Bariloche: The extended edition

So…I guess I owe you guys an update, huh?  As promised: Bariloche.

So throughout our weekend in Bariloche, we did a bunch of stuff…ok, I guess I can go into more detail than that. And I guess I should start at the beginning.

They gave us very little information about what to do before the trip.  We knew that it would be our class going (15 students, 12 girls, 3 boys) as well as 3 professors. We had to be at the airport by 8:00am to catch our 10:00 flight. We had to pack for cold weather. That was pretty much it.  Of course, there was a little bit more information than that…but not much.  Now, this airport is actually really close to my house, it’s only 2-3 miles away, but I still figured taking a taxi would be the easiest thing to do (instead of a bus or walking with all my luggage).  Not wanting to be late, I made sure to leave the apartment by 7:15—who knows how long it would take to get a cab?  As it turns out, it was raining that morning (which results in less cabs and less likelihood of being picked up by one because you’re wet) but I stood on a somewhat busy street (close to where my normal bus stop is) and tried flagging down a cab.  This was my first time doing this alone and I was kind of unsure of myself, but after about 7 minutes of standing on the curb and three cabs passing me by, fourth time was the charm.

I made it to the airport at probably around 7:40 and was (obviously) the first one there.  After about 10 more minutes I finally saw other people from my class there and after 15 more minutes of waiting with them, we finally saw one of our professors walking by and she told us where to go and what to do.  By 8:20 everyone was there, and then we went through security.  Now, pretty much all of us had forgotten what Airline Security had been like before 9-11…all we did was put our stuff on the conveyor belt thing (all our stuff being out carry-on bag) and then with shoes, belts, watches, bracelets, earrings, etc., we walked through a metal detector.  I think we were supposed to get a brief pat-down from one of the guards…but they weren’t being too vigilant about it and I just kind of walked right by them.  And that was it.  I’m pretty sure all of us set off the metal detector, and nothing happened.  It was so weird. 

Anyways, we had time to kill before our flight and so we ended up sitting at a café and getting some breakfast.  The flight lasted about 2 hours, we also got breakfast on the plane (and I had eaten a bit before I left the apartment…so yes, I ate breakfast 3 times that day) and when we got off, we drove to where we would be staying, a place called Camping Musical, and had lunch.  This was probably the best food I’ve eaten since being in Argentina. Every meal was fantastic.  Also, Camping Musical is (during the tourist season) a place where musicians come and stay; it is a kind of campground and so we stayed in cabins and meals were in the Main cabin and we were surrounded by mountains and forests and lakes, and nature in general.  Now when I say we stayed in cabins, I mean the girls in one, the boys in another, and staff in the third.  And these were nice cabins!  There were 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms and two sets of bunk beds in each room.  As it turned out, Annalise and I were sharing our own room which was nice because we got to use the extra blankets and pillows from the unused beds.

After spending some time unpacking and then eating lunch, we went out on a much-needed walk.  It was much-needed because we had all eaten so SO much food and we were all needing some exercise.  It was a gorgeous walk.  We were walking through the forest near a lake and…well it was really, really breathtaking.  And what was so incredibly interesting to me, was that the scenery was a blend of fall and spring.  The leaves were changing colors into the familiar fall array, but here and there were flowers and plants that were bursting into life in vibrant shades of pink and red.  It was incredible to see these two opposite seasons being fused together in one panoramic view. 

Our walk led us to our next destination: tea and cake—yes, more food.  I actually didn’t have tea, I had hot chocolate. And it was the best dang hot chocolate of my life.  Seriously.  Also, at this point it had started to rain a little and (I got a window seat—woo!) I was able to drink hot chocolate while looking out a window while it was raining. That’s just always a good time.  After tea was a little bit of free time, followed by an introductory speech by one of the staff with us, and then dinner.  Need I remind you that all the food is delicious? Perhaps the most delicious was the bread.  Apparently the water used is different than in Buenos Aires (makes sense) and that’s what gives the bread its flavor.  It was by far the best bread I’ve had here, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t anything special really, it was just warm, fresh bread—you can’t really go wrong there.

So the next day, Friday, brings with it a trip into the actual city of Bariloche (and by city I mean like Holland, Michigan is a city…it’s not, but that’s what people call it anyways).  While there we got to see the artwork of Toon Maes which was really really awesome.  What was crazy about that, though, was that it wasn’t in a museum or anything, the paintings had been stored in the basement of the building and they weren’t framed or anything, we could touch them and take pictures—everything you’re not allowed to do in an actual museum, we were allowed to do; and as cool as that was, it will definitely shorten the life of those paintings. I mean, they will never be in a museum (at least not with how things are looking…) because of the controversy of the artist…you see, he was a nazi in WWII and some people were just not willing to accept his artwork because of that.  They had actually tried to do an exhibit somewhat recently, but people that came would either take the pictures down or cover them with something…needless to say it didn’t really go all that well.  Another reason it was interesting to see them, is because we had read about them during our class beforehand.  It was cool to actually see something that we had been reading about—it always makes readings so much more real to see their subjects. 

