BOTTOM LINE:
Calafate, Argentina
BACK STORY:
After enjoying a nice breakfast at our hotel, we were off to the bus station to inquire about transportation out to Moreno Glacier on Monday. We found four buses that head out there in the morning and return in the afternoon allowing a good four hours to visit the park.
Leaving the bus station we hiked down some steps which put us on a lane where street artists were beginning to open up there shops. We found a very nice wood carver who was selling all kinds of spoons made out of regional Argentina woods. I picked out three for gifts and then I asked about getting them back into the US. End of deal. I reluctantly had to put them back and walk away. Raw wood products have to be surrendered at customs! Darn!
We then hiked down to the Hertz off to confirm our car pick up on Wednesday. It was Sunday and they were closed until the afternoon.
The Hertz agency was within view of Lake Argentina so we decided to walk down and see it closer. We were impressed with the extensive planning and construction of a "paver" sidewalk promenade along a two mile stretch of lake. There were massive chicken wire cages filled with river rock to stabilize the the shoreline. There were steps and or ramps to the water, contemporary light standards, bridges and more for the enjoyment of residents and visitors...BUT the entire structure was in shambles. Weeds were growing among unfinished work. Construction derbies had never been cleared. Vandals had ruined the lights and there was horse poop all over the paver sidewalks.
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| Lake Argentina shoreline at Calafate' |
Not only were animal droppings a problem but there was recyclable litter floating at the waters edge. What was most disturbing were deep uncovered holes along the side walk where a small adult or child could easily trip and fall into. One hole had a piece of wood laying on top that could have shifted and caused an accident.
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| Holes in sidewalk were common |
On our walk back. To the hotel we came upon and fenced estuary park for a water bird
sanctuary. I wasn't quite sure of the reason behind the expense of the fence as there were water birds all along the open and fenced shores! One that caught my eye were pink flamingos! I have always thought of them as living in the Everglades of Florida. Perhaps this was their migratory path, but somehow the cold climate with icebergs and glaciers didn't match with the tropics.
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| Pink flamingo |
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| snow goose? |
We cut through some residential neighborhoods and had a good view of how modest homes are for many residents. Stone, brick or wood with mortar served as a sturdy wall to suspend pieces of wood or metal roofing materials. Lucky ones had stucco to keep out the winds and chill. Them sizes of many were no larger than shipping crates. The wealthy had very elaborate homes. Regardless of the size or condition, each had a satellite dish in their yard! Soccer is BIG!
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| House for the wealthy |
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| Modest house |
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| poverty |
Two blocks from hotel we came upon a bread and pastry shop offering sandwiches. It was darling and the pastries were beautiful behind the cases. There must have been ten workers all busily cleaning the glass, mirrors and floors. The place was spotless. We figured that Sunday was the designated day for such work. We each ordered and sandwich with meat and cheese. They came warm and toasted and very flavorful. We realized that we had been walking for four hours and it was 3pm by the time we finished.
Bruce asked for the bill. Upon inspection we were charged more than what was printed on the menu. In questioning the girl she pointed to the bottom of the menu where there was an additional charge for warming and toasting the sandwiches! We had not been asked if we wanted our sandwiches toasted when we placed the ordered. Strange add on, but thankful.
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