Showing posts with label argentina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label argentina. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Day Seven: Argentina – Resistencia the heat trap


We chose a dilapidating hostel – Bariloche – another mistake; we should have taken the slightly more expensive but breakfast inclusive 3 star hotel….

Contemplating our next leg was a bit difficult; to Posadas or Resistencia? Reflecting on the journey we realised that perhaps we did the trip backwards – it would have been better doing everything back to front as we had planned; just to avoid stopping in Posadas or Resistencia.

It was true, there was nothing in either of the cities but we had to make the choice and Resistencia it was. Arriving late on the Sunday – greeted by huge frogs and bare streets. We chose a dilapidating hostel – Bariloche – another mistake; we should have taken the slightly more expensive but breakfast inclusive 3 star hotel.

Next day we left with bags on our backs to navigate the city – actually town – no lets just call it a large village with one central square/plaza and nothing but TWO museums. Actually one you couldn’t really call a museum – a place of cultural interest, a memory of Resistencia after the war; a home to local artists – a commemoration of its rich owner. The second museum was more a representation of the guilt of its repressive actions the Argentines had on the indigenous people.

By 2pm – that was it. The town was shut to all. Bars, restaurants, museums (yes the two), were all closed as locals fled from the dead heat of the bare sky as the sun forced its heat into every crack beneath its glare. The siesta ended our relationship with Resistencia – but being way too early to catch our coach we found a hotel with a pool; paid a fee for the room and sunk into the cooler waters to wait for the hours to go by.

Resistencia – quite a heat trap!

COSTS:
Breakfast for two: AR$44
Museum: AR$5
Hotel with Pool (half day) AR$110
Bus to bus terminal: AR$2

Friday, 9 September 2011

Day Six: Argentina – or Not? Mission!!!


The table was draped in cloth that had seen better days – and cutlery that had had more mouths wrapped around them than a rent boys appendage…

Jesuit Missionary Ruins were next. Hopped on a coach – 5 hours – dropped at the side of a bare motorway. Where were we? The bus station seemed abandoned except for a few Argentine ladies babysitting traveller’s bags who were visiting the Missionary Ruins. http://www.welcomeargentina.com/posadas/san-ignacio-ruins.html

On walking the red dirt track to the village under unforgiving sunshine baring an unbelievable heat we sought refuge at the first restaurant (also to restore our stomachs). The empty 1970s restaurant was painted pink and the fridge in the corner running from a generator flickered on and off. A 60-something year old man enthusiastically greeted us. [We choose a table near the entrance for a swift exit should someone appear with a bloodstained apron and meat clever.] The table was draped in cloth that had seen better days – and cutlery that had had more mouths wrapped around them than a rent boys appendage.

Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Day Five: Argentina - A water experience like no other


Home was soon forgotten in favour of believing and living in the here and now – nothing breathed like the present. Within nature – the power, the strength, the personality are one of its own…






Monday, 8 August 2011

Day Four: Argentina – Panoramic Brazil, Iguazu Falls


The confrontation of a mass of water falling 70 – 80 feet across the river; glittering in the sun – emblazoned with vibrant rainbows; and the crashing water bellowing a constant rhythm of peace and harmony among the chirping of happy birds and the irregular chanting of the river’s rapids…

Sunday, 7 August 2011

Day Three: Argentina – A journey to Heaven – Iguaçu, Iguaçu


The sheer size of this forest was impeccable – as far as the eye could see was (what appeared to be) undisturbed plant growth – no borders/ hedges, no squares or rectangles, no buildings or roads. I was in love – the world truly existed. Never in my life had I seen anything so beautifully natural.

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Day Two: Argentina – Train to the Delta, Tigre


The romantic idea of this being part of the world untouched, the meeting of river to sea by the South American rainforests is far from reality…

Video - Buenos Aires

Stopped in Buenos Aires twice during our trip through North-East of Argentina. A big, noisey and a little rough around the edges the capital of Argentina will keep you busy as a shopper, drinker or culturalist. Find out more vimeo.com/ryanhaynes

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Escaping Home: Argentina - Snowy London, Paris to Buenos Aire

Families stranded from home just days before Christmas with only the shirts on their backs; slim sleeping mats and cradling the third sandwich of the day. Mothers appeared at the end of their tether; sat as though stoned – looking crazy out to an abyss. Fathers – helpless and afraid – while children snuggled as best they could under the circumstances.

Friday, 6 May 2011

Overview: Argentina – North-East


 South America is my favourite part of the world; a mix of climates from the ice and snow in the south, the sheer phenomenon that is the rainforest together with the excitement of the Latin culture and superb food. 

We chose Argentina due to Iguaçu Falls; Cuba had the year before showed us an interesting Spanish culture but we wanted more nature; Brazil had given us a taste for the countryside and the food. The time; Christmas and New Year – a 16-day vacation with our bags on our backs and the freedom of our feet to roam the country as we wished.

Argentina however is much larger than we initially thought; it’s not straightforward, you need to limit yourself to truly enjoy it (unless you have months on your hands and even then our friends who have visited you need 3 months minimum). Even for us 7 cities in 16 days was too much and we only discovered the North-East; we still need to go back for Mendoza wine country and experience the spirit of Patagonia in the south.

However, I hope our journey, the experiences and my imagination provide you with a little insight to this beautiful country and wonderful people. Read on:



THE ARGENTINE NE SERIES
Escaping Home: Argentina - Snowy London, Paris to Buenos Aires
Day Fourteen: Argentina – Across the waters to Uruguay