you guys are having an awesome time and I hope you're taking lots of photos! I shall continue to keep up with your travels on this blog and not be one bit jealous when I'm sat in work hehe :0) Take it easy, China 2 x

[Doug]

Burnt bits
Nat, Good to hear You and Lee having a great time exploring. You are probably missing the rain and work back home, but put that to the back of your mind and try to enjoy the country. If you are going bike riding I think it only fair that I come as well. Loved you loads and best to Lee Dougxx

[Nigel]

Glad your having fun :)
Great to hear it's all going ok, not sure you would tell us if it wasn't :( Have fun and see you both soon..... Love you lot's Mum, Dad & Courtney.......& Oscar.