Uruguay has been our home for the past 16 months and we love it. Through the ups and downs of adjusting to life in a different culture, we have been truly fortunate to find ourselves in such a place.
We are ready for a new adventure, most likely temporary but we don’t know. All signs are pointing us toward San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. We plan to be there for the low season of October through December. If you don’t know Bariloche, it is a very different type of place from Montevideo. Located in the mountainous area of northern Patagonia, spring is the low season there with skiing being the main draw in winter and hiking/water sports in the summer. Since we have never lived in the mountains but would like to, this area really appeals to us. There are other towns nearby such as San Martín de los Andes and El Bolsón that we plan to explore and the variety of outdoor activities in this mountain/lakes region is incredible.
One challenge with our plan is how to live in a more rural area without a car. The Bariloche area has a great bus system that runs a loop from downtown to the main roads, with other buses running long distances from Bariloche. While we explored living within the city proper, we were told in no uncertain terms that while the city has all the modern conveniences, the city is not why people come to live in Bariloche. Now we are researching temporary rentals on the main bus loop or within a decent walking distance to the city center.
Our flight is booked for September 25th, our current landlord is notified of our lease termination and we are starting the purging process all over again. There is no turning back now!
Our list of things to sell will be coming shortly. It is amazing how much you can acquire even when you live in a furnished rental and never really purchased much. Alas, we have plenty of housewares, toys, clothes, books and cloth diaper supplies that we will be selling. The plan is to come back to Montevideo during/after high season 2011 but we don’t want to store all our extra stuff, so away it goes.
Wish us luck! This extended vacation will hopefully be just the thing we’re looking for. New things to learn and explore within a beautiful, restorative environment. You can’t forget the great German architecture, handmade chocolates and artisan beers produced in the Bariloche region! Sounds like my kind of place!!
very exciting news. We are trying very hard NOT to accumulate so much as well. Best of luck w your new adventure!!
Wish your family the best of luck in the new adventure. You’re like me, to try and find the best place to live you need to test it out for a while.
I am in Buenos Aires seeing how I like this place for the moment but have no real plans after that.
Lisa and Brad, Your plans sound like heaven! Selfishly, we are bummed about your not being around MVD for a while, and we’re holding you to your plan to return. Good luck with shedding your un-essentials. We might be interested in some kitchenwares.
you have such inspriational and interesting lives!
good luck on your future travels..positive vibes from the north woods are being sent your way..
Hey. I used to live in Villa Alicurá (100km from Bariloche), then Neuquén, and I’ve been living in Montevideo since 20 years already.
Bariloche is a nice place to live in if you’re looking for nice views. But it’s certainly a very different story compared to living in Montevideo.
My father kept living in Patagonia until recently when he moved to Montevideo. Be sure to email me if you want someone to ask some questions to about the place you’re going to.
Do me a favor….
When you get to Bariloche go to the main town square. There you will see a man with a massive St. Bernard. Please put your pugs next to this dog and take a picture for me.
I was in Bariloche for a week and this dog was there everyday. Bariloche was our favorite spot, you’ll love it. Miss you guys. Hope to catch up soon.
Danny´s last [type] ..DannyMcMullen- 10 for 25 Worth of Latin American Cuisine- Drinks- and Dancing at Conga Latinhttp-grpn-bOC2aC
I’ll continue to enjoy reading your posts from Argentina. My husband and I are thinking MVD for Spring 2011 – I’ll keep you posted. Until then, happy trails to you!