Adventures in and around Bariloche: Pt 1

Hi everyone! Thanks for tuning in as I try to catch everyone up on the last few days. To pick up where I left off, we had a wonderful (sarcasm lost in written word) 24hr bus ride across Argentina. In truth, it was way too much time in a single seat, but it was overnight, there were some sweet Adam Sandler movies, Up in Spanish, and it gave us much needed rest after 3 days in the hostel that never sleeps. The bus and a select sunset pic:

Early the Thurs afternoon, we arrived in Bariloche. This place is a vacation destination for Argentinians and also fairly popular with the foreign tourists. It's surrounded by mountains and lakes, and depending on which guide book you look at is situated in northern Patagonia. Fortunately, we're here at the tail end of the offseason so it's reaaaaaally chill. We've both welcomed the change of pace. After an entertaining cab ride from the bus station, we arrived at our hostel-home: Greenhouse. The owners are so nice and look at the view from our room! 

Only later would I realize (i.e. be told) that the relaxed vibe here is due to the owners' daily indulgence in locally sourced greenery. No matter, they seem to like me and Nash and are super helpful! There's also a pet cat and dog, who is an enormous puppy:

Side note: tons of stray dogs all over Argentina. 

After a relaxing day walking around Bariloche, 

,we tucked in for the night. Friday, we did the Circuito Chico by bike. It's a 27km plus scenic loop on/near the road with some seriously impressive vistas. Avinash was a bit more adept on the bike than I was. Those hills burn, man. A sampling of things we saw:

And so many more. Then, just because we weren't quite done, we hiked up a small mountain that ends in one of national geographic's top 10 (easily accessible) vistas. It's called Cerro Campanario:

Pictures don't quite do it justice. 

Check out part II!