Teal, the Ultimate Soul Food

Today is my last day in Bariloche.  A full four days were spent here.  We went on numerous hikes, rafted down the Rio Monso, and went on an incredible boat ride. 


First off, the hostel I'm staying at seems to be the local hangout. With a bar right down the stairs, and the beach right past that, Barilocheñas (the people who are actually fortunate enough to live here) are constantly coming in and out.  Speaking with an Argentine accent, having the bluest eyes, the tan skin, dark hair--most amazing people I have ever spoken with.  And I'm not just talking about the men, the women as well.  They are equally beautiful. Every Wednesday, the hostel hosts a party.  With live music, and great people, there is no better place to be.  Something strange I noticed, only American music was coming out of the speakers.  When the DJ was playing, it was electronic music, and a lot of Coldplay.  When the band came on, Motown and Tracy Chapman were the big hits. Everyone was up and dancing, under the full moon, with the lake in the background--it is going to take a lot for me to leave this city, not knowing the next time I will be back. 

Rafting el Rio Monso made me realize how small this world truly is.  Our guide new some people that guide in Missoula. These two places are very similar, so it's not to big of a shock that people living half way across the world know each other. The same vibe flows through the streets of this town, that flow through every mountain town.  The raft guides in the summer turn into ski guides in the winter. 


Speaking of skiing, I made a mistake in my last entry, I didn't go to the main ski resort, but a smaller one. Comparable to snow king.  El Catedral is the real deal.  I made it up there on Wednesday. This resort is one I will ski this July.  There is no way I am not returning.

I also ventured into a little store, where I was lucky enough to talk with the owners.  It was a wool co-op, which made the most spectacular items. The story behind this co-op was one that contained some tribulations, but in the overall scheme of things, they are highly successful. Some of the most beautiful shawls were draped across the tiny store--most taking up to three months to make. 

Today, we took a boat ride. A surprise boat ride in fact. A very classy boat, stocked with delicious food, and a great tour guide led us down el Brazo Tristeza.  We then got off the boat and went for a beautiful hike along multiple water falls, ending up at Lago Frey. The guide spent most of his time talking about the flora and fauna of Bariloche, a very interesting topic to discuss. 

Teal. I never thought a color would affect me so much. Teal. One syllable, four letters, and has the ability seep into ones body, and change their life. Not a drastic life change, but damn, I am feeling great! Teal is the designated color of Patagonia...well maybe not, but I am officially declaring it so.  The water, the sky, the locals eyes; they all emit the deepest, most invigorating teal color. When I see this color, I get giddy.  A cheesy smile appears on my face, and I let out a school girl giggle.  Remember in 6th grade, when you would see your crush across the hall, and let out a little laugh?  That same laugh comes out of my mouth when I see teal. And teal is everywhere here--so i'm walking around, blatantly looking like an American (the pasty white skin, which is now peeling, and the camera around my neck), laughing like a 10 year old girl.  But I just cant help it, I am so happy.  There is no other way to explain how I feel.  "I'm so happy"--it's almost a cliche; used so much, not intricately written, it doesn't even roll of the tongue smoothly.  But it's true.  Teal has made me fall in love.  With this place, with these people, with  the adventure that is continuing to unfold in the most beautiful of ways. 

Chapter One: Bariloche

At first, I wasn't going to keep a blog.  I thought it would take up a lot of time, and I'm on facebook (of course). My plan was to use Facebook as a way to share my adventure, but having arrived in Patagonia on the fourth day of my trip, I came to realize that this place is way to beautiful to not share. Don't get me wrong, Buenos Aires is a lovely city, and I am thrilled knowing that I will be attending school in the city, but there is something special in this Patagonia air that is worth shouting about.

To start off, I will tell you the logistics to this Patagonia adventure.  I am with a group of twelve people.  Nine girls, and three guys.  All incredible people willing to jump at any adventure that crosses our path.  We all met up in Buenos Aires, and hopped on a twenty hour bus ride to Bariloche. It is much more common to take busses in South America, versus hoping on a plane.  It was a double decker bus, with seats that turned into very comfortable beds.  The service was amazing, and the alcohol was flowing.  Delicious wine, whiskey and champagne were served...along with some good food too. I understand why busses are the norm down here, I didn't want to get off, even after twenty hours.

As we pulled up to Bariloche, a city with almost 110,000 people (each one as beautiful as the next), we were engulfed by the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes. I instantly could picture myself living here. People are roaming the streets, kayaks thrown over there backs, bikes between there legs, back packs strapped to their bodies, and climbing gear dripping off of each limb. With huge smiles on their faces, these people are the most incredible I have ever encountered. Once we got off the bus, we dropped our stuff off at the hostel, which is lake front, and started on our first venture.

We went to the ski mountain, el Catedral, and took a chair lift to the top (a bit touristy for my liking, I would have rather hiked up).  From the top, one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. Surrounded by the bluest water, the greenest grass, and the Andes, tears started to flow down my cheeks.  Tears of pureness--happiness--simplicity.

This doesn't even compare to what the view actually was.  I am trying to figure out how to take a panoramic picture, but so far that has been a failure.

Inspired by Swiss architecture, this city is drizzled with the most magnificent homes. The European influence is so extreme, it seems as though I am not in South America.  Rather a quaint town, situated between the mountains of Switzerland.  Even though this house doesn't look very Swiss, I'd like to live here one day.

I've been repeating to myself "Jodi, you're in Patagonia!" It is to surreal to handle. I still can not believe that I am fortunate to experience a place like this. Bariloche, which translates to "people behind the mountain"is a place that I will come back to.  Because this is a new place, I was expecting the need to transition.  When I've traveled in the past, stepping in and out of different countries, I have experienced a bit of shock.  Some places more then less, but still, a feeling of anxiousness overcomes my body.  As to be expected when trying to fit in a place that is foreign. When I arrived in Bariloche, I felt at home.  At ease. Maybe it is because the fresh mountain air, or the people, who are the most incredible I have ever seen, possibly the lake, which stretches on to what seems to be infinite, or the feeling that this town emits, an urge to seek out, and indulge into the offerings that this incredible world provides.

I'd like to add more, but there is a bonfire, some good meat, and a beer calling my name!

Ciao,
J.