Marie-Rose - 5-19-2007 at 08:12 AM
wrk and I had a great trip to Los Barilles and area. Left TS and after driving a friend to the LaPaz airport headed out. First stop was El Triumfo
to see the piano museum and do a little walk around. Very quiet and few artisans out. It was very warm and noonish ( car thermometer said 90) so we
did not spend more than an hour there. Very little traffic so the drive thru the mountain pass was fabulous.
Second stop was the little lunch stand in San Bartolo where we had eaten at 3 years ago. It is yellow, last one before the bridge. They sell an
amazing asortment of dulces. Local fruit dulce (fig, mango, etc) They also have many different empanadas.
We were very disappointed in the food. Very plain and little choice.
We did a quick drive thru Los Barilles on our way the our hotel, Hotel Buena Vista Spa.
Our room was adequate. Clean, air conditioned but left us with the feeling it needed to be "spruced up". There was a little sitting area off the room
but it looked on to a bare lot and there was no privacy from your neighbor.
Staff are very friendly and helpful. We loved the pool. We did not take advantage of any of the spa services as they were pricey. Certainly
Canadian prices. (I believe it was $40 for a pedicure)
We had a great meal at Otro Vez the first night, and a better meal at El Baralito. The special we had at El Barilito was a paltter for 2, fish cooked
2 different ways and prawns cooked 2 different ways...your choice of cooking method off the menu. A bit pricey ($40) although there was plenty of
food for 3 or 4 persons. It was served with veggie and rice. Wine was $4.50 glass and they had a decent Chilean. (we brought our own wine to Otro
Vez and the corkage fee was $8.oo)
We had a fabulous breakfast at Caleb's. Their omelets are fabulous.
After our 2 night stay, we headed towards the San Jose airport with a stop in Santiago. Was very surprised with this little pueblo. Very clean.
MANY paved streets! Garbage cans everywhere. Did not visit the Zoo as caged exotic animals are upsetting to both of us!!! Drove to Aqua Caliente,
passing what we believed was El Chorro. Road was ver washboard and by the time we got to Aqua Caliente it was 98 degrees so we did not feel much like
walking to hot springs!!! Certainly will return though.
Picked up the esposo at airport and headed home. As soon as we turned that corner towards the Pacific and headed towards TS the temp was a cool 74!!!
The temp difference is really quite amazing.
All in all a lovely get away with a good friend
