An interesting start to the day, with a journey to try and get tickets for Creamfields in BA in 2 weekends time. A series of walks and subway journeys, only to find out the shop was closed for the day. Even after getting a local girl to confirm for me the shop was open, I still arrived to the shop closed. So, no tickets for the festival yet.
So, back to the hostel, picked up gear then got the bus to the city airport. Considerably closer than the International.

A 2 hour 25 flight and I was in Boriloche. Amazing vista of volcanoes on approach, not sure if they were in Argentina or Chile.

After a shuttle bus into town, only a short 400 meter walk to a hostel I picked from Lonely Planet. Luckily they had room, so settled in. Personality plus, with plenty of cool punters to mingle with. It’s right on the lake, surrounded by the mountains, gorgeous. A hot spot in winter during skiing, and all the normal summer activities that go with a ski resort during off season, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, etc.

View from the hostel windows, can’t wait for morning…..

Got the car in the morning, so will be very keen to hit the lakes district…..

So, a quick summary of the day, while I let the meat feast of dinner digest and await the perfect hour for the tango hot spots to kick off….
Was awoken at 5am by the most inconsiderate, annoying traveller I have ever come across. This bird came home pissed at 3am, shook my bunk all night (in the wrong way, she was bunked below me), then proceeded to pee every 30 minutes before deciding 5.10am was the time she conduct a full repack of all her bongos. Everything was in noisy plastic bags by the way. Anyway, the whole process took one hour fifteen, none of which I was able to sleep through. I think I did a good job not to gaffer tape her and leave her in the foot locker by my bed.
So, as she pissed off at 6.30am, it was time to start my day.

Went walking big time today. Such an awesome vibe in BA. I initially took the metro with about 3 platform changes, only to realise later when above ground, it was all so close, I would have been far better off walking. So that’s what I did. The hustle and bustle of the myriad one way streets is captivating. Reminds me of why I like people watching so much. And the women…. Jeez, where to start.

No shortage of punters out enjoying the very best life has to offer here, great friends, perfect weather and famous food!

Plaza De Mayo in San Telmo

So after a nice little 30 min sleep right on that green grass you see, it was time to head back to the hostel and book tomorrow’s trip. Off to Boriloche to explore the lakes and mountains. A bit of drama arranging flights, but that another story. Got there in the end.

Then it was time for the ‘Asado’ ‘ – Argentina BBQ.

Very famous, but I didn’t realise they did one of the best cook ups in San Telmo at this hostel. Myself and a Spanish Vet,David, living in Tierra Del Fuago, were the only from the hostel to buy in. All the rest where outsiders.

ARS100 ($22Aus) seems too much for backpackers these days, but man, I would have paid double!

So, it’s about time to get changed and go Tango!!!!!!

Sorry Natalia, had my first one last night, but forgot the photo for you.
So, here is the first of today instead… 🙂

In case anyone needs to send messages of love, concern, or need to talk directly to the kidnappers…..
My mobile here: +54 11 6368-7831

Have arrived!

Made a quick hostel change while sitting in Santiago for a few hours. Was staying in Palermo, but changed to San Telmo after finding a funkier one on TripAdvisor. Not sure if I can afford it tho… 10 bucks a night and 2 dollar beers. Great location and good vibe. Plenty of cool punters floating around the place so far.

So, it’s only 9PM here and it’s obvious things aren’t going to kick off till around midnight. Not sure if I’ll make it tonight, but I’ll keep drinking beers until…. I can’t anymore. So, until then, I’ll maintain my vigil by the pool…..

Well, there was a time there when I thought the trip wouldn’t happen. Unavoidable delays, let’s call them enjoyable speed bumps, kept popping up. Well, after a wicked night at Bounce Hostel in Sydney, finally got away this morning. A quick stop in NZ bros and it’s off to Santiago. Most disappointing news, is that I found out I will miss Antarctica both ways. Blacky and Ricardo will get it, as they are flying further south to reach BA direct.
So far, very impressed with LANs business class service. For some reason, the hosties are a little cuter than Qantas…

Sydney

Auckland (bro)