Studio Llao Llao

During our stay in Peru, we decided that it would be nice to settle down for two weeks during the holiday season. We found a small studio (in our price range!) with views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and located 23km outside of the big city, Bariloche.

After a short bus ride from San Martin, we arrived in Bariloche in the afternoon of December 19th. The city was much bigger than expected and not quite as cute as we had hoped for. But, the Swiss influence on the main street was beautiful and the city offered plenty of restaurants, cafes and supermercados. We found our bus, Bus 20, that would take us out to km 23. The bus ride to Studio Llao Llao took about 40 minutes from the city center.

We weren´t sure what to expect from our little studio, but fell in love the instant we saw it. With beautiful views and a big, comfortable bed, we were more than content! Having a kitchen of our own was definitely a plus and Mark was excited to make good use of it during our stay.

Studio Llao Llao and Lago Nahuel Huapi

Our two weeks in Bariloche were spent cooking, reading, relaxing and celebrating the holidays. We rented a car for a few days and drove around Llao Llao, to Villa La Angostura (unfortunately, it was covered in ash) and Mark taught me how to drive a stick too! We had a great time talking with our neighbors, bringing in the New Year (Happy 2012!), and BBQing in the yard.

View from Cerro Campanario

Our Christmas dinner was one to remember - we stuffed ourselves full of prime rib, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and Malbec Wine. And, as always, it was the best meal made by Chef Mark...I would have to say, eating dinner made by Mark is always better than going out to a restaurant!

Christmas Dinner 2011

During our time in Bariloche, we made a slightly impulsive decision to change our travel plans. Although we enjoyed laying low for two weeks, it was really hard for us to sit still when all we want to do is keep on moving, doing, and seeing! We started to think about our plans in Chile and how we originally planned on spending almost two months farming there. We had heard such great things about Colombia and felt that we still had more of the world to see - so our new return tickets go from Santiago to Bogota, Colombia! From Colombia, we will sail the Caribbean to Panama and then bus to Costa Rica. If we have more time, we will go to Nicaragua as well! But, to our past employers, families, and friends - not to worry, we will be back in the States by April 11th!

We are currently in Ushuaia, Argentina - as far south as roads go on earth! More to come on the next blog...