El Bolson

Today was a 2nd day of exploration. We ment to get up early, but it was a late night in our very loud hostel that seems to keep evryone up. I ended up joining the loud group when they gave me a drink, my first taste of Fernet and Coke, they never let my glass get empty and ended up drinking till almost 3 in the morning. Even though I don't speak much spanish I managed to have some fun conversations, (and dancing to!) these Argentines pick up english from all the american tv and music that they listen to. Then after hardly any sleep it's up at 7:30 and Jen and Martin and I are off in our little white Fiat heading out in the fog and sleet to El Bolson, which is known as more of a hippy type of community. It was an hour and half south of Bariloche and a little bit tricky driving in our little teeny car, but fun to be out on our own schedule instead of on a bus. The forest and lakes are real pretty and by the time we get to El Bolson, the clouds start to lift a bit. We check out some of the cool hippy house communities around town, they are very unique. Then it's on to the market for some awesome empanadas and fun crafts. Very laid back friendly little town, it's got a nice feeling to it like you can hang out here forever. Then it's the drive back, at least the roads have cleared some by now and we can get some views of the mountains sorrounding us finally, muy bonita.

Sunday ends up being another day of car exploration, Martin flew out this morning for home, so now it's back to just Jen and I. We'll have to see what kind of trouble we manage to get into on our own. We plan to head up into the mountians tomorrow for some backcountry skiing if the conditions cooperate. We are going to stay at this cool hut/building called refugio Frey. It wil be good to get out on the skins and get away from the crowds and town for a bit.