Nine hours of sleep later and where are we? On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi with a stunning view across islands to the Andes covered with snow. This must be one of the most attractive hotels anywhere and with lovely staff to boot. It turns out that this is the number one skiing hotel and resort in this area and it is a novelty to walk on under-heated floors - it is so well insulated we had to try and jam the window open last night to cool down! I especially like the fact that little flags are hung by each apartment so we have the Union Jack outside - #FeelingPatriotic!!!
We had a day with nothing much more that a visit in the local town of Bariloche (main claim to fame is copious amounts of chocolate shops and its distinctly Bavarian feel - it was one of the strongholds for former Nazis and war criminals who escaped here after the Second World War). We caught a local bus into town when we discovered they do not take cash (a very kind girl on a scout trip paid our fares with her card and refused any money). It is an interesting place with great lake views but to be honest there appeared not to be a huge amount here apart from chocolate shops. There were however a row of brilliantly ‘yarn-bombed’ trees - see above!
We managed to purchase our own bus card this time and returned back to our hotel haven and have spent the afternoon just enjoying the views (and a couple of beers). We head further South tomorrow by plane this time to El Calafate with another early start but we are getting closer to the penguins!
