LivingInPatagonia.com

Phrase of the Week

caer como peludo de regalo:to fall like the gift of an armadillo. One would use this to describe a surprise visit from an unwelcome guest.

The Flora and Fauna vs Mother Nature

Written by Shanie

After an amazing four days straight of blue bird weather and the optimum environment for excellent skiing, another storm has arrived. We’re happy to see it.

One - I will never get sick of storms. Two - it’s nice to have a new layer of snow to enjoy (ski patrol claims there is two feet of new on top from today’s precipitation).

To play in the weather, I took the dogs for a walk in the pouring rain. While walking through the downpour and dense forest, I noticed that although Mother Nature still had her winter dress on, the flora and fauna were ready to move into spring.

The first show in change of seasons was a Notros bush in full bloom. The red needled flowers didn’t seem concerned with the temperature. There was no wilting or saddness to their appearance. The petals were standing at attention; seemingly saying to Mother Nature, “Bring it on!”.

The second sign of rebellion was a huge red headed wood pecker that flew directly in front of my face and then up to a perch on a tree. The moisture wasn’t bothering him any. It might have been helping him find some dinner, now that I think about it.

Although winter is my favorite time a year, it was wonderful seeing the plants and bird-life coming alive.

On second thought, maybe all of the seasons are my favorite…they all have something to give.

New Website Launch

Written by Jamie

I am very happy to announce our latest work, www.barilochevacationrental.com is now live for the world to see. With the incredible help and hard work of our web guru and designer, BVR.com is the latest piece of the puzzle. We also have to tip our hats to our graphic lady, as she also was a big part of the design.

Bariloche Vacation Rental was built not only to showcase the properties we manage, but also to provide hard-to-find information and links about the area, all written in English.

In the near future, we will be completing a downloadable ebook, “Bariloche Restaurant Guide” that will uncover many of the hidden dining gems in the area.

It is our hope that Bariloche Vacational Rental becomes a much needed information source for those wanting to travel to this amazing paradise.

Please let us know what you think!

Picture of the Week

Sunrise on Lago Moreno

Scenes from Patagonia

Written by Jamie

You ever have one of those days where the sun feels a little stronger? The mountains are little clearer? The birds are singing a little louder?

Well, today was one of those days here in the Lakes District. Have a great weekend!

Ski Update

Written by Jamie

Well it appears the skies have cleared for at least a few days. We just completed a string of about 2 weeks with precipation almost every day. The upper two thirds of the mountains, from about 1,300 meters up, looks well-covered.

Yesterday the sun came out and the snow skied well.

After a late start to the season, things are shaping up nicely for the spring.

Phrase of the Week

no ponemos todas las cartas sobre la mesa:We don’t put all the cards on the table. This is the Argentine version of “not showing all your cards”

Bariloche Avalanche Awareness Classes to Begin

Written by Jamie

In light of the recent avalanches that have ocurred in the area the last few weeks, I am happy to report an avalanche awareness and snow safety class will begin this Friday, August 22, in Los Coihues, about 15 minutes from downtown Bariloche.

The course will be taught by Fernando Armani and Bicho Fioirenza, both local mountain guide instructors in Bariloche. The course will consist of 4 Friday classes, from 7 to 10pm and will cover snowpack assessment, route selection, mountain weather, etc. It will be taught in Español.

If you would like more information, please contact Maria at info@spanishinthemountains.com.

Skier triggered in-bounds avalanche at Las Leñas.

Happy Holiday from Argentina

Written by Jamie

Today is a feriado nacional (national holiday) here in Argentina. It is the day that Jose de San Martin died. San Martin, is known as the liberator of South America. He led his army across the Andes and is considered by many to be the number one national hero of Argentina, more so than even Maradona.

I find it interesting that in Argentina the day of a hero’s death is more important than their birthday. Back home, we celebrate dead president’s birthdays, sometimes several in one weekend.

Just another of the many differences between the two cultures.

So, to Señor San Martin, happy anniversary of the date of the beginning of your new life, or something like that.

Pictures of the Week

The Mrs. enjoying the Patagonian powder!