Into Argentina

Andean vista

With our inaugural bus ride of South America, a bum-numbing 8 hour semi-sleeper across the Andes, our time in Chile came to an end.

Our tight schedule, once again, only gave us time for a brief taster - Santiago, Valparaiso and, previously, Easter Island (which also counts as Chile). A visit which in no way did justice to the long, narrow country so perfectly wedged between the Andes and the Pacific.


Pavement dweller

We were initially headed down to the promised breath-taking landscapes of Patagonia, but the low temperatures, retracted glaciers and expensive transport made us turn north instead, for our last few Chilean days.

Hence, only a brief Chile summary: Hot dogs. Guacamole. Wine. Parks. Music. Cocktails. Laughter. Hangovers. Checkout. Adios Chile.

Then, Argentina.


Lunch

After driving through the Cristo Redentor tunnel, a nearly two-mile passage drilled into the mountains at 10,400 feet above sea level, we eventually stepped onto Argentine soil and had this curious country welcome us with sunshine, happy faces and tree lined avenues. Just what we needed.

The following days have been equally excellent. Glorious, even. Why did no one tell us about this place before? Argentina is absolutely delectable. It's relaxing and exciting at the same time. And cheap too, very cheap - last night we sought out the most luxurious restaurant in the town of Mendoza, where we indulged in the thickest slabs of steak we have ever seen - butterflied entrecotes with beef skewers, rocket salad, a bottle of delicious wine - all for less than $25 for the two of us.

So far we've visited two wineries, an olive oil plantation and a chocolate factory. Oh, yeah, and then there was the creepy butcher shop that also did taxidermy (!?). It's true. Behind a glass counter of rather drab, old looking meats, there stood a giant bookcase filled with the most random, glass-eyed, dead creatures you could imagine, all stuffed and stitched together by what was clearly a very keen unskilled amateur. Dogs. Cats. Armadillos. Condors. Crocodiles. Sheep foetuses. Every single person in this shop must figure that they are buying a slice of old dog. Yummy.


Tres amigos

People are friendly, the cars are retro cool and, even better, there are few street dogs rubbing their filthy little butts against us. We could definitely stay here for a while. And you know what, we probably will. After all, there is a lot to see.

Tonight we take another sleeper bus, this time to Bariloche, our most southernly point in our trip so far.

See you there.


El duderino