There and back again – Trip to Bariloche
I have to admit that I love traveling. It is probably the gipsy blood that runs through my veins or something genetic, but I tend to get rather bored when staying for long at a single place (I moved houses a total 10 times so far... it would of been more if it was up to me). Although there are some things I could live without (like trading in 19 hour bus rides for 2 hour plane equivalents) I really enjoy being on the road.
This time I didn't go to a new place, but rather an old familiar one: my hometown Bariloche. I had to do some paperwork there (that Argentine bureaucratic timing screwed up) and I had the chance to meet with the rest of my family. All of it.
Although work didn't allow me to go around more the way I usually do, I did take some pictures from the bus and around some other places.
Out of 19 hours worth of traveling, the final 4 hours are worth almost all the effort. The route winds all around Patagonia following the Limay River. Some breathtaking scenes can be seen while circling around. (you can click on the images to get the full-size versions)
A look at the real patagonia, a vast and arid place.
Gods Finger, at Enchanted Valley
A broader shot at Enchanted Valley
A natural Amphitheater overlooking Limay River
This is the first sight one has of Bariloche
The one short trip we did was to the Lower Manso River. "Manso" means "calm" in English. I have always wondered about the naming policy, since the place is awesome for rafting, with some kamikaze-style rapids. We did go to a relatively calm place where it makes a turn and creates a Pool. I'm glad we bathed on the cold waters that day, since it was the last summer-like weather we would witness.
The not-so-manso River
The pool where we got to take a nice dive
The one nasty thing was the humongous quantity of Horse flies that attacked us!
Upon returning home, we were delighted to get some very good Argentine BBQ (Asado), where the patagonic Lamb was the king
Overall, and despite the fact I worked normal hours, I had a relaxing time. I feel more energetic than on December and ready to cope with a couple of months before I head for a week's vacation. I'll post about that for certain!