Since my last big trip I have been working, studying and moving in a new career direction.
Now Imvubu is about to embark on another adventure. I have spent the summer months (and more!) training - cycling outdoors and in the gym  to get fit. In one week's time I leave for Vietnam. I will be cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia.

El Calafate

I flew into southern Patagonia on the 15th June. There was low cloud but the mountains were poking through like icebergs. Descending to land in El Calafate, I saw wilderness with the huge lake of Lake Argentina. I caught a shuttle to the town of El Calafate. I have been staying at yet another lovely hostel - this one feels like a hotel- MarcoPolo Suites.
Glacier boat trip
On the 16th, it was an early start for me. It was an hour´s journey by shuttle to the port on Lake Argentina. I boarded a huge catamaran, along with lots of other passengers. This was a boat to view the Glaciers - in of course, the Glaciers National Park. At around 9.30 a.m, just as it was becoming light, we set off. The shapes of the surrounding mountains became visible. We moved up close to view an iceberg where everyone posed excitedely for pics. We were also lucky enough to see a condor perching high up on some rocky cliffs. Sailing across the lake was an enjoyable, serene experience. We sailed up close to Upsala glacier and finally, Perito Moreno. They are huge cliffs of ice, towering above the boat. Naturally, we kept a safe distance ...

Walk to Perito Moreno
The next day I joined a bus trip to view Perito Moreno by land. It is the only glacier here that can be reached overland, therefor the most popular one to visit.As we drove across the Patagonian steppes, our guide Paula described the vegetation, the glaciers, the fauna etc.. It was a sunny day and probably a few degrees above zero (overnight probably as much as minus 10). In the National Park, there is a site on the Magellan Peninsula, from where you can view Perito moreno close up.It is spectacular to see it from here and gives a different experience asnd perspective from seeing it on the boat. Looking down on it, you can see the massive ice-field. I was rewarded with the creaking and cracking ice and seeing large slabs sliding into the lake.

It´s snowing!!

Tomorrow I fly back to Buenos Aires and then on Thurs 24th fly back to London.
See you all soon back in the U.K!

Bariloche, Lake District of Argentina

I arrived in northern Patagonia on the 11th June. On the morning of my arrival I had a beautiful view from the window of the top deck of my bus.There were vistas of mountains and lakes. The town is set on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It's currently out of season with the ski season starting the end of June. I was happy with my room with a view - of the lake - from TangoInnDowntown. The 1st hostel I have encountered with a jacuzzi. Thankfully, also with central heating.
On my 1st morning there - Sat- I watched the Argentina-Nigeria game with the young Argentinian women working at the hostel. There was an air of anticipation and we settled in to enjoy the game. After their victory, the town was awash with cheering supporters waving large blue and white flags.
On the Sunday, the sun was out, although cold. I caught a local bus along the shores of the Lake to the stop at Cerro Campanaria (cerro = mountain top). I caught the ski lift to the top, enjoying the sound of birds and looking over the forest. It was definitley chillier up top, probably 5 deg. From here mountains and lakes unfolded in all directions. Most of the mountain tops were covered in snow. I continued to admire the view from inside the restaurant with a cup of hot chocolate.

Cordoba and Mendoza

Cordoba

The bus journeys are getting even longer: from Puerto Iguazu to Cordoba was 24 hrs. It would have been 22 hrs but there were road blocks.. fortunately I slept well and we stopped to eat at a service station restaurant. In Cordoba I checked into Cordoba Backpackers which I had booked through the hostel in Iguazu. It was conveniently situated downtown. I enjoyed spending a few days in Cordoba just chilling out. I walked around admiring the buildings - the old University, the Cabildo (city hall), Cathedral and some of the Jesuit churches. I also visited a little museum not far from the Cathedral which is a memorial to the Disappeared and those detained in the late 70's. In this little place had been a secret detention centre. Outside were black and white photos of the youngsters who had disappeared.

Cordoba is a lively, friendly city. It was sunny during the day and not too cold but definitely chilly at night. I took the opportunity to buy some winter clothes. I also had time to go the movies - quite fun to be watching Robin Hood from over here.

