Hey guys

Currently hanging out in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

The story of how we got here is a long one.  Buses in Argentina are the most confuzing and challenging thing I have delt with yet on this travel.  If you travel within Argentina, my advise is;  fly. 

Mar del Plata has been well worth the LONG trip north. We have travelled from Puorto Arenas, Chile via multiple buses.  The city is home to a beautiful stretch of beaches. Also it hosts numerous castle homes along the Ocean front.  Many are abandoned believe it or not, boarded windows and overgrown yards.  These castles have been built over the past centuries by wealthy families all across Europe.  Some English, French, Dutch and Spanish to name a few.  I am currently sitting in Castle home, turned hostal, which judging by the architecture  was built by a Dutch family in the 1920´s. The rooms, stairways, and porches seem to keep appearing around every corner.  I have found 3 backyards so far all of which are on different levels.  This included a rooftop massive BBQ setup.  It is insane that families had this sorta dough. If your feeling bad for any reason, don´t. They all seem abonded and Mar del Plata is now the vacation spot of middle class vacationers amongst Argentina. ´

Any who, funny story about crossing the boarder.  My strategy was cross with no Chilean coin leftover. Most money exchangers have awful rates, therefore de-motivating the idea of leftover currency in a new country.  So, my last few hours in Argentina were spent roughing it. I had exact change for water, which was badly needed.  Even with bare nessities its still possible to be happy. I was having a great time that day.  Outgoing, meeting new bus mates, starting convos with strangers, et cetera. A good lesson I´ve experienced thus far.  In saying this you also teeter on highs and lows while living on a shoestring.  They can drop pretty quick when reality hits.

While in Puoto Madryn I got stranded in the dessert by my self.  I rented a bike, to avoid tourist packages by bus.  I rode out 6kms of a 19km trip, on a road which turned into a gravel road which de-evolved into a dessert path.  After getting a flat tire via a thorn, my heart sank.  There was nothing arround me but dessert and ocean.  I barely know how to change the gears on a bike, let alone the tube of the tire. 

Great news.  With a low blood sugar I tought myself how to successfully change the tube of a mountain bike.  Glad we survived that one.  Kept riding and had a good time.  If you wanna hear the details of the story best to just ask me in person lol. I left some stuff out.

Heard it is cold at home. Uh oh. Not looking foward to the chill. Although seeing everyone again will be worth it. See ya soon.

On route to Buenos Aires tonight. 1.45-7 AM bus. In cama aka first class.  Looking forward to party again in B.A..

Hasta

Ryan