This Place is on the Wrong Continent

Its the end of ski season here in Southern Argentina. The snow is melting, there are bright pink blossoms on the trees, the grass is starting to turn green--it is mid-October right? The seasons are definately changing down here, but it feels like it should be autumn, not spring. All that aside, if you were to look up the word Beauty in the dictionary you might find that the definition would say: The Lakes District of Argentina (and of course there would also be a photo of Shanon).

Really though, if this weren´t so far from the home we already know and love, this would be an easy place to settle down and cash it all in. The towns here are small and still relatively unpoiled, despite the consistent barrage of tourists and nationals that flock to this region--It´s easy to see why this is the premier vacation spot for Argentinians and others from all over the world. The main hub here is a hip city called Bariloche. The one-way streets are filled with massive groups of teenagers in matching ski uniforms, the upper-crust Argentinian ski society in tight pants and open shirts, and of course the occasional ski/snowboard bum. What really makes it special here though are the surroundings. There are literally dozens of national parks throughout this section of Argentian and Chile, and the snow and glaciar capped Andes shoot directy out of the frigid waters in any direction you look.

To beat the crowds in Bariloche we headed south for a few days and stayed in a small self-proclaimed hippy town called Bariloche. Here the atmosphere was laid back, and on Saturday and Sunday the main plaza is full of the local artists selling everything from home-brewed beer to hand-knitted leggins (which Shanon bought in celebration of 80s fashion having an amazing presence in S. America...and to keep her warm). A nice Sunday ride through sleepy towns took us to another secluded National Park where families lounged in the sun, kicked around a soccer ball on the grass, and seemingly had no cares in the world--sign me up for that lifestyle.

As we walked to the shore of the lake we passed two older ladies who were on the bus with us. Like many of the friendly folks here in Argentina they tried to strike up a small conversation. Since were a little better at communicating now we answered that we were from the US--when they asked where in the US we told them Utah, and expected to have to give our usual spill about the proximity of our state--somewhere between California and Chicago--but these ladies apparently knew all about our home state and instantly replied, ''Ahhhh, Mormons.'' Hilarious.

Here's an idea...everyone start working on your Spanish and we'll all come retire here together (or keep on retiring for those of you who already have done that).