Day 4 - Bariloche

We had an early start today as we had to leave for the airport at 7:40. The well greased machine sprung into action and was fine until we arrived back at our room after breakfast to find that the hotel had already checked us out so we couldn't get in. We only had 20 mins until we had to be ready to get on the bus and there we were having to wait for the keys to be reactivated, which seemed to take for ever. We barely had time to clean our teeth and still be on time. 

On the way to the airport we saw the other side of Buenos Aires, shanty town, where many thousands live in shacks. It looked awful but I imagine those in Calais would've been grateful. 

As we approached Bariloche the lady I was sitting next to pointed out a volcano called Lanin which sits on the border of Argentina and Chile. It certainly stood out although the photo from the plane doesn't do it justice. 

This is it from Google 

After we landed all bags had to be scanned, yet again, and we suddenly remembered that we had acquired two apples and two bananas from the hotel for lunch. Fruit is not allowed into Patagonia because of the risk of carrying disease and so we dutifully opened our hand baggage and took out the offending items. The very nice guard confiscated the apples but said bananas were OK. We've just eaten them and yes they were. 

Bariloche appears to be very nice as we drive to our hotel, especially in the sunshine. By the time we had had a cup of tea and sorted out our room it was time for a wander. 

The civic square

The town is quite famous for its chocolate and ice cream and it seems as though every other shop is one or the other. We had to try out the ice cream of course and decided on 1/4 kg between us. It was very very nice and felt very piggy. 

To walk off the ice cream we ambled along the edge of lake Nahuel Huapi where lots of people were enjoying the sunshine. 

Now we are enjoying a quiet half hour before meeting up with another two couples to go out for food. 

It's now 12:30 and we are back from eating. In the end 5 couples went out together and had a really good evening. Haven't a clue how many bottles of wine were downed but the bill was less than £30 per couple so cheap at the price. Pity we have to be up at 7am to continue our adventures.