January 22. The weather did not cooperate fully today. Temperatures in the 50s, rain alternating with splashes of sun, and turbine-like winds. Nonetheless, we attempted to go check-out a well-known waterfall in the area. We drove about an hour to reach it, but we were told that, on account of the many tourists, the road beyond was closed to 2-way traffic, and we would have had to wait three hours before being able to proceed.
On account of the unpleasant weather, we decided to forego it, agreeing instead to dine at the Mascardi Hotel, which is situated right on the shores of the lake by the same name. It was a good decision. The food was good, and the owner, one Alejandro, invited us to try mate, the undisputed national drink of Argentinians. He also elaborated on the history of mate and how it is consumed.
Alejandro giving us Mate lessons
I would tell you that the scenery was wonderful, fact is the entire surroundings of Bariloche are absolutely stunning, whether lit by the sun, shrouded in clouds, or even under a deluge.
Interesting fact: Argentina has 4 rates of exchange. The official exchange is 100 pesos to the dollar, but on the black market one can get twice that much. We exchanged all our dollars in Buenos Aires at the double rate, cursing that we didn’t bring more cash. For one, when you pay by credit card, you are paying at the official rate; also, if you plan to use the ATMs, they limit you to a maximum of $50, and you get charged $15 to use them. Luckily, we ran into a family of Americans whose daughter lives in Argentina, and they advised us to have money wired to us via Western Union, and the money will be delivered in local currency at the greater exchange rate. That’s what we will do, but we have to wait until Western Union opens on Monday.
The internet in our rental apartment went out and I was unable to post this yesterday. Another (for today) will follow in a few hours.
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