Patagonia
A few facts on Argentina:
Population: 39,537,943
Population Density: 13.42 per sq/km
Life Expectancy: 75.1 years
Average Income: $4,220/yr
Fact: More than 20% of the votes in the last elections in Argentina were invalid.
« Last stop: Chile | Back to World Map | Next stop: New Zealand »
Snowed In (For the Moment)
Patagonia - July 12, 2006
I never thought I would be writing the words "Snowed In" in the middle of July, but that is what we're currently facing in Mendoza, Argentina. We arrived here early yesterday morning after a 20 hour bus ride, only to find out that the only drivable pass between Argentina and Chile (in the north) is currently closed due to a massive snowfall. As a result we are currently scattering to find a way to get to Santiago in order to catch our flight to Auckland, NZ this Saturday. Ironically we might end up going 20 hours back down south to where we just came from (Bariloche) to avoid the snow pass in order to enter into Chile. We would then travel another 20 hours back north, coming up the Chilean cost.
Patrick just headed out to the bus station a few minutes ago to find out if the pass is open tomorrow. If it is open, it will be a short 6 hour bus ride instead of a 40 hour excursion. We're keeping our fingers crossed. Either way, we'll be leaving South America Saturday with a bang!
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE
As of now (3:42 PM) the pass is still closed. It's a little too much of a gamble to wait around for it to open, so we've decided to take a 35 hour round trip on a micro bus. We'll be heading south first, then up the coast of Chile arriving just in time for our flight out Saturday. We're both a little bummed we're going to miss Santiago, but it's our only option at the moment.
