16 October 2014

The Big Blog Exchange 2014: A 4,000 km journey across Argentina!

I've finally received from Hostelling International the itinerary for my 10-day cultural exchange to Argentina in the Big Blog Exchange (BBE)!  So, wanna know the places I'll be visiting?  Check this out.


My adventure starts October 31st, 2014 in Buenos Aires, the country's capital where I'll tentatively be spending a day.  From there, it's a 1,195 km journey west through central Argentina to Mendoza, a city of a million located in a region of foothills and high plains on the eastern flank of the Andes.  Famed for producing quality wines, Mendoza is one of nine cities worldwide in the network of Great Capitals of Wine.  New culture, great sights, good wine.... I think I'm gonna like it here. 

From Mendoza, I'll move on to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche (or just Bariloche) 1,225 km south.  Situated in the foothills of the Andes, Bariloche is a major tourism centre and is considered Argentina's national playground.  Her claims to fame include her excellent ski, trekking and mountaineering facilities, stunning scenery, good cafes/restaurants as well as the renowned Mamuschka chocolates.  Of course the city itself is geographically located in northern Patagonia.... a place I've wanted to visit my entire life.  More chocolates por favor!


The final leg of my journey will take me back to Buenos Aires, 1,570 km north-east of Bariloche, where I'll tentatively be spending the last few days of my exchange.  I'm told by my exchange partner, Belen Palacios, that the jacaranda trees will be in full bloom by then - cloaking this great, already-colourful city in a delightful shade of purple.  I'm really excited, especially with so many other attractions in Buenos Aires to see - more so the unique Argentinian culture to experience.

So, in all I'll have 3,990 km to cover in Argentina when I arrive two weeks from now.  Whether I'll be busing, flying or both, I know not yet; Hostelling International (HI), the BBE's organisers, are working on that as I write.  One thing's for sure, the itinerary which they've so kindly tailored for me looks incredibly awesome and, in truth, I can't wait to board that flight to Buenos Aires - three layovers and all.  Thank you, HI.

Wish me luck on my journey, dear readers - and if you know of any place that I must see while I'm there, some gastronomic delight that I must try or some cultural experience which I mustn't miss, PLEASE let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this post.  All suggestions and feedback welcome.







6 comments:

  1. That sounds SOOOO exciting, Vince - have an amazing trip!! (And I want to hear EVERYTHING about those chocolates once you've tasted them...! I'm a dark chocolate nut!!)

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    1. Getting more excited by the day, Karien. Remember to give it another go next year.

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  2. ALL THE BEST TO YOU VINCENT! looking forward for awesome inspiring stories!!!!

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    1. Forever my faithful follower; thank you, Sylvia. I'll do my best.

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  3. Bariloche is great for walking and swimming in lakes. BA is full of culture! You will have a great time!

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    1. My heart is already there, Lucie. Thanks for the tips.

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