Arrival in a Chilean fishing town
We were quite shocked to find that the recent world oil crisis also had a dramatic effect on almost everything in this far corner of Chile. Prices were about double that in our guidebook and about 100% to 120% of that in South Africa. Fuel costs more than double that in Argentina.
We, however, still managed to find a reasonable double room for about US$ 30 for the two of us. A disadvantage of staying in Patagonia Adventure (the hostel) is that the "kitchen access" advertised was discontinued about 2 years prior to our arrival. Another problem was that the people sleeping in the dorm next to our room snored like hippos! (Dis nou regtig "balke saag" soos hulle in die hemelse taal sê!) All good though because we evaded sleeping in a hostel that looked to us like something caught between a lunatic asylum and an old age home - even though it was half the price!
All the buildings are constructed out of wood and/or sink plates and every step and move creaks. Nevertheless, it was amazing to sleep in a better bed than in El Calafate.
We arranged our trip to the Torres del Paine National Park from here (actually we decided not to book anything, but just show up as the season was almost over and we prize our flexibility). We managed to rent walking sticks, a gas stove, a pot and sleeping mats at reasonable rates.
Culture Shock: Rental bicycles parked in the street at night unlocked; jam in South America is more like a well blended syrup.
We, however, still managed to find a reasonable double room for about US$ 30 for the two of us. A disadvantage of staying in Patagonia Adventure (the hostel) is that the "kitchen access" advertised was discontinued about 2 years prior to our arrival. Another problem was that the people sleeping in the dorm next to our room snored like hippos! (Dis nou regtig "balke saag" soos hulle in die hemelse taal sê!) All good though because we evaded sleeping in a hostel that looked to us like something caught between a lunatic asylum and an old age home - even though it was half the price!
All the buildings are constructed out of wood and/or sink plates and every step and move creaks. Nevertheless, it was amazing to sleep in a better bed than in El Calafate.
We arranged our trip to the Torres del Paine National Park from here (actually we decided not to book anything, but just show up as the season was almost over and we prize our flexibility). We managed to rent walking sticks, a gas stove, a pot and sleeping mats at reasonable rates.
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