7.00pm: We had a short time at the hotel at Puerto Blest - time enough for a coffee and comfort stop. I took the first photo (above) as the 'Victoria Andina' catamaran set sail from the wharf for the 1 hr trip along Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. From there, we boarded a bus which took us to Bariloche.
We arrived at 9.30pm at the Grand Hotel. We were very tired from such a long, exciting trip. We were served a Patagonian dinner of empanadas, cold meats and salad, breads, beer and wine. We grew to like empanadas - very similar to a cornish pastie but with boiled eggs, olives, herbs and spices, onions in alongside the mince.
Bariloche is an attractive, chalet-style tourist town and the best location for exploring the National Park.
Population: 89 000.
It was fairly windy and cool in Bariloche. On Wednesday, we had the morning to explore the streets and visit the beautiful shops and chocolate cafeterias. Had to find somewhere to change money: another exchange rate to get used to. $US1 = 4 Argentinian pesos. Did some shopping!
Stella had organised a city tour which began at midday - included the chairlift, Llao Llao (pronounced 'Sh-ow' as in cow, a 5*) hotel and Rosehip Oil factory. It was cold and rainy for most of the day.
In the afternoon we had a late lunch. David was most impressed with the beer he ordered when he saw the size of it!!! Next, we did some more walking around the town, found the post office and David bought a wallet at a good quality leather shop. We found a beautiful parrilla restaurant to try for dinner. Felix and Robin joined us. Some of the others went for dinner at a Swiss fondue (cheese) restaurant. We dined at 'El Boliche de Alberto' which was the most brilliant, tender meat ever! HUGE serving! We also tried a bottle of 'malbec' red wine - magnificent!
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