ARGENTINA (2015)
Durante sus vacaciones Neil y Digger estaban felices de solicitar la nacionalidad argentina (clarkson gracias por revolviendo para arriba! Idioto)
Scenery
Argentina is a big country with some big hills
This one (Anconcagua) is considered by most people (in S America) to be the second highest in the world
Its so big that they named a national park after it
Some of the “high plains” are a bit, well, plain!
Fortunately, slightly lower down, there is a prickly plant which makes an appearance
Some Cactus are even bigger than me!
Travel
Contrary to what many people think Neil doesn’t travel the cheapest way (all the time). We moved around not by animal but by wheeled transport……….
Although sometimes the wheeled transport had seen better days!
Most of the time we travelled by coach, even on the mountain roads
Even in such a big country there were traffic jams, but what was this once caused by…………
A shed (with a mountain view!)
Despite the appearance given in this photo, the coaches were really rather nice
On some, you got your own seat/bed, a red blanket, headphones and even a glass of champagne………
Walking/streets
Once you got off the main roads the streets were dusty with no tarmac
Note the WWFC hat in this photo. It went missing. See bottom of this page for details of reward if found and returned
Geology
Some of the geology is weird (pers comm former geology student)
Weird but spectacular at the same time
But at least its not near settlements
Oh yes it is (presumably this village is full of geologists?!)
Weird geology, with weird looking archaeologist? Leading onto…
Archaeology
A pre-Inca settlement (with requisite Cacti)
Nice rock art, but is that all the archaeology there is in South America?
A Roman bridge?
With its own “walking trail”
Now. Not wishing to cast doubt on the authenticity of this bridge but just how big was the Roman empire?!!
The Welsh
Patagonia is “famous” for its Welsh heritage. You can even buy Welsh baseball hats (in UK) and wear them next to Welsh sounding street names
Here’s another one (street sign). Not sure I like what they have done to John………..
Its not just street names giving the “Welsh connection” away. See this Welsh school/cultural centre (not open)
But the real “giveaway” is what the Welsh are most famous for? No, not rugby, coal mines or choirs, but afternoon tea……
Wine
Argentina is famous for its vineyards
Vineyards = grapes
Grapes = wine
Wine = bodegas tours
Bodegas tours = heaven
Heaven = wine tasting/s
Town-life
Despite having an incredible promotion on (large beer and pizza for £3) Digger and Neil found that they were often eating alone in Las Tres Marias (Restaurant and Heladeria). Heaven.
We never quite found the time to visit the Polo Club of the Royal County of Berkshire (but as one of the few hints of the existence of a country called England its existence was quite reassuring!)
As was the Manchester Pub (which we obviously would have visited- if it had had a happy hour!)
Water
Contrary to what many (British) people think, the Lake District is in Argentina (and Chile)
It means that its a wild swimmer paradise (see New Swims page), although………..
The water was sometimes quite dirty!
Sometimes it was dirty and fast flowing (Neil had told me it was the “rainy” season and I hadn’t believed him till this day!)
People
Despite our poor Spanish language skills we met along of “people”. None of whom said much or objected to having their photos taken.
Animals
We also met a lot of animals. They also didn’t say much (and generally speaking) didn’t mind having photos taken of them
Some people have asked if Neil and I were still friends at the end of the trip?
Some say a photo speaks for a thousand words (this was actually taken on day one in Buenos Aires- things not looking good!!)
Perhaps this is a better photo to use (respect and thanks to Neil for taking me on another “once in a lifetime” adventure)
Missing!! Reward!!
Regretfully I have to announce that one WWFC had went missing somewhere near San Martin de los Andes. If you should find this hat please let me know as a substantial reward is available.
But all is not lost (well technically it is) as I already have a replacement!!!