Argentina - Carlos Paz Lake walk

Carlos Paz Argentina

Today we decided to do the walk along the lake side of Carlos Paz. The walk goes on and on and took us about 3 hours. Ok I did not walk very fast but still, it's a long walk.

There are some better looking properties here but the whole area just lacks something. The lake is lovely and a large part of the road is for pedestrian traffic only which makes for a peaceful wander without car fumes. 

Lake Walk Carlos Paz Argentina

Today seems to be a holiday so there were people picnicking, a bus load of girls taking photos of each other, fisherman out catching fish (and they do!) and a lady doing her exercises.

Coming from South Africa we have found the style here rather depressing. There are no gardens to speak of and the playgrounds and sport fields are rather dry and dusty.

However,  everybody appears well dressed even if they drive beaten up cars.

Speed Humps (lamada) are so common as are rain water ditches. So its a slow way to anywhere given that the dogs are all over. The dogs all wag their tails and do not appear to be neglected. There are plenty of shops selling dog paraphernalia and vets are available.

Our funniest sighting today was a motorbike with 2 people trailing a horse behind them! Unfortunately, the camera was not at hand.

The other strange thing here is that there are very few stop signs. So if there is no robot it's any body's guess who goes first. In Cordoba there were large mirrors but that does not really assist the silly foreign tourist! 

Anywhere else - just take care!

As for the beer bottle deposit story - it's a total rip off. Say the beer costs 16 pesos, with the bottle it costs over 22 pesos. But you can never get your money back on the original bottles bought as you have to keep buying to get a discount. So we have lost quite a number of pesos to various shops! A great way for the shops to make extra bucks!

Lake Walk Carlos Paz

Villa Piren is a haven of peace - there is just total silence at our cabin with only bird song to break the silence. Despite the fact that it does lack certain Gold Crown standards it truly is restful.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com

Argentina - Pitfalls!

Lights on Vehicles are Compulsory in Argentina

Travel is fun but it can also be extremely challenging. More so when you trip and fall, smashing your knee onto solid concrete. At the time, I was more concerned re the fact that I dropped my Nikon D300! However, as the pain increased my concern for my precious camera took a back seat. And still Villa Piren Reception would not give us keys. I hobbled to our unit Number 10 - it was all locked up so cleaning was complete?

The patio table was broken - Gold Crown rated by RCI? I think not! At 14.30 the Reception Desk got somebody on duty who speaks English. Hurray for small mercies! Thankfully we eventually got access to our apartment. Our next hurdle was to drive into Carlos Paz for supplies. This proved to be another impossible task and with my pain now reaching excruciating levels, the walking was not helping. We managed to find a small cafe for some basics. By the time I got onto my bed I was shaking like a leaf and in continuous pain. Extra strength Voltaren had no effect!  

With my pain increasing, James requested that the English Receptionist accompany us to the nearest hospital.

The roads in this town are like a maze to the uninitiated! Giselle directed us to the closest hospital which was closed! It is housed in a modern building and is "private" Perhaps more like an upmarket clinic? The local government hospital was much further and I hobbled in to face a sea of faces waiting to be attended to. My first thought was " we will be here all night!"

However,  I have nothing but praise for this hospital even though they classed me as a "African" on the admission form! Giselle explained the situation and I was called in about 5 minutes. Hobbling along I was told to wait while they grabbed the nearest wheelchair! All my life I wanted this ride experience!! 

After being examined, the doctor told my interpreter that I needed an injection to "relax" me. This injection seemed to go on forever - I have no idea what was in that huge cocktail! Maybe best I didn't know.The X - rays were taken - no fracture damage thankfully. 

James actually had the most entertaining time in the waiting room. Dogs, yes dogs, people all staring at him, a mother breastfeeding what looked like a 3 year old, kids running riot etc.

Whilst this hospital looks as if it requires a huge cash injection, the staff and doctors were very efficient and pleasant.

My prescription? Some unknown tablets for pain and 5 days ( yes you read that correctly!) of bed rest. Me? While in a foreign country that is waiting to be explored?

Anyway, whatever was in that injection worked and the night brought blissful sleep. I am doing my best to stay put for 1 day - we will assess again tomorrow.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com