" Travel is food for the soul, restores our balance, links us to our global community and allows us to be witness to various cultures,climates,languages and foods. We come to realise our small part in the global nature of our earth,which is part of the greater Universe" Judelle Drake
What do Albert Luthuli, former president of the African National
Congress, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, last president of the ‘old South
Africa’ FW de Klerk and the legendary Nelson Mandela have in common? They all
won the Nobel Peace Prize and their effigies stand together at Cape Town’s
V&A Waterfront.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nearby the 4 Laureates is the Peace and Democracy sculpture,
created by Noria Mabasa.
In your wanderings around the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, you might
come across four larger-than-life bronzed gentlemen standing pensively in a
row.
They are the central characters of Nobel Square, dedicated to South
Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de
Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
These great men all played their part in helping South Africa to
democracy after decades of apartheid.
Albert Luthuli, president of the African National Congress (ANC) in
1952, was the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He received his award
in December 1961 after being allowed briefly out of South Africa to attend the
Nobel ceremony in Oslo.
Throughout much of his political life, Luthuli was arrested, charged and
banned from public participation.
'What is important is that we can build a homogeneous South Africa on
the basis not of colour but of human values,' – reads the inscription under
Luthuli's statue.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
in 1984, is one of the world’s most beloved leaders. His fame stretches far
beyond South Africa’s borders and his words are relevant to the world at large.
Known originally for his opposition to the apartheid regime, he later became a
symbol of national reconciliation. He still speaks for the oppressed and the
poor.
'A person is a person through other people,' reads the Tutu inscription.
FW de Klerk was South Africa’s last president during apartheid. In 1990
he heralded the social and political winds of change in South Africa by
releasing Nelson Mandela from prison, unbanning the ANC and its alliance
partners, and working with Mandela and others to establish the country’s new
Constitution.
'Our new Constitution is a powerful symbol of reconciliation, justice
and of the ending of centuries of conflict,' reads the De Klerk inscription.
After 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s
first democratically elected president. He, with FW de Klerk, was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. The following year, following the historic elections
of April 27, he took over the reins of government and led the fledgling
democracy with pride and grace.
'Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will
experience the oppression of one by another,' reads the inscription under the
Mandela statue.
The sculptor finally chosen to create the historic figures was Claudette
Schreuders, a Cape Town artist. She was selected by a panel after a final
grouping of 10 artists was asked to present their concepts for Nobel Square.
BetaBeach–Bakoven
This beach might not be considered “secret” to everyone, but it’s not nearly as popular as the Cliftons. The tiny beach nestled in the quaint streets of Bakoven, Beta beach has a spectacular view of Lion’s Head and is generally pretty empty, especially on weekdays.
Smithswinkel Bay – False Bay
You might have driven past this beach several times, without ever venturing down to explore it. That’s exactly why we still classify it as a “secret” beach. The steep 20-minute walk down prohibits most people from reaping the benefits of its secluded beauty.
Another "Not so secret" - Kommetjie
Platboom Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Wild and unspoilt, Platboom Beach is a magical place. It’s easy to spend the entire day picnicking, walking and exploring the coastline. Pretty dunes separate the parking area from the long sandy beach. Birdlife is prolific and terns, gulls, kiewiete and sandpipers are often seen. A peaty stream flows down to the beach. Swimming here is at your own risk – it's not dangerous but there are no lifeguards.
Sunset Beach – Blouberg
Everyone knows and flocks to Blouberg beach – the iconic white strip overlooking the perfect Table Mountain picture. But a few hundred metres away lies another picture perfect beach relatively few people populate – even in high season.
Another "Not so secret" Blouberg beach
Water’s Edge – Simons Town
This off-the-beaten track beach is one of the local secrets. It involves entering via what looks like a garden gate, which makes it appear to be a private beach, but it isn't! The beach may be regarded as part and parcel of Boulders beach but actually it lies between Seaforth Beach and Boulders, and most people know nothing about it.
Diaz Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Within the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, and only accessible by foot off a pathway that leads from the main parking area, you will find Diaz Beach. This unbelievably beautiful beach, dramatically surrounded by cliffs, is a favourite more with surfers, as swimming can be quite dangerous.
And the famous Camps Bay - definitely, not a secret beach!
