Saying goodbye
Day 58, Tue Oct 26 Buenos Aires/ bus ride
Spent the day with two of my roommates, Jorge and Hana. The 3 of us, whose mother tongues vary, try converse in Spanish. The result was probably hilarious to any Argentine, if he or she cared to eavesdrop on us!
We walked around town a little bit before heading to the museum of fine arts. I loved some of the paintings, and especially remember the Sala Argentina, where I was introduced to some South American painters of whom I knew little.
After a couple of hours, we have a picnic at the local park, as we dig into “torta”s and some apple juice.
Off to the hostel to shower and get ready for a marathon 20 hour bus ride. The cama proves to be absolutely worth the extra 50-60 pesos. I sleep well and am served supper, breakfast and lunch. It also comes with a choice of wine!
Day 59, Wed Oct 27 bus ride / Bariloche
The last two hours of the journey is through some beautiful scenery. Lakes surrounded by snow capped mountains! The most scenic bus ride I can remember for ages! The last bus ride that stands out (for the views) in memory was from Rio to Ilha Grande.
Bariloche is stunning! Lake Nahuel Huapi dominates the vista. It is sunny when I get in and I head to the lake to stare, tongue hanging out and take some photos of the lake and the mountains. There is a beautifl church in the city centre.
The main street is lined with chocolate stores and ice-cream shops. Bariloche and El Bolson reputedly have the best chocolates and ice-cream in Argentina (and the Argentines mean the world, when they say that). Most of the shops and restaurants are closed till 20:00 due to a nationa census. Ex-president Kirchner had died that day as well, so the flags were lowered all around the city.
I met a couple of Argentine girls who were full of questions about India. I fielded their questions as much as I could before heading to the hostel, where a warm shower helps relieve the body of the stress of a (albeit a fairly luxurious) 20 hour bus ride.
Tags: Travel
Damu