After the “museum” there was lunch at a seafood place, but because I’m not one for seafood, I got the ravioli instead of the trout (I was one of about 6 or so) which was still good!  I was able, however, to taste some of Annalise’s and, for fish, it wasn’t bad.  After lunch was a talk from a guest speaker about the history of the Mapuche (indigenous peoples of parts of Argentina and Chile) but…we had all just eaten a fantastic meal…and we were really really tired…and I’m pretty sure that every single person at least dozed off for at least a little bit—one of our profs said she did too, a bit.  I tried really, REALLY hard to stay awake, and for the most part (except for in the first ten minutes or so) I succeeded.  But it was hard.  And of course, after the talk we went back to the Camp, had a couple hours of free time…and then dinner.  Seriously, food and nature, that’s what this weekend consisted of.  Now, after dinner this night, we decided to make a campfire outside (because what do you know, they have a fire pit).  Their only request was that we put out the fire when we’re done.  So for the next 3-4 hours, we were sitting around a campfire, having a grand old time—even the profs were with us for part of it!  Now, we had heard that a couple of guys that had come last year had gone for a polar dive in the lake one morning, and we figured…well why not us too? 

Of course, by the time the decision had been made to actually do a polar dive, a vast majority of the students were…less than completely sober.  Not to say everyone was super drunk…just…not completely sober.  Now, I feel I should clarify, bottles of wine were available for purchase at dinner, and some students decided to buy an extra bottle for the campfire to share with others.  Remember, the profs were there and saw all this going on…so it’s not like we were breaking the rules, just saying.  Also, I feel I should point out I had only two sips of wine, one because Annalise wanted me to taste one, and one because a couple hours later people were slightly appalled I had not been drinking and urged me to take another drink…then they forgot about me and I continued being sober the rest of the night…yes, even during the swim.  Also, it was a ton of fun.  I mean, I didn’t have shoes and there were tons of rocks, so my feet hurt a ton…but it was still a blast and I’m pretty sure I would do it again, given the chance.

At about 1 in the morning most of the people had gone to bed and it was just myself, Annalise, and one other person, Tyler, who were left, so we put out the fire, cleaned up a little (not nearly as much as we should have…there were several empty bottles laying around the next morning) and headed to bed.

The next morning brought breakfast and another speaker (more about the Mapuche) and then almost immediately after—lunch.  After lunch we went on a boat ride. And it was awesome.  It wasn’t just a boat ride, it was a tour of three separate islands and we traveled by boat.  The boat was big enough to hold at least 70 people (I mean, it’s a tourist boat!) and there was an upper deck, as well as an inside (where most of the people were sitting) but also you could walk around on the deck of the boat and even go right up to the front—Titanic style.  Needless to say, that is where I spent most of my time.  Also on the upper deck people were giving out crackers so you could hold them up and let the seagulls that were there grab it right out of your hand. It was kind of awesome.  But being on that boat, seeing the vastness of the water and feeling the mighty presence of the mountains, while listening to the Hope Chapel CD’s (courtesy of Annalise’s iPod—and Kelly for sending me the second one!) was an experience I won’t soon forget, and one I hope at least some of you will be able to experience one day. 

As I said, the tour was of three different islands, so we were on a boat for most of the day, and when we got to each one, we were allowed to walk around and take pictures and do pretty much whatever we wanted for 40-60 minutes until the boat left for the next island.  It was indeed a beautiful day to explore what Patagonia has to offer.  And as always, after our “Nautical Excursion” (as our itinerary called it) we had dinner.  No campfire this time, but Annalise and I spent a decent portion of the night talking and pondering life’s questions…like what do we do with our lives from here?  It was a night full of interesting conversation to say the least…

Our last day in Bariloche.  After breakfast was another talk—this one about edible plants (because there is a vast knowledge of these that has been lost with the dying culture of the Mapuche—I had to let you know how it all tied together!) and after the talk (which was quite interesting—dandelions dude, we need to eat more of them) we went out on a walk around the campsite, identifying and tasting and gathering edible plants.  We gathered enough leaves and flowers and berries to make a delicious salad—that was probably the most nutritious thing I ate that weekend—and we were treated to some DE-LI-CIOUS asado, that was cooked in the very same fire pit as where our bonfire was a few nights earlier.  Seriously, it was the most flavorful cut of meat I’ve had in Argentina and I wish it all was like that.  Unfortunately, it is not.  However, I’m glad I got to try it while I was there. 

After lunch we headed out to a ski-lift where, once at the top, we could see the most serene sight yet.  There were lakes and mountains everywhere, and the sky was so clear…you could see so far out…it was just an incredible experience.  And…even though I probably shouldn’t have, I used my nails to scratch my name into a wooden post at the top of the mountain.  I left my mark on Bariloche, and it has definitely left its mark on me.

When we finally had to go back down, we were able to spend a few hours exploring the city of Bariloche and, because it’s a city built for tourists, we all did a little bit of souvenir shopping and yes, family, I bought chocolates that I am planning on bringing back for you all…of course, I HAVE been having a bit of a sweet tooth lately…but I promise you I will try to bring back some of the Swiss-like Chocolates that Bariloche is famous for (well, one of the things it’s famous for at least).  After spending time in the “city” we all (very sadly) loaded onto our 20 passenger bus and headed out to the airport.  Another two hour flight later, and we were all back in the city, with views of buildings and…more buildings. Our precious moments of mountains and lakes were behind us, and reality set back in.  I must say, it was a hard transition.  I sincerely, sincerely hope that one day I might return and see those beautiful landscapes once more.

I hope you enjoyed reading and that I was able to convey some of the wonderfulness that is Bariloche.  

Also, I only have one month left. Where has my time gone???

I guess I'll be seeing you all soon(ish)

Chau, 

Kiki