Buffels Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Buffels Beach is a small little gem of a strip of sand complete with braai facilities. After paying at the gates to enter Cape Point, head to the Visitor’s Information center and ask for directions to the beach. The beach also has an awesome tidal pool, perfect for small families.
The famous Boulders Beach - not to be missed
Written Content Shared Courtesy of Travel 24/News 24
The very best treks aren’t just about putting one foot in front of
another—they’re about stepping into a destination’s culture and history.
Still, each of the seven treks included here are no walks in the park.
They’ll challenge you physically and engage you mentally, leaving you
with an indelible impression of the richness of our planet.
1. Peru’s Inca Trail | ~43km | 4 days
Explore ruins in the Sacred Valley and learn about traditional ways of life.Follow
the footpaths of the Inca to the roof of the Andes, passing ancient
Tambo ruins, and breathing in Peru’s pure mountain air by the lungful.
Memorable moments are plentiful on the Inca Trail, but none can compare
to the moment you walk through the Sun Gate and catch your first glimpse
of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. It’s not just an accomplishment;
it’s a transformative moment. Did you know? When on the trail, some porters sleep with a mirror beneath them in hopes it will deflect spirits coming up through the earth. Best time to go. May to September Get inspired. Explore ruins in the Sacred Valley and learn about traditional ways of life as you take on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ready to go? More about the Inca Trail
Take on the final 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna.Everyone wants to “get there first”. By trekking Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida
at Teyuna, that honour can finally be yours! Along the way, you’ll
sleep in hammocks strung up in local villages, all the while absorbing
the region’s unique culture. Trek through lush jungles and across
streams before arriving at the ruins of Teyuna. Here you’ll have a have
the rare chance to explore the uncrowded ruins at your leisure and
marvel at what once was. Get here first and you’ll have the Lost City
all to yourself. Did you know? Built by the Tairona civilization ~650 years before Machu Picchu, Ciudad Perdida was home to an estimated 10,000 people during its peak. Best time to go. December to March Get inspired. Enjoy spectacular jungle scenery, swim
in the cool Buritaca River, and take on the final 1,200 steps to reach
the Lost City of Teyuna. Get ‘Lost’ here. More about Colombia
Visit Sherpa villages and meet locals during teahouse stays before arriving at Base Camp.Everest
is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than
just a trek. Along a route dubbed by some as "the steps to heaven,"
every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity—beautiful
forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines and foothills. This trek will
bring you closer to the people of the Himalayas before opening a window
to the top of the world. After setting eyes on Everest, you won't look
at our planet the same way again. Did you know? Most yaks on the trail are not true yaks, they’re dzo—a
yak-cattle hybrid. Moreover, ‘yak-burgers’ served in guesthouses along
the way are most likely water buffalo. Yaks are just too valuable to the
locals to slaughter for meat. Best time to go. August to November Get inspired. Conquer high passes and glaciers,
visit Sherpa villages and meet locals during teahouse stays before
arriving at Everest Base Camp. Throw open the window to the top of the world. More about Everest Base Camp
Trek through verdant forests and silent glaciers.Ever
stood on the top floor of skyscraper and thought, “Bah, this ain’t so
tall”? Then you might just be Kili material. At 5,895m (19,340 ft), Mt
Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak. Follow in the bootprints of some
of the world’s most famed explorers and mountaineers, hiking through
lush rainforests and alpine deserts, across glaciers by day and sleeping
closer to the stars than you ever dreamed possible by night.
Kilimanjaro is no picnic, but unlike other massive peaks, it gives those
daring enough to climb it multiple routes to the top. Choose
wisely—your chances of making your summit a success depend on it! Did you know? Kilimanjaro contains an example of
virtually every ecosystem on earth—glacier, snowfields, deserts, alpine
moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle, all of which found on the
mountain. Best time to go. September to March Get inspired. Trek through verdant forests and silent glaciers before experiencing the curvature of the horizon from Africa's highest peak. Choose your route to the top. More about Mt Kilimanjaro
6. Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Circuit | 133km | 10 days
Trek through incredibly diverse scenery.You’d
be hard-pressed to identify a part of the world that can top Patagonia
for natural splendour. And once you’ve seen it for yourself, you won’t
even bother to try. The scenery down here at the southern tip of South
America is a photographer’s dream come true: stunning volcanic
landscapes, massive glaciers, sprawling steppe-like plains stretching to
the horizon. Here, your shutter-finger is due for an intensive workout.
Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Circuit brings you to remote,
lesser-visited sections of the National Park and the truly unimaginable
scenery to be found there. Did you know? Before its creation in 1959, the park
was part of a large sheep estancia, and it's still recovering from
nearly a century of overexploitation of its pastures, forests and
wildlife.. Best time to go. December to March Get inspired. Watch the ice floes of the Grey Glacier and trek through incredibly diverse scenery. Ready for the full circuit? More about the Torres del Paine circuit
7. Trekking Venezuela's Mt Roirama | ~34km | 6 days
Conquer the summit of Roraima.Journey
into a land that time forgot and conquer the pre-Cambrian tabletop
summit of Roraima. The stunning mountain is sacred to the region's
indigenous people and is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s "The
Lost World." Take time to explore the unique flora and fauna—some of
which is completely unique to the mountain. The trek itself takes six
days start to finish but this two-week adventure also includes canoe
trips in Canaima National Park and a thrilling trek to Angel Falls. If
you're fit and want to get off the beaten track, this adventure will
take you to new heights. Did you know? Despite the sheer cliffs that frame
the plateau, it was the first major tabletop mountain to be climbed.
Author, explorer and botanist Sir Everard im Thurn walked up a forested
ramp in December 1884 to the top of the plateau. This is the same route
hikers take today...
Best time to go. Roraima can be hiked year round;
however, some argue that the best time to go is from November to April
when it’s drier and warmer. Get inspired. Conquer the summit of Roraima, explore
Canaima National Park, witness the power of Angel Falls, discover a
'lost world' amid tabletop mountains.
For those looking for the glamorous shops, look no further than Galerias Pacifico in Retiro. It's a modern shopping centre with a huge food hall and all the normal glamour brands sold worldwide!
Another street that is great for pedestrians is Florida. This pedestrian street has a " cambio" dealer every 5 steps! Just be careful of these money changers as the high exchange rate offered may bounce back in the form of false notes given!!
Av de Mayo is another good street to walk down and we took a tea break at the famous Cafe Tortoni. This world renowned coffee shop is beautiful inside with interesting decor and decent tables. Supposedly the oldest cafe in Argentina, it was established in 1858. Tea is served with tea leaves which makes quite a change in this era of teabags! Some of the waiters look pretty ancient as well!
Some observations:
Many smokers in the streets - horrible to inhale! Even worse than the vehicle fumes
McDonald's, Burger King, Tupperware, Subway, Avon, Starbucks (everywhere!) and all the usual brand stores plus many Magazine/Flower Kiosks on the pavements
Kiosks selling chips, soft drinks and sweets are so tiny and there are often 2 or 3 right next to each other.
People are everywhere, dashing somewhere.
Traffic is relentless, fast but well behaved.
Buses go every which way and there are very many all day long.
Drivers are courteous to pedestrians and only seem to hoot occasionally
Architecture is a mixture of old, new or very decrepit!
Most pedestrians wait for the "white" man and when it starts flashing red, there is a second countdown so you know how fast to walk!
Motor bikes have parking permits in the Centre - pieces of paper flapping in the breeze.
Graffiti is everywhere - on every single garage type door (closed kiosks ) and just on anything that can be scrawled upon.
Parking garages are everywhere - mostly just open plots where the cars are often double parked.
Loads of hawkers in Puerto Madera selling selfie sticks!
Buenos Aires is a concrete jungle unless you get well out of the city. Apartments are the accommodation of all in the neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires so it is pleasing that there are a number of green lungs in the city. Today, we chose to explore those in Palermo, an upmarket area with numerous hotels.
Traffic in BA during the week is continuous no matter where you venture. However, everybody appears to drive well, albeit very fast. There is seldom any hooting - this makes a change from Manhattan, New York or anywhere in India!
Our Radio Taxi dropped us off at the Japanese Gardens for our 1st stop.
We really enjoyed the Japanese gardens - well laid out and very pretty.
The Japanese Gardens in Buenos Aires
Such wonderful gardens despite the traffic noise from one side and the barking dogs on the other side!
