We need to call a taxi to take us to the airport so I use my google translate approach. I type out what I want to say, have it translated to Spanish by Google then when I call just blurt it out in a measured voice and hope that I can understand whatever they may say back to me. I try to start by asking them to excuse my Spanish and that I speak English - hoping that whomever I have called will just tell me they speak English. On the morning of February 13th it goes like this:
Me: "Por favor disculpe mi Español. Hablo Inglés. Necesito un taxi ahora en Puerto San Julián trescientos sesenta. Dos personas van al aeropuerto."
Taxi Rep: "Puerto San Julián trescientos sesenta. ¿Nombre"
Me - Slightly panicked even though I should know this: "¿Nombre....uh...number?" (At this point William reminds me nombre means name). "Anne".
Taxi Rep: He says something that I don't understand then "Dos minutos. Ciao".
Whew. It worked. Ten minutes later (not two, but I didn't really think it would be two) a taxi arrives at our door.
Me: "Por favor disculpe mi Español. Hablo Inglés. Necesito un taxi ahora en Puerto San Julián trescientos sesenta. Dos personas van al aeropuerto."
Taxi Rep: "Puerto San Julián trescientos sesenta. ¿Nombre"
Me - Slightly panicked even though I should know this: "¿Nombre....uh...number?" (At this point William reminds me nombre means name). "Anne".
Taxi Rep: He says something that I don't understand then "Dos minutos. Ciao".
Whew. It worked. Ten minutes later (not two, but I didn't really think it would be two) a taxi arrives at our door.
The flight to San Carlos de Bariloche takes us north along the Andes. We get views of Cerros Torre and Fitz Roy but then the clouds take over for a while. They clear in time for us to see some good views of mountains and lakes and occasionally a small town. 15 minutes later we begin the approach into Bariloche airport.
Maria Elana, the owner of the apartment we are renting, is standing outside of baggage claim waiting for is. She uses her basic English skills to tell us about the city and we get to know each other a little on our 15km drive. The apartment is great and has magnificent views of Lago Nahuel Huapi. Of course to get these views the apartment is "uphill" from the town square and primary restaurant and shopping area.
Maria Elana, the owner of the apartment we are renting, is standing outside of baggage claim waiting for is. She uses her basic English skills to tell us about the city and we get to know each other a little on our 15km drive. The apartment is great and has magnificent views of Lago Nahuel Huapi. Of course to get these views the apartment is "uphill" from the town square and primary restaurant and shopping area.
After showing us the apartment, including the "trick" when the hot water does not come on, Maria Elana tells us that she has time and would be happy to drive us around showing us things in the area. We decide to prioritize grocery shopping-the idea of carrying heavy bags uphill is not appealing. She takes us to the supermarket and even pushes the cart for us while we gather provisions for at least breakfasts and a good supply of bottled water. Everyone tells us that the tap water is fine, but we never trust it in any location. Maria Elaina smiles as she drops us back off at the apartment then goes on her way.
We are starving and it is only 4:45pm. The idea of cooking is a non-starter. Most restaurants do not serve dinner until 8pm, unless it is one of the cafes which cater mostly to tourists. A fast, desperate search through Trip Adviser identifies a potential winner - Cerveceria Manush which opens at 5:30pm and is rated #15 of 354 places in Bariloche. It is a 15-20 minute walk. We arrive at 5:20 and sit on their steps until they open. We order beer, wine, trout for me and pork for William. The entrees are well prepared, flavorful and presented with a mixture of fresh vegetables. Yum! We're tired and head back to the apartment for a nap.
As today is Fat Tuesday, the last day of Carnival season and last day before Lent begins. There is a celebration tonight in San Martín Square. At 9:30pm we walk to the square. The celebration is very family friendly. There are people onstage in ridiculous costumes singing poorly. We hope that it is a joke, but then we remember some of the acts we've seen in Ecuador and wonder if it is. People are milling about in front of the stage, but there are also many people walking along Mitre Street, one the main shopping streets. Many are buying sweets and strolling along. Young people are sharing maté. A few people are drinking beer as they walk along. The cafes are doing a brisk business. It is a very pleasant night and about 11:30pm we return to the apartment for some well deserved sleep.
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