So I'm back in the states (I actually have been since Tuesday)!
The Trip to Bariloche got off to a rocky start. When I got to the airport with my guide, we found out that my ticket to Bariloche was inadvertently canceled. Fortunately, I was able to buy a ticket on a follow on flight (and was reimbursed...) and got into Bariloche a little later than I was supposed to.
On the border with Chile, Bariloche is located about halfway down the length of Argentina. The town is itself is located on a Glacial Lake surrounded by Mountains. During the Summer (Jan. and Feb.), it is known for its Water Sports, Hiking, Biking, and Rafting. In the Winter, it is known for skiing and other winter sports (for Argentine High School Seniors, going to Bariloche to ski is their equivalent of Beach week). Also the town is renowned for its Chocolate.
Unfortunately, I went during the "dead period".
The weather was cold, windy, and rainy for the first two days that I was there and a good number of the shops were shut down in preparation for the winter season. Fortunately though, I still had a good time as I was still able to take an excursion out on the lake (I visited the main island on the lake and a National Forest) and the chocolate store in Bariloche that is regarded as the best was open for business so I was able to get some good quality chocolate for my co-workers. And I got lucky on the day I was leaving Bariloche as the weather cleared (figures!) and I was able to get some nice pictures of the area.
The flights home were long:
Bariloche to Buenos Aires - 2 Hours
Buenos Aires to New York - 11 Hours
New York to Washington - 1 Hour
I just want to say that I have a new found respect for any friends and co-workers who have to make long hauls around the world - the Buenos Aires to New York flight bordered on mind numbing!
So I'm glad to be home. The trip was an amazing experience.
P.S. - Some tidbits/advice that I wanted to throw in:
1. When you travel to South America and get Dollars exchanged into local currency, make sure to get smaller denominations of bills. It is not so much as the large denomination bills will identify you as a gringo tourist as much as the restaurant or store that you are visiting may not have enough money on the premises to make change for said large denomination...
2. If you are making a transfer from Domestic flight to an International flight in Buenos Aires, make sure that you have enough time to make the transfer. In Buenos Aires, there is one airport specifically set aside for Domestic flights and one specifically set aside for International flights. And the two airports are located on the opposite sides of the city.
3. The high altitude will kick your ass in Peru. So make sure that you are in some modicum of good physical shape before you go.
4. Know a little of the local language. I knew a little Spanish so I was able to communicate fairly well in Peru and Argentina. However, I wish that I had some time to study a little Portuguese as, contrary to what guide books said, most of the Cariocas I encountered in Rio didn't speak English. We still did fine, but I would have liked to communicate a little better with the locals...
Once I get them uploaded to Flickr, I will start posting pictures and videos!
Comments (7)
Welcome home!
@TheCheshireGrins - Thanks!
Welcome home.
Now you know why I hate going to China.
Yesterday was Kublacon and I had to drive by SFO. And a minor anxiety attack. I used to live driving by that airport.
Good to know you mostly enjoyed your trip. I'd love to be able to afford to travel period at this point.
@MoparMessiah - Yeah. About five hours into the flight, I wanted off in the worst way!
@sir_spamalot - Well, I hope that at some point you and Lin get a chance to do some traveling to places not in the USA. (If you get a chance, go to Machu Picchu - Pictures don't do it justice!!!!!)
Welcome home!
I'll have to remember those tips if I ever go, they sound handy.
@Dare2BDiferentt - Thanks! (If you ever get a chance, go. It was really cool.)