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Just to start by saying thank you for your comments on the blog.
We were grateful that although the sky was blue there was a welcome wind to cool us as we set off on our new adventure and took our bags to the bus stop; however I really felt like a 'grown up' traveller, my backpack was so heavy, The reason was that we needed to pack our backpacks as we needed to alleviate the weight of our main bag to 20 kg for the bus trip to Mendoza. As I tried to get on the bus, with my bag, I almost fell backwards. I think the image created amuzement for all around. There were smiles and titters, not in any way rude, just quietly laughing at the vision ; fortunately to avoid further embarrassment, the young, fellow travellers came to my rescue. I'm sure the image will be told in many a blog elsewhere. Jeff just laughed!
The bus journey to Mendoza was all part of the adventure, my friend Emily, a seasoned traveller, told me it was a must - worth a punt, worth a gamble, so Jeff and I decided to give it a go and sometime back in October I booked seats numbered 4 and 5 on the Andesmar bus.
We were quite excited about leaving Bariloche - we loved it, the apartment was perfect, but like 'accustomed travellers' we were ready to move onto the next place, we were ready to say goodbye to the phenomenal views. We had such memories - the walk to the top of Cerro Campanario, in the blistering heat and the ski lift down! I closed my eyes again!!
The kayak in Lake Gutierrez, where a diver popped up and had a chat with us in perfect English. Quite a bizarre moment. There was the young Italian shoe designer who worked for Tods, who had a brief conversation with us on a beach, where it was unbearably hot. She had planned to go sailing around Cape Horn, but the Captain was ill and the trip was cancelled, so she decided to change her plans and travel South America with the wrong clothing! So many interesting people with so many stories.
After a short trip we arrived at the bus station with plenty of time; luckily time passed quickly, so much to observe . The bus arrived - it was the official bus for the CARP football team and immediately created a stir.
Well Emily you were absolutely right - it was like business class without taking off. Reclining seats that made a bed.
As we left Bariloche, under the clear blue skies, the views were just beautiful, it was truly stunning and then the 'waiter' gave everyone bingo cards- playing bingo in spanish, when you don't know the numbers, it is an experience which can only make you giggle! I joined in, but alas did not win!!!
As you looked out of the window you saw a view that hadn't changed in hundreds of years - it looked like a scene from a western- the river meandoured for miles and miles. All we neeeded to see was a condor and a cougar, but alas they were hiding. There was just so many fresh water lakes and so much land. It seemed to me the world's problem of lack of space could be solved. Vast spaces - untouched.
Every now and then there were huge clumps of pampas and purple thistles, wild herds of lamas. As we climbed higher and higher, you could see, on the horizon, rocks that had changed shape into, what looked liked huge sawn off tree trunks, it's amazing what the wind can do.
As we travelled further and further the landscape changed dramtically, there were large red 'pumice like ' rocks that reared up either side of the road and the land was green and lush with pampas.
The scenery changed, there were thousands of pylons that ran for miles, the beauty of looking out of the window, no longer held our attention. we read and listened to music, with snacks and coffee being served.
A three course meal was served at 10 pm, with a couple of glasses of Malbec and then lights out at 11 pm. The seats reclined into beds, it was a strange experience. I woke in the middle of the night - the night sky, pitch black, was filled with stars, thousands of stars that looked as if you could touch them, they were so large and so bright. A storm raged for part of the night and as we went through a town where two enormous dogs jumped up at the bus, this startled me, I returned to my sleep. In the morning, as the sun was rising, the sight of snow on the Andes was just breathtaking and quite emotional, Jeff and I just smiled at each other
The bus came into Mendoza just before 9 am, The sky was clear and the sun was once again hot, not as hot as Bariloche, we negotiated a taxi to our first destination in Maipui, Mendoza - a young couple set up a B + B, with a beer garden, such a clever concept when surrounded by vineyards. We decided that our stay in Mendoza was going to be another enjoyable experience.
The weather in Mendoza is cooler than Bariloche, which surprised us, they have had lots of rain of late, wich apparently is unheard of at this time of year. How's the weather at home?
- comments
Kate Not like you, I woke up in my own bed and the wind and rain was wild, it has stilled this morning and another normal day starts...sending love. X
Dianne Hi J2 Woke to glorious blue sky and bright sunshine. So hot - must be at least 5 degrees
Lord Ric #JustLoving your Blogs Keep 'em coming !! The Gaucho Boy
Krys Your adventure sounds wonderful. Weather here is sunny this Sunday morning. Off for a long walk down "country lane" parts of hidden green Bromley! Looking forward to your next blog xxx
Denise Wilkinson All sounds good - know about trying to make carry on seem like it weighs nothing! Take care D & T