Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Well, after my days in Antarctica and Buenos Aires with the posse, it was time for me to get back on the road. Jeff was the best host, but he actually was heading to Mexico for work in a few days so it was time I got moving. And as I mentioned Vanessa and Jason were also heading back home, so I set out on my own to see a bit more of Argentina.
I had to take a picture of this because this is the entry way/elevator door to Jeff's apartment. Made me smile and think of clowns every time I was waiting for the elevator.
My next destination was back South to Patagonia and specifically to El Calafate. To help with the planning I used Gadventures to book a couple independent tours for me. Basically what it means is they book all the hotels and transportation and guides but I'm not travelling with anyone. Made it nice and easy for me but also gave me quite a bit of flexibility and freedom to do what I wanted.
Leaving Jeff's place I wandered out to the street to find a taxi. It took a bit of waiting but I had plenty of time so didn't complain too much. There was a bit of an issue because the driver did not speak much English and needed to tell me that I had to pay an extra charge because the airport was outside the "city". He found another driver though and once we were on the same page we headed to the airport.
It was a rather uneventful flight as I expected. On arrival, it didn't take long outside the airport though to be reminded that I was a little farther south again and the weather would be a bit chillier. Not to worry though because I obviously have a few warm clothing items with me. I actually did leave a suitcase of stuff in Buenos Aires at the hotel I will be staying on the night before I fly back to Riyadh. Everything was nicely washed and sorted out so those things I would not be actually be needing were not weighing my backpack down.
When I arrived in El Calafate I was picked up at the airport and delivered to the front door of my hotel.
My hotel for a couple nights.
The view from across the street from my hotel. So pretty.
After my very early morning, mostly I took a nap on my arrival and then headed into town to check it out. Many things in the town actually close at 1230 and then re-open at 1600 or 1700 (just like in Riyadh actually) so there was no point me going out when I first arrived. El Calafate is a small place, around 32,000 people.....although that can change with the seasons. My hotel was within walking distance of pretty much everywhere, although there was a big hill in the way. I had nothing exciting planned on this day so just grabbed some dinner and then headed back to my hotel.
It was a pretty early night but tomorrow I would be off to see a very famous Argentinian tourist spot.
Julie
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