San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Traveling from the lakeside bus station in Puerto Montt, Chile to lakeside Bariloche was comfortable and scenic. We backtracked returning north to Osorno before heading east into new territory and the second country in our adventure, Argentina. The border crossing was a breeze, in fact everything about traveling in the long distance Chilean bus system was tourist friendly this past month. We passed several lakes, many waterfalls, thick forests, and rocky Andean mountains during the six hour trip.

When we arrived at the bus station here in Bariloche we were approached by a hostel hustler who offered a free taxi into the center of town, about 4 km. away, if we would look at her place to stay. As we didn't have any accommodations until Saturday, we took her up on the free ride. The Freedom Hostel was a bit rundown for the price of about $36. US per night so we left our bags there and went to look at other choices.
Before we actually looked at the couple I had marked in the Lonely Planet guide we decided to go to the hotel where we have reservations for a week, a generous timeshare exchange that Papa Stan let us use, thank you Papa Stan. We were unable to check in for the week early but they did give us the same room for 1/2 price, a little more than the hostel, but much nicer! We have a small kitchenette which is a huge money saver. From the 8th floor we have a great view of the lake and the mountains beyond.




Bariloche is a ski resort town, most famous ski area in Argentina. Being located on a huge lake in an area with several pristine lakes, rivers and hiking opportunities, it is also a summer destination. As such it's a tourist town with shopping everywhere you look. We are not shoppers but at least one store in each block is a chocolate shop with fancy taste treats. The wonderful aroma of chocolate fills the air as you walk down the street.




The wind is blowing hard today, yesterday it was also windy. It's a bit chilly as well. Better weather, sunny warm days, are in the forecast so we will wait to rent bikes for a ride on famous trail around the lake. We will also visit a chocolate factory, yum! There are many easy mountain walks, some with the assistance of a tram ride to the top. Another day we will visit the swiss settlement just a few miles up the road.



Today we walked down to the stone church built in the 1940s. It was austere, unfinished stone on the inside with gorgeous stained glass windows and the most interesting carved Signs of the Cross that I remember seeing (the Cathedral of the Madeline's being my alltime favorite!) The Cathedral is just a block from the lake where the wind was creating huge whitecaps.





As we strolled along the main shopping street we inquired about airline tickets to the main cities we hope to visit in Argentina. Because Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world we will be flying here staying in most places a week to give us time to take day bus trips to neighboring sites of interest. Flying isn't terribly expensive especially when you figure in the cost of bus tickets, accommodations along the way and the time spent sitting on the bus between stops. Yesterday's six hour jaunt was hard on Keith's aching back, so some flying will help keep the travelers happy campers!

During this quiet week plus I hope to secure more definite plans for December and January because it is summer holiday time here in the southern hemisphere and the best hostels fill quickly.