Dog walkers are very common in BA die to all the apartment living. So the owners pay somebody to take the dogs out. These are pegged on the grassed area so they have a few metres to move. However, because they cannot sniff each other as dogs do, they bark continuously! The leads to take them home again all hang on the nearest tree! Watch for the poop as this is not cleaned up!
Dog Walkers are all over Buenos Aires!
Our next stop was the Rose Garden.
This garden is beautifully designed and it must be simply incredible when all the roses are in bloom. The few that are currently blooming have the most amazing scents. It must truly be rose heaven during the blooming season.
There was a photographer on the Greek Bridge doing some sort of fashion shoot. The young girl had to change outfits just below the bridge where they had suitcases of clothing!
One thing that has amazed us in this city are the number of smooching couples. They really go to town and one has to wonder why they are not at home in bed!!
And all in full view of the public! Population explosion?
Botanical Gardens Buenos Aires
Our next stop was the Botanical Garden which is another green oasis. There was not much flowering but the trees are stunning and everything has s green carpet of foliage.
Now that we had enjoyed our "nature" fix we decided to walk back to our hotel in San Telmo. Rather crazy? Yes!!
But by pounding the uneven pavements in tune with the hundreds of locals we could experience a tiny, noisy slice of local daily life in BA. The traffic noise is horrendous - how anybody can talk on a cell phone is beyond my imagination.
We passed a few beggars - mother, father and child plus an old woman alone. Some blind people as well but thankfully they all had carers.
Crossing these wide roads is another story - we nearly got squashed earlier when the " white" man came on and so did the 6 lanes of traffic! There was very obviously something wrong at that intersection. So we decided to wait for the locals to get going first but that brings on its own risks as some of them cross on the "red" man. Caution is advised as traffic is fast and roads are wide! To be fair, drivers do wait for pedestrians on the smaller crossings - very patient and polite!
There are many bra and panty shops - do they sell so many as they are taken off so fast? One wonders!
With so many pedestrians to dodge, uneven pavements and traffic we were pleased to make it home safely after also having to cross the widest street in Buenos Aires, Av 9 de Julio which has approx 15 lanes. One cannot cross in one go, it takes about 3 attempts! And wait for the "white" man!!!
And after 2 hours of pounding the pavements we are now resting our wearing bones - tomorrow is another day!
Recoleta Cemetery is touted as the must visit in Buenos Aires. It is huge; make no mistake but whether it is really of that much interest to a Non-Argentinian I don't really know. We have visited many interesting graveyards all over the world that have shown us a slice of history of the people. Recoleta is only for the very wealthy to bury their dead as the mausoleums sell for the same price as an apartment! Can you imagine that? Seems crazy.
You truly require a map to get around this place otherwise you could be lost forever in Recoleta! Maps are sold at the entrance. This cemetery was created in 1822 and covers 4 city blocks.
The streets are narrow and many - just be thankful that us mere mortals will never end up here as we don't have the famous surnames or their wealth.
Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Argentina
Ostentatious does not even begin to describe some of these mausoleums. However, some are very neglected and these are being re - sold if no further members of the family can be traced.
All rather gory!
We did spot a very contented cat sleeping in the sun on some very expensive "real estate"!
La Boca - El Caminito
This is one area that tourists go to for the colourful houses. It is only safe in the main tourist area - anywhere else in La Boca and you are asking for trouble as it is not a very savoury neighbourhood. We also saw our first shack time dwellings in this area.
Colourful Houses in La Boca
The tourist area is well worth a visit though with a number of shops, restaurants and those crazy looking buildings. There are a number of artists displaying their works. The sidewalks in La Boca are all very high as the area used to suffer from many floods. This problem has long gone but the high sidewalks remain. It's a pity this place is so dangerous for tourists to venture on their own and one hopes that it can become safer.
However, in all of Buenos Aires it is not advisable to walk with a camera - this has really annoyed me as I have travelled to many countries without a problem. It means that I have not been able to get a good photographic record of my time here.
Tigre Delta - what an amazing place!
With no running water and only boats for transport, this is a slice of paradise! You can pick up a bargain at around USD 60,000 perhaps but then there is also the cost of the boat and regular maintenance to the house after each flood!
