So I told myself that I would report back every evening about my various activities here in Bariloche, but clearly I am incapable of keeping my word, even to myself. Maybe that is because when I decided to solo it to Bariloche from Buenos Aires, I pessimistically thought that I would spend evenings by myself and thus have time to sit down in front of the computer and blog. Sometimes it pays to be a little pessimistic because I have actually not been alone (ie I have made friends) and am having the best time. Ever.
I decided that after my 19 hour bus ride from BA I should probably do something a little active to stretch my legs out a bit. Opting for the Circuito Chico by bike, I thought that I would have a nice, short, leisurely ride around Lake Nahuel Huapi. When I got to the bike rental place, there were two other people also planning on riding-- a Taiwanese girl and an Israeli dude. All three of us were travelling alone, so the only logical thing for us to do would be to ride the Circuito Chico together. Feeling stubbornly independent, I quickly biked away from the others, thinking it would be better if I biked by myself...but within five minutes, I crashed into a bush on the side of the road. So I decided to not be an asshole. I swallowed my pride, dusted off my knees, and rejoined my new friends.
The 25-Km Circuito was beautiful but do not be fooled by the "Chico." It was pretty hilly at times, although on the whole, not impossibly difficult. Since I am not really a biker (only because I hate helmets and hate going really fast downhill), I am going to pat myself on the back for setting out to do the bike ride. I did not even complain once. For those who know me, you might admit that this is pretty good for me.
The bike rental company gave us vouchers for free beers at a local brewery, so after the 6 hour ride, all three of us headed straight there. Great marketing on the part of the bike company and the brewery because what did I learn about Bariloche that day? It is the land of chocolate, beer, ice cream and berries. You cannot beat that.
The next day, I climbed the Cerro Campanero with an Argentine and a French boy. It is only a 30 minute trek, but it is also very steep going up-- and honestly, it was all I could handle that morning, if you know what I mean. Beautiful view of all of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. The three of us stayed up at the top and did not talk; we just looked at the scenery and sat in silence for about 45 minutes. It was a perfect morning. A few months ago, a volcano in Chile erupted and the ashes from the eruption still hang in the air. Luckily when we first got to the top of the Cerro, the wind had not blown the ashes our way, but within the hour that we were up there, slowly the view became clouded over by a thick layer of ash. So after a bit we climbed back down. And then I got ice cream for the first of two times that day.
I took the afternoon off and laid out on the rocky, but surprisingly very comfortable beach. The lake water was chilly but refreshing. I submerged myself a few times before running out quickly for safety and sun on shore. I ran into my Israeli friend and hung with him and some other people by the beach until the sun set and I decided I was too cold to stay any longer. Twas another awesome day.
For today, the hostel offered a discount on rafting in class 4 rapids. For 170 pesos, it was a great deal. Although I was a little hesitant at first because my last rafting experience in Wyoming was not my most favorite thing in the world, the excursion proved to be a great choice. It was very ashy in the morning, so any view at the end of a long trek would not have been the best.
Bariloche ceases to amaze me. The water was aquamarine blue, clean, and so refreshing. Oh and rapid-y. The rafting was exhilerating-- but the best part came at the end, when we could jump out of the raft and just float down the river. Again, I was hesitant at first to leave the safety of the raft, but I am so glad I took the plunge (literally).
We got back late in the afternoon, so I took a little walk through the town and stopped in every single chocolate shop I saw. It proved to be a great afternoon activity since nearly every shop offers free samples. I most certainly successfully played the part of the obnoxious tourist, as I walked into every shop, admired and tasted the chocolate, and then slyly escaped without purchasing anything! Now I do not feel so well.
Anyway. Now I am back at the hostel and I think I will go eat some free dinner (I love hostels and the great promotions they offer). More later and pictures to follow.
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