Adventures in South America

La Costa

well we finally made it to the argentine coast - known locally as 'la costa' which comprises of a series of beach towns starting from about 3 hrs to 8 hrs away from buenos aires (depending on whether you are in a car or bus). we were invited by adriana - whose family has an apt in Necochea to spend the weekend with her, desiree and gabriel. a weekend at the beach free - im like so there:)

Gabriel was extremely nice to offer us a ride but we decided 5 to a car was going to be too tight for this long of a drive (about 5 or so hrs by car) - so we took the micro (bus here) which took about 6 1/2 - 7 hrs. now that sounds way worse than it was! reality here is that they dont have a train system so the bus system is very developed and organized. in the summer there are many buses servicing the coastal region from buenos aires. we took a 'coche cama' on the way there which is basically the luxury bus with very cushioned seats practically reclining the whole way not bad at all. first class bus travel:):)

Necochea is mainly a family town and there were lots of families - the weather the first night was also very californian like, ie colder than you expect!! i had to borrow a sweatshirt as i was expecting the buenos aires heat... day 2 - BEACH - well we rented a small area with a table, chairs umbrella etc... the sand was hot hot hot and when we wanted to go swim in the ocean everyone had to make a run for it - kind of funny to watch. the water was ummm refreshing(?) definitely on the cold/new england side but on a hot day it felt nice. now its not quite brasil in beauty nor do they have the constant parade of vendors like in brasil. but we did have a very nice waiter and the kitchen serves lomitos (cheese -steaks what else?) and a pitcher of a cider/sangria concoction which is perfect for summer days.

beach going is definitely different here (at least in Necochea, granted there are much trendier spots -punta del este, pinamar - which i imagine have a different rhythm) its definitely larger groups and very communal. kind of like the comparison of the society's in general, but you dont really see people throwing on headphones and retreating to their own worlds on the beach its more hanging out with friends/family drinking mate etc... all in all it was a fun experience and we are really appreciative to have such good friends like adriana, desiree and gabriel who offered their home and help to make the weekend a great success.

well wednesday its off to SOUTH AFRICA for 2 WEEKS!!!!!!! yes another continent for us imperial yankees to conquer:) please check back for pictures and commentary although their will probably longer gaps until we return march 8 - have a great 2 weeks everyone...

posted by sethnem @ 5:42 PM