La pura vida! Saw big cities, snowy mountains and went into the jungle- all without ever leaving the country. Loads of great people with whom I had big conversations as well as big party. Epic amounts of meat, wine, coffee and sunshine. Together a huge mess of memories that make sitting at the desk to study really not easy. Here are some of my rather loosely organized notes. Maybe someone can find them useful someday. Some photos too, if you’re in the mood for some Fernweh..
Travel:
- Big comfortable buses are the standard for long-distance overland travel. Cama vs semi cama is worth paying extra, air condition is usually on freeze and onboard breakfast & lunch suck badly. (sleeping mask, ohropax & proper headphones are helpful everywhere)
- Less is more when it comes to packing. Clothing is relatively cheap compared to Europe, so rather stock up on a few tshirts than carry stuff around unused. Getting your stuff washed at the local ‘lavadero’ is also fast and cheap. 4€ for a huge bag
- To use an Argentine SIM in your existing mobile it needs to support GSM 1900/850, which your decade-old Nokia probably hasn’t.
- No matter where you are, ‘Havanna’ (the Argentine Starbucks equivalent) is reliable for a solid cortado, free WiFI and some tasty alfajores.
Places
Iguazu
- Hostel Inn is a hostel with the pool of a hotel, great staff and happy vibe.
- The waterfalls will blow your mind and completely soak everything on you -bring a ziplock for phones, passport etc.
Cordoba
- ‘Pasantias Argentinas’ is a friendly German agency that offers Spanish courses, voluntary work at NGOs/Kindergardens etc., internships and farm-stays. You live in one of three great community houses in Alta Cordoba and their office helps you where they can.
- Macanudo Bar is truly a unique place to have a drink at. Where else do you get a bathtub with living fish in it as your table?
Bariloche
- Again, Hostel Inn Bariloche. Great from the terrace, friendly staff and acceptable dinner.
- Swim in the lake.
- Rent a Bike and go up the surrounding mountains.
- If you feel homesick, have a good beer at ‘Cerveceria Bachman’.
Santiago de Chile
- Barrio Bellavista is king for coffee and lunch, but more on the touristy side-Barrio Brazil seems more local, but just as nice.
- Restaurants in the market hall offer affordable seafood, as fresh as it gets.
- Visit a Jazz Bar. Jazz is huge in Santiago. We sadly discovered this only on our last day.
- ‘Cerro Santa Lucia’ is the perfect place for your 360degree panorama picture.
Mendoza
- Get on a bike and explore the bodegas and olive-oil factories. Organized tours are offered everywhere around the city. You will learn why French oak is better to wines than American Oak and what makes an olive oil extra virgen
- Take a walk in the beautiful park a bit outside the centre to recover from the resaca that you will probably have, if you take wine-tasting seriously.
- Most obvious, but most important: Enjoy lots of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Buenos Aires
- My favorite places on a map.
- Don’t miss a ride on the ‘Subte’ (BA underground). The linea A trains are an attraction for themselves. For about 20 cts it takes you all around the city.
- Dance to ‘La Bomba del Tiempo’, a live percussions-performance that takes places every Monday. Imagine Techno on African bongo-drums.
- Puerto Madera, the Dubai of BA, is shiny and nice, but real life happens elsewhere.
- Palermo is beautiful for strolling around & shopping, but consequently hipster-heavy and more expensive. I felt more at home in San Telmo.
- Finally: Drink lots of coffee and enjoy the vibe.
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