All the homes are built on stilts as the river rises depending on the wind direction. The boats are also moored high up on some contraption so as to escape being washed away when the levels rise.
So its not for the feint hearted!
The area is very lush and the lawns are so green and well kept. I even spotted some residents out on their lawns suntanning.
Most of the homes have water tanks.
Originally there were wild animals in the Delta and the name of Tigre comes from this era although the animals were actually jaguars not tigers.
Boats are a MUST as the only means of transport!Tigre Delta
There are many tourist boats - ours was with Sturia . The delta is immense with over 5000 waterways. Current population is around 3000. The islands in the Delta supply the cellulose, paper and plywood industries.
There is a huge difference between the Tigre Delta, Buenos Aries and the backwaters of Alleppy, India. The first is really only for the more well heeled Argentinians whereas the Indian backwaters house a very much poorer population of thousands. It has been interesting to view both and realise the vast difference between the 2 although both are living in the same sort of natural environment.
Everything in the Tigre Delta has to be delivered by boat and this starts with the building materials, then all the furniture required. There are boats for all occasions supplying the residents e.g. Supermarket boats, ice cream boats, pizza boats, plus a hospital boat for emergencies. We saw huge bottles of water and cola being dropped off at a jetty.
Supply Boats (Supermarket by boat!) Tigre Delta
Whilst we obviously only saw a minute section of the enormous delta area, the wide lawns and interesting homes really fascinated me and I would have loved to have spent a week- end in this glorious spot. Oh well, can't have it all!
Rowing is an important part of life here and there are numerous rowing clubs on the other side of the river such as Italian and English. Many are housed in beautiful buildings.
Rowing Club Buenos Aires
There is also the very interesting
"Market of the Fruit" close by the ferries. The older section of the market is open all week whereas the many other shops only open at week-ends. Upmarket goods are on sale here in the permanent section - beautiful to browse around.
A truly beautiful spot just an hour out of Buenos Aires or approx. 50 by train.
"Market of the Fruit" sells all sorts! Buenos Aires
Today we braved the cold and rain to explore the city via the Hop on Hop off bus.
This tour gives one an overview of the city and takes about 3 hours if you stay on board for the duration.
Buenos Aires is a melting pot of old Colonial architecture, high rise apartments, horrid, decrepit areas that look very unsavoury plus the better, more expensive areas where one can spot the professional "dog walkers". Handling at least 6 dogs, all on individual leads must take some doing in the traffic of Buenos Aires!
This city has many statues and memorials plus very many museums. The dramatic change in the centre today, from Sunday, was the sheer volume of people scurrying about as if they are all late for a very important meeting. One has to wonder where all these locals are dashing to in their sombre outfits?
Traffic is also manic with everybody in a hurry to be somewhere important. For me, a slower pace of life is much better! Who wants to be chasing the rainbow either on foot or in a vehicle? It's no wonder that the city is deserted over week-ends as the locals take to Palermo parks or the long walk in Puerto Madera where the vendors do such a roaring trade. Apartment living? Even upmarket?
With just a balcony pot plant as your garden? Nope, not for me.
Seeing some elderly folk walking gingerly along in the more down trodden areas of Buenos Aires makes one realise the great divide in the income and social brackets of this immense city.
However, there are extremely beautiful areas further out of the city with palatial homes that even feature GARDENS!!!
This is where I would feel happier rather than in the concrete jungle, even the upmarket one in Puerto Madera!
Pope Francis hails from Buenos Aires and has recently visited Cuba and USA to promote peace and goodwill. Let's hope the message reaches worldwide!
Soccer is alive and well in the city with the Boca Juniors who play in blue and yellow plus the River Plate who play in red and white. Both stadiums can be toured.
The river Plate is the widest river on the world being 220 km at some point. It looks like a sea as one cannot see land on the other side! Only problem is that's it's brown. The river water is purified in Buenos Aires and makes up their water supply. The brown colour is due to clay from the upper regions of the river plus minerals. No swimming is allowed in this river although apparently some folk do ignore this rule during the heat of summer.
Argentina is made up of 24 provinces and each has their own government. So laws are different!
The main fuel stations in the country are YPF. Apparently, the government sold all the national assets in the 1990's but have now bought them all back again!
