Friday, March 7, 2014
Today would be a travel day for me, but not until later in the afternoon, so I had plenty of time to relax. I had looked into doing a trek on the glacier but it was full so I decided I would just take it easy, and then wander around town before it was time to catch my bus. I woke up to some pretty sad news however, that one of the doctors we work closely with at Cleveland Clinic had passed away suddenly. Dr. William Rauschaupt was a pretty brilliant cardiologist and we worked closely with him and his Assistant, Anne, when getting second opinions for our patients (in case you forgot, that is my job). Ironically, he died of heart related issues but it was really sudden and unexpected. I spent most of the morning making phone calls and sending emails as it was very shocking. I was able to speak with my work colleague Mohammed for a bit as well, as this was a great loss to both of us personally. It was nice to be able to speak with him for a bit as we both dealt with the shock of the loss.
Eventually I made my way out of the hotel and went for a bit of a wander. El Calafate is a nice quiet little town and there are a couple things they tell you to look out for.
There isn't a warning about the dogs, but there probably should be. They are everywhere....and they just sit there, doing nothing. Cars literally have to drive around them. Buuuttt.....some of them are pretty cute and they tend not to be very aggressive (that would require them to move).
The guide books also made no mention of horses......but there one is.
The guide book did make mention of the flamingos though.
Yes, those are flamingos. El Calafate sits on Lago Argentino (Lake Argentino) and it is home to many flamingos. Now I always thought of flamingos as tropical birds but I guess not because here they are. Such pretty birds. I've only ever seen them in zoos and wildlife parks before so I was really excited to see them here.
Eventually I had to head back to my hotel and then to the bus station. I was off to my next destination, El Chalten. Again this was all sorted out by Gadventures, well more specifically their local agent, so it was super easy for me. I was picked up at my hotel, driven to the bus station, given my bus ticket, my bag was put on the bus and I was basically escorted to my seat. Very worry free. The trip was about 3 hours over some very pretty landscape. As is my habit, I slept for a bunch of it but sometimes I cannot help myself (I'm like a baby, moving vehicles make me sleepy).
Once in El Chalten I was met at the bus station and driven to my hotel (very short drive, I easily could have walked). After a quick settling in and a confirmation of my plans for tomorrow, I walked down the street for some food. I made it a pretty early night as I had long day planned for tomorrow.
Good sleeping to come on this bed.
Tomorrow was to be another active day.....and would start pretty early.
Julie
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