I moved on by bus to Mendoza - ten hours this time on a very comfortable bus. I have been staying at a friendly comfortable hostel, Mendoza international. It is in a quiet area and just a few blocks from the centre. best of all, they have a fire going in the lounge/dining room.
I went on an amazing trip to visit the Andes. We drove towards the mountains. We stopped to view the volcano that is on the border between Chile and Argentina. We had a look at a picturesque stone bridge (reconstructed) that the liberator San Martin had used to take his troops over the river. We passed through the pretty resort of Uspallata where they filmed some of the scenes for "Seven years in Tibet". A lovely site was "Puente del Inca" or "Bridge of the Incas". This is a natural formation with yellow/sulphorous colouring: a bridge had been created by a glacier and an avalanche and used by the Inca in their trail south.
The best came last: we walked in the Aconcagua National Park.
It was a  sunny day with clear views on Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas (6962m).
One of my trip was a bike tour to the wineries. It was great fun being in a group and cycling even though it was a cold, cloudy day.
It was a pity not to be able to see the mountain views but the vineyards are a russet colour. We did some tasting at 3 vineyards/bodegas - mmm, you can't go wrong with a Malbec. To finish off we visited a little family run business that makes chocolate and liquers, mmm, liked the chocolate mint liqueur.
I have had a relaxing few days in Mendoza and it's hard to leave but I am off to Bariloche tonight. A 22 hr journey south.... Will be a lot colder and probably snowing...

IGUAZU FALLS, ARGENTINA AND IGUACU, BRAZIL

My first long-dist bus journey in Argentina. About 20 hrs from B.A to Puerto Iguazu. Took "cama" which is a seat that is almost like a bed when fully reclined. Plus the "Singer" service provided a blanket and refreshment. being a fri the bus was full. We made several stops along the way. In the morning I jumped out and got my luggage - only to be told we weren´t there yet! Good thing I wasn't left behind at Dorada. I found a good hostel about 2 blocks from the bus terminal, Hostel Iguazu Falls (part of hostel international). After checking in and having a shower, i went in search of a much-needed meal. After that I thought I would have a siesta and spend a full day at the falls the next day when i would be feeling invigorated.
On Sun I caught a local bus to the Falls,in Argentina, about 30 min from town. We passed lots of smart hotels and were not far from the airport.
You have to pay an entrance into the national Park. From nearby you catch a small train that takes you to the walkways to view the falls. I started with "The Upper Circuit" - a steel walkway takes you to the edge of the Falls and you look at them cascading from beneath you - utterly incredible and breathtaking! One view after another unfolds as you walk along the path. Rainwater and spray come down on you - it helped to purchase a poncho. Every now and then the sun came out and there were rainbows over the falls. I could not get enough! Then on I went to "The Lower Circuit" which I loved even more. You get even closer to the falls and you see them pouring down towards you. Even more spray! I watched the boats below going up past San Martin Island and heading into the swirling water below the falls; they also go below the Devil's Throat. The boats look so tiny. I couldn't wait to do it myself - had already bought my ticket. I walked down the steep rocky path (signs: no pregnant women/no heart problems) and came onto the path just above the level of the water. Before getting on the boat, I was given a lifejacket (not that it would have helped I don't think) and a dry bag for my backpack, camera etc.. Once on the boat we moved slowly towards the falls, in awe of their force. Then - a warning that we were going to get wet - and in we went! Cool sharp water came cascading down on us. So much so that I lost my contact lenses and my vision was a blur ( or thought I'd lost them - they'd floated up). Then we came out for a breather and went back in. It was so exhilarating and intense. And suddenly over - 30 min felt like 5.
Fortunately the sun came out enough for me to dry off.
Later in the aftrenoon I got the train to "The Devil's Throat Circuit". On the way you walk over the upper river and see rocky islands. The catwalk takes you to a horse-shoe where the waters are boiling and foaming and sending up clouds of spray: the waters of the Devil's Throat go pouring down below. Cold and tired i had a hot chocolate before going back to the hostel.
On Monday I caught a bus to the Falls, in Brazil (yes, Brazil for a day!). We exited Argentina passport control and entered Brazil without any problems. After paying to go into the Brazilian National Park, you get on a bus that takes you to the trail from where you can view the falls. The advantage of the brazilian side is that it gives you a panoramic view of the falls (now on the opposite side). This time a catwalk takes you to the bottom of The devil's Throat where you can get wet (or not). You can also go up in elevators with glass sides giving you a spectacular view of the falls. Viewing the falls is so addictive. Eventually I tore myself away and got the last bus home at 5 p.m

GALAPAGOS D3, Bartolome

GALAPAGOS D2, Genovesa