Schooling in compulsory in Argentina and English is taught at all Government schools. It must be fairly rudimentary as not many citizens speak English.
Private schools are expensive but offer certificates from different countries for languages which assists those persons looking to deal with tourists in Argentina.
Many of the private schools are Roman Catholic.
Subsides do exist in certain areas of the city on electricity and gas. But if you live in the more upmarket areas there are no subsides!
Taxes are also targeted at the rich with Property and Income Tax. Sales tax is currently 21% and affects all. Tax on higher end cars such as Audi and Mercedes Benz are also higher!
A Presidential election is coming up soon - there are 6 candidates and the winner must have at least 45% with the next in line at about 35%. If there is no clear winner then there is a second round of voting featuring only the top 2. Seems a fair way to elect a president.
Motor bike riders are supposed to have their number plate numbers either on the helmet or jacket - however, not everybody abides by this rule!
A melting pot of many people and many things, this city!
Now for the big city! After visiting Cordoba, the 2nd largest city in Argentina and then into the countryside of Villa Angostura, we now look forward to the big BA.
Moremo Hotel will be our base for our stay. Art Deco architecture, large, modern rooms, wonderful old lifts with cage type doors (these remind me of the old lifts in Garlicks, Cape Town!) and pleasant staff who speak English. The road outside of the hotel us pretty grotty though!
Puerto Madera, Buenos Aires
Our first outing was to Puerto Madera. Easily within walking distance from our hotel, there are numerous restaurants, very upmarket apartments and the Hilton hotel plus the famous dikes. Nothing is too cheap here but it it still thronged with locals over week-ends. Roller blading is very popular along the smoother side of the dikes as the opposite side is rather cobbled. Both sides have numerous eating spots with both inside and outside tables.
There are a number of crossings from one side to the other but the most outstanding is the Pentagon de La Mujer
Puerto Madera Buenos Aires
This white structure is supposed to represent a couple dancing the tango but to my eyes it is more like a harp! This bridge swings open for traffic and cost AR6million!
It's a great spot for people watching!
San Telmo:
The famous feria (street market) on Sundays turns Defensa street into a very long and busy flea market. All sorts of goods are on offer from the gorgeous to the silly. Buskers can be entertaining. This street gets very crowded and busy so take care with your possessions!
The market truly goes on forever and at the end it turns into an antique market with old cutlery, crockery and all sorts!
Buskers in San Telmo at the Sunday Market
It's very hard on the feet but worth it for the atmosphere of Buenos Aires on Sunday's!
Most of the shops lining the street are closed on Sundays, however some remain open with more upmarket goods and cool interiors.
Prices to match so take your credit card or lots of cash!
Plaza de Mayo
Our early morning walk was towards Plaza de Mayo where the Piramide de Mayo stands proud. This white obelisk was built to mark the 1st anniversary of BA's independence from Spain and the square is surrounded by beautiful buildings. The most well known is the Casa Rosada - the pink palace!
Unfortunately, we were caught by the "old mustard" trick. We were walking along when the "tourist" in front of us with his map and cell phone looked up and then started wiping his jacket. We walked past and then suddenly he called us to show us all the marks on our clothes! Offering a tissue to clean it off! Luckily it seemed there was only him. We took out our own tissues and thanked the bastard! Further along a cop stopped us to ask if we were ok and if any of our belongings had been stolen. The cop spoke perfect English and warned us about this trick and advised us to get changed before heading any further. Thankfully, all the mess washed out and we will be more aware in future.
This city is not the safest for tourists and it is the first time in all my travels that we have been molested like this. One cannot walk with a camera in full view which I have been doing all over for years - including in the slums of India with no problem. Anyway, thankfully nothing stolen!
After heavy rain overnight, the day dawned cloudy but not too cold.
The amazing air here just beckons one to get out so we headed for one of our favourite walks down the Rio Bonito river to the lake. The roar of the water tumbling over the huge boulders on the river bed is music to my ears.
Our friendly dog!
Just around the bend a dog met us - another one this time! Do we exude dog friendly vibes or are they just waiting for anybody to latch onto for another walk?
This dog was an absolute treat - she kept picking up stones, saying "please throw this for me!" Getting the stones either off the path or from in the water - either way worked for her. Eventually, James decided to try a stick - this worked just as well!
