Success in Bariloche!

November 25. We left on the 12:15pm bus to Buenos Aires. That meant that we arrived the morning of the 26. It’s funny how each 20 hour bus rides gets easier to handle. Especially when there are alfajores are involved.

The taxi driver and I got into an argument on the way to the corner apartment building. Nate and I picked up the key, figured out the elevator, explored the never-been-lived-in apartment and settled in.

My Dad and Adriana arrived shortly thereafter. Bagels, cream cheese, and lox! And real Zabar’s coffee. Mmmmm… Luxurious dining.

After breakfast I explored the goodies my dad had in his suitcase for me. Oooh, interview clothes, climbing gear, peanut butter, and a whole host of awesomeness from home (thanks, ma!)

The next few days Buenos Aires were like being in a pressure cooker. Walking down the street was draining. On the third day, the sky opened up and shot down rain in amazing quantities.

The days passed and we did a few touristy things. Saw a Che movie, which taught me that the Cuban accent is terribly difficult to understand. Went shoe shopping. Explored an old theater converted into a bookstore. Walked through a street market in search of mates, tango, and super panchos. Watched Kung Fu Panda. We ate some tremendous food, drank copious amounts of fantastic wine, and talked the night away with hilarious people.

On Tuesday December 2, we said goodbye to Dad, Adriana, Virginia, and all the wonderful people we met in Buenos Aires. I wish I could thank them enough for all the kindness they showed us during our visit. Che, ¡qué bárbaro!


We had front seats on our semi-cama ride to Bariloche. Which meant that the panoramic view was our travel companion. We must have slept for 12 hours before waking up the movie, Jumper, being played three times in a row.

Wednesday, December 3 found us back in Bariloche. But as of December 1, the hostels had abandoned the temporada baja prices for the heftier temporada alta prices. Yikes. That meant that we had to leave our beloved 1004 in search of a more economical hostel. But we found the awesome Hostel la Bolsa. Fully equipt with a kitchen, grassy outdoor patio, pingpong table, and a beautiful wooden interior.

On Friday, December 5 we picked up the ABC classifieds magazine promptly at 4pm and flipped through it for apartment listings. In the cabina we called the first place and it was still available!! We arranged to see it that very afternoon.

The #50 bus took us straight to the doorstep of the yellow house with the black roof. We loved it. Two floors, not too spacious. Perfect.

Sunday, December 7 we paid the deposit. It was ours! We move in on Tuesday. Pictures to come.