Argentina with Paula and Ward

 

Argentina Weeks 2 and 3- Paula and Ward come for a visit in the mountains and at the beach

It was hard to leave Bariloche and the great hostel there. But we did leave because we were looking forward to meeting our friends Paula and Ward, who were coming to travel with us for three weeks. We took the bus about an hour north of Bariloche to Puetro Manzano to stay with them at a time share they had arranged. This was a new experience because we were going somewhere we had nothing to do with setting up. The bus went North past some beautiful mountains and along the lake Bariloche is on. There were less and less signs of civilization and then none. When it was time for us to get off there were just starting to be a few buildings. At our stop there was a pharmacy, restaurant and cafe and some cabins to rent.  Really we were just on the side of the road in the woods. As we got organized under the bus shelter it started to rain. We had no idea which way to go so I called the resort. I was hoping they would say sure we'll send someone to get you. Instead they said oh its only a 500meter walk. So off we trudged. All this was forgotten the minute we saw Paula and Ward.

The resort at Puerto Manzano from a far

Sunset from our window at the resort

The best thing about the time share resort, after the company,  was the stunning location on the lake and the daily activities they arranged including hikes, farm visits and of course an asado (BBQ). They also had silly activities at night that Paula and I participated in sometimes. Ward was sick most of the first week and Anika liked staying at the resort with him. We did take one all day trip together renting a car and driving the Seven Lakes Drive. This drive passes, you guessed it, seven lakes while you drive through the Andes. It was long but stunning.

Anika, Lysa, Dave and ward in front of one of the Seven Lakes

On the hikes and the drive we saw the effects of the ash from the volcano in Chile. We had seen some of this coming over form Chile. But in this area around the resort and north there are piles of ash like snow drifts. Trucks work all day moving ash. There was not a lot of ash falling while we were there but we did have days where we saw a mist of ash in the air and felt it on our skin and teeth, It was a film everywhere. Farms here have been devastated, animals and crops died, tourism is down. The ash doesn't fall every day and right now its better but none knows from day to day how it will be.

Pile-o-ash

Dave in front of an ash covered farm. You can see ash on the house roof.

From here in the mountains we were headed to the beach. We got bus tickets for a 20+ bus ride. We left on time to get a bus to the bus. Here we are all standing by the side of the road. But when the bus comes, the only one that will get us there on time to make the connection, they say they are full and can't take us. We call the resort in a panic and they come through sending a taxi that takes us there in time. Not only that they come and wait with us for the taxi. That's service! We make the bus and start our 20 hour ride.
The ride is surprisingly comfortable. If we had buses like this n the US people would not fly and drive everywhere. They serve hot food and wine/beer. They showed three good movies, the time flew by. The seats turn into almost beds (there are some that turn into complete beds but we didn't get them), you get a pillow and blanket. We all slept. We get out at Mar de Plata where we have to switch buses. And then switch buses again. 26 hours later we arrive at Mar Azul our home at another time share resort for the next week.

Paula and Ward on the bus

This resort is not nearly as well run as the last one. They barely give us TP when we need it. The people at the desk were not helpful. The place itself is not the most comfortable. But its all about the beach here which is long and wide edged by dunes. We can walk there in a few minutes. It reminds me of the beach in New Jersey we used to go to when I was little. When the weather was good we enjoyed it. Unfortunately we had some not so good days. And Anika came down with something similar to what Ward had. Luckily Ward was feeling better. But the biggest problem for me was that the resort didn't have wifi and I had to be communicating with my work about what kind of job I might have when I get back. This was very stressful as I had to make skype calls and do online applications where ever I could find some wifi. It was also time consuming and took away form my time with Paula and Ward.

The Beach

My favorite thing about this week besides the beach was this one restaurant we went to. A friend of a friend of Dave's, FlaviaFlavia and hear abut her life in Argentina. Another good thing that happened in Mar Azul is Paula befriended some other women at the resort who we would later connect with in Buenos Aries. Go Paula!

After the week at the beach we headed to Buenos Aries and a week in the city.