The dog walked us all the way to the lake and then indicated that she wanted the stick thrown into the water! The lake was like glass this morning and the dog caused a few ripple effects.
With not another soul in sight we walked all the way back throwing either stones or sticks. At the car we said good-bye and the dog wagged her tail and wandered back towards the houses.
A fun walk for all 3 of us.
The gorgeous view of the lake after our walk down Rio Bonito
The clouds were reflected in the lake and the views were incredible. Not so easy to capture on camera without doing a panorama shot.
This afternoon our hike was much tougher being uphill all the way to Cerro Belvedere. And it really was uphill all the way. The lazy people do it on horseback, the very fit run up, the school kids puff and pant even more than I do. So besides needing an oxygen tank, I only could rely on my Nordic walkers. I persevered and made it to the view point where there is a sign indicating another route of 3 or 4 hours. Thanks - but not today!
The village of Villa Angostura is way, way below and the bridge over the Rio Correntoso can be seen far away in the distance where we were hiking earlier in the week.
It's a glorious hike but be warned that it is pretty tough unless you are fit as a fiddle.
I don't profess to be a galloping granny so taking it in easy steps works for me!
Who can fail with all that amazing air, the forests and bird song all around?
We should sleep well tonight!
Next morning:
Another good hike is Ultima Esperanza.
Ultima Esperanza Hike
This is accessed off the road to Chile and there is parking on the right with the start of the hike on the left. There are sticks available but if you have your own hiking sticks take them along. There are some ups and quite slippery downs after all the recent rain. The flora is great and we loved the "holly" Whether it is called that in Argentina I have no idea. The trees are gorgeous and the hike ends at the lake after approx. 45 minutes walk.
It was very cloudy so the photos are not great but the water again is crystal clear.
One of the group trying to take photos with a GoPro!
The hike is rated "facil" but a guy of about 45 was puffing and panting even more than I was!
We came to a clearing where the floor was just a carpet of leaves, lying thick one upon the other, to make a soft bed.
Some of the tree trunks are covered in thick, green moss and make for interesting shots.
All in all, another great hike in Villa Angostura.
We tried to drive to the border with Chile but chains are compulsory and the snow markers are very high! While there is currently no snow on the road we would not get our car through the border unfortunately. So near yet so far! I would have loved to cross the Andes mountains at this point!
Hike to Aguada Del Burro:
Once again this hike is reached by travelling towards Chile. The hike is not signposted but as we were in a group it did not matter.
The start was scary - very steep down with everybody slipping and sliding. Thankfully my Nordic walkers kept me upright, although with great difficulty!
One guy gave up and returned to his car.
The path is very narrow and at a certain point people had to climb underneath a huge fallen tree. I was about to give up at this stage but the guide told me to wait . I had horrid visions of him trying to haul me over this huge truck - the image was not pretty! But he cheated as there was a path around so all those poor people scrambled on all fours for nothing!
After more slippery slopes we reached the beach on the lake. Then it was another treacherous single file trip to view the waterfall. There were so many in the group that it was difficult to get close.
Trying to negotiate back to allow others to pass was another nightmare! However I received many helping hands in hauling me along - I have never said so many "gracias" as in such a short space of time.
We were then offered buns and a sweet, hot drink before winding our way upwards again. Strangely enough, going back was not too bad at all.
We have thoroughly enjoyed all the hikes in the Villa Angostura area - they are stunning.
Our first outing today was to a local organic farm (Huerta Organica) where there are individual plots. It seems that berries are the main crop and they do sell jams that are made from their products. Some of the plots appear to be better managed than others but, of course, they have just come out of winter so I suppose the gardens cannot be looking at their best! Its a lovely spot and worth doing an organised tour if you can understand Spanish!
Our afternoon walk was around Laguna Verde. This small lake is surrounded by many trees and there are boards giving the tree names. The walk is not very long but it features many different tree species. We passed a horse that was very friendly and looking for a snack!
Our last short walk of the day was the 200 metres down to the Rio Bonito Falls.
Once again, the forest fascinates me - there are so many forests in this area of Villa Angostura. The falls are beautiful even though quite small. The roar of the water greets one before the falls are within site.
We sure are going to miss this incredibly fresh air - no pollution!!
