Bariloche, Argentina

I'm no longer playing catch-up, but I have rather settled into this semi-quiet mountain town. I am in the lake district of Argentina, which is much like upstate New York, with kilometers and kilometers of lakes, large and small, interconnected by waterways, creeks, rivers and streams. Bariloche is situated on the edge of the largest lakes in the district, with several islands floating inconspicuously in the middlish part. Around the lake and from behind the town, sharp snow-capped(although not as snow-capped as they should be) peaks rise to form dramatic horizons that harness the sunrise and release the sunset.

Argentina and Chile have been much more European in their food, architecture and the appearance of the people. Bariloche is fantastic, I have become quite enchanted with this town, the people and the way of life here. You might understand why to a greater extent if I tell you that the ski resort of Cathedral, with over 32 lifts, and unlimited area to ski, a huge terrain park a proper half-pipe and more backcountry that looks much like some Alaskan footage I've seen than one could wish for. The lift passes are only $30 a day, cheaper if you plan on boarding for consecutive days, and there are several shops where one can rent never-been-used demo boards, boots, bindings from several major snowboarding manufacturers. Its a dream. Apart from that the lake lapps at the foot of the town and the national park stands by only 5 kilometers away with recreation unlimited. I sit on the northern edge of the mysteriously renouned land of Patigonia, with all its wonder and harsh winter conditions, coupled with the beauty of summer that creates a landscape that is quite unimaginable in the fullness of winter. I hope to see it for myself in December.

Bariloche carries all the charm of any mountain resort town. A grid-based town layout on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi has a quaint villiage square and streets lined with restaurants, nationally renouned chocolate shops, tourist venues with shirts sporting "Bariloche" in about 500 different fonts and colors, overpriced skiing outfitters and restaurants catering to most budgets and tastes. Away from the downtown area the streets fade into residential districts filled with families, hostels and hotels, quiet corner stores and lazy internet cafes. Buses run reguarly, taking you anywhere you want to go, including the nearby mountain, which is 22 kilometers away, for a mere $3.10 pesos, or $1 American dollar.

It has been a good place to rest, to enjoy and to make friends. The snow, due to lack of precipitation, has not been amazing, and only half the mountain has been open. Nevertheless, half the mountain holds the equivalent amount of terrain that my hometown Mt. Shasta holds. To give an idea, a run from the top of the mountain to the very base would probobly take you between 30 and 40 mintues, depending on whether you were going for speed or enjoying yourself as you went. Can you tell that I'm in love with this place? Unfortunatly my time is winding to an end and I must soon depart from Bariloche and head toward Buenos Aires once again, and homeward from there. I wish that I had a digital camera so that I could share the beauty and awe-inspiring scenery I have encountered here, and throughout my journey, with everyone.