Buenos Aires to Villa Gesell, 300 miles
I woke up with a bit of a heavy head, probably something to do with the all you can drink wine, and good wine at that. I didn’t mind though, it was New Years day, the first day of a whole new year. Thinking back to where I was and what I was doing last year made me realize how happy I was with 2006 and all we have accomplished. Last New Years we had only had dreams of doing such a trip that we are on now, and were no where close to the reality of it happening. What a difference a year can make, there I was, in a restaurant in Buenos Aires with a bunch of wild old Argentinean woman and men dancing and singing their hearts out in celebration for the New Year; we’ve come a long way and it felt good. 2006 was a wonderful year, Gina having the twin boys and our long dreamed journey becoming a reality. I look forward to all that 2007 will bring us.
As much as I greatly enjoyed all my time in Buenos Aires and put it in the top of my list for favorite cities, after 6 days in one place, I had the itch to hit the road towards new places and looked forward to what today would bring. The very exciting part of this whole trip, at least for me, is the anticipation of where we are going will be like? Every country is so different, but even within the country each region also holds its own individuality. You never know what type of people you will be surrounded by, what the scenery has in store, weather, etc. You set off each morning with everything about the day to be discovered. Sure, that part does have it’s downfalls as in, what type of hotel will we get for the night? What will we eat for dinner? Those you always hope for the very best, but many times are stuck with your only option.
As it’s been extremely hot and humid in Buenos Aires during our time there, we anticipated the heat on the road up until nearing the Atlantic. Well, that sure held true, and even when we reached the coast, it got a bit cooler, but still hot enough to be completely soaked underneath our very heavy and thick protective gear. I curse at the gear from time to time when I feel I may melt away from the extreme heat that it captures, but usually just as those thoughts cross my mind, a gigantic bug will smack the side of my leg or jacket to remind me how much more that would hurt if I didn’t have the protective gear!
The ride today was mostly on a very straight and well paved highway. Flat lands and not too much to look at other than the many billboards placed along side of the road for all the BA tourists to view as they make their way to the beach on their Summer vacation. Roads like this made me sleepy. It’s not fun to feel sleepy on the back of the bike, as there isn’t much you can do to snap yourself out of it. You know that if you do fall asleep, you risk falling off…but somehow I convince myself from time to time that I can just close my eyes for a few seconds. Dangerous business, but some coffee at the next gas station did the trick and I survived the rest of the day.
The first beach resort town we attempted to stay at was called Pinamar. We rolled into a town that reminded us much of Carmel Valley, even the price tag. Seems we picked the location where the wealthiest of Argentina like to spend their summer vacations. After a few inquires, we headed out for the next beach town called Villa Gisele in hopes for something more affordable. Success, even though we still had to pay $27 for a very small room in need of much TLC with a very slow moving fan, it was a steal compared to the $65 dollar quotes from the nearby Pinamar. In fact, it seems that Argentina has become quite a bit more expensive than in recent times. The Lonely Planet book we refer to seems to be quoting three times less, and only 2 years old. Still a very reasonably priced country, but unfortunately we aren’t getting the deals you used to at one point.
After unpacking we set out for some snacks and drinks, and then the rain came pouring down. What timing and what a nice treat to cool us down for the night! The town is bustling with Argentinean tourists out on their summer vacation. Mike and I enjoyed some empanadas, beer and delicious ice cream. Yes, Argentina, land of delicious steaks and ice cream!
As much as I greatly enjoyed all my time in Buenos Aires and put it in the top of my list for favorite cities, after 6 days in one place, I had the itch to hit the road towards new places and looked forward to what today would bring. The very exciting part of this whole trip, at least for me, is the anticipation of where we are going will be like? Every country is so different, but even within the country each region also holds its own individuality. You never know what type of people you will be surrounded by, what the scenery has in store, weather, etc. You set off each morning with everything about the day to be discovered. Sure, that part does have it’s downfalls as in, what type of hotel will we get for the night? What will we eat for dinner? Those you always hope for the very best, but many times are stuck with your only option.
As it’s been extremely hot and humid in Buenos Aires during our time there, we anticipated the heat on the road up until nearing the Atlantic. Well, that sure held true, and even when we reached the coast, it got a bit cooler, but still hot enough to be completely soaked underneath our very heavy and thick protective gear. I curse at the gear from time to time when I feel I may melt away from the extreme heat that it captures, but usually just as those thoughts cross my mind, a gigantic bug will smack the side of my leg or jacket to remind me how much more that would hurt if I didn’t have the protective gear!
The ride today was mostly on a very straight and well paved highway. Flat lands and not too much to look at other than the many billboards placed along side of the road for all the BA tourists to view as they make their way to the beach on their Summer vacation. Roads like this made me sleepy. It’s not fun to feel sleepy on the back of the bike, as there isn’t much you can do to snap yourself out of it. You know that if you do fall asleep, you risk falling off…but somehow I convince myself from time to time that I can just close my eyes for a few seconds. Dangerous business, but some coffee at the next gas station did the trick and I survived the rest of the day.
The first beach resort town we attempted to stay at was called Pinamar. We rolled into a town that reminded us much of Carmel Valley, even the price tag. Seems we picked the location where the wealthiest of Argentina like to spend their summer vacations. After a few inquires, we headed out for the next beach town called Villa Gisele in hopes for something more affordable. Success, even though we still had to pay $27 for a very small room in need of much TLC with a very slow moving fan, it was a steal compared to the $65 dollar quotes from the nearby Pinamar. In fact, it seems that Argentina has become quite a bit more expensive than in recent times. The Lonely Planet book we refer to seems to be quoting three times less, and only 2 years old. Still a very reasonably priced country, but unfortunately we aren’t getting the deals you used to at one point.
After unpacking we set out for some snacks and drinks, and then the rain came pouring down. What timing and what a nice treat to cool us down for the night! The town is bustling with Argentinean tourists out on their summer vacation. Mike and I enjoyed some empanadas, beer and delicious ice cream. Yes, Argentina, land of delicious steaks and ice cream!
Not blanket-sweater things, or stomachs, they are actually selling hot dogs
Argentine families on the way to the beach
Just cruisin
Mike looking for a hotel we could afford
Amie contemplating her next ice cream flavor selection
posted by Pedro and Maria at 1:35 PM
2 Comments:
Hey guys you look like you are having a great adventure. We traveled over some of the same territory during our trip in August. We went down to the tip of Baja and then came back. Just like we did when Amie & Sara were little muchachas.
Hope your trip remains a safe one.
It is really neat to see where you are and what you are doing.
Will be following your progress.
Love Joan Gonzales
I remember that Joan, good times! :)sarah
Post a Comment
<< Home