Day Four in Bariloche - A day of transition

Preparation of the Curanto

Shop in Colonia Suiza

Dinner is ready (uncovering the Curanto)

A little music to enjoy while we ate the Curanto

Cerveceria Berlina (brew pub)

Our little hot rod (Chevrolet Corsa)

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It was 6am when we were awoken by thunder and lighting and crazy wind. Both of us say, "well how can you ski in THAT $#!&" Later that morning I find Michael fully dressed and ready for the day back in bed and looking depressed. I told him he couldn't spend the day in bed depressed, we were going out. At breakfast at the hotel we learned that the ski area had closed for high winds, however we also heard that it was indeed snowing on the mountain, a small bright spot in the morning news.

So we headed to Colonia Suiza, a small village where they hold a Curanto, a meal cooked over hot rocks warmed by a pit fire. We arrived just in time to see the preparations. Over the rocks they placed leaves, laid out the food (chicken, beef, sausages, lamb, potato, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, squash, apples), they laid more leaves, covered it with burlap, and dirt. It was to cook for approximately 1 1/2 hours. During the wait we headed to the main street of the town. On our way we found a small shop to taste wine at, the proprietor took us on a small tour on how her family made one type of wine, made with Sherry and spices. We then headed to a chocolate shop, and then several shops that had hand made wares from the region. Once back at the Curanto we watched as the food was uncovered, they explained the folklore around this type of cooking (which we could not understand) and played music. We all headed into the dining area and were treated to regional Malbec wine, and a ton of amazing food, as well as regional music. It was pouring out and started to snow. Our spirits were raised.

On our way home we stopped in to the third and last brewery in Bariloche, a very cute and interesting building. We then went back up into downtown via the local bus system to do a little more shopping. All of the stores are open late, and the town was busy, everyone getting excited about snow.

A last important note to make, as the promise for snow increased we made the decision to stay in Bariloche and not go to Buenas Aires as we had originally planned. Two ski days ahead of us.