“Where are we going tomorrow?” We had no idea.
After 3 weeks of essentially vacation time (sunning, surfing, drinking, not much blogging) in Montanita, Ecuador, Mike and I were at a loss for what to do next.
Our original plan was to go on to Cuenca, a supposedly charming colonial city in the mountains, then backpack through Peru and Bolivia before reaching Argentina in around 2 months. This did not sound appealing. Our money and stamina were both running low and our to-do lists piling high. I wasn’t sure I could stomach two more months of backpacking right now.
So then, what else? We could fly to Buenos Aires, home of Mike’s family and the most loved city in South America. There we could set up house for a few months and establish some of the regularity we were so badly missing. The only issue- a big one: flights from ecuador to BA were $700+, not including the $140 immigration fee. That’s a lot of dough.
There was a possible loophole though: we could fly to Montevideo, Uruguay and take a ferry to BA, skipping the fee for flying into the country. But tickets to their were still 700+ (why does it cost so much to fly in South America? I have no idea but it’s very frustrating).
We explored our options closer to home. We could always go back to Banos, a town we’d loved, and search for a short term apartment there. That would be pleasant but it would mean going backwards instead of forwards. We could head to Peru with the hope that we’d find somewhere we liked to plant ourselves for awhile.
Ecuador, Peru, Argentina or Uruguay? What to do?
It was a really weird predicament to be in: I mean, how many people can say they don’t know what country their going to tomorrow? The transient nature of living on the road can be very weird, but only if you step back and think about it. After awhile it becomes natural to discover a new city every few days, to make your home out of a strange hostel room. But it’s really not that normal is it? And times like this, when we are at a total loss, really illuminate the oddity.
Finally after comparing flights, plans and stress, we decided: damn it all, we’re going to Argentina! Sure it was pricey but for some piece of mind, a sense of routine and a major chance to catch up on work (Plus- steak!) it was worth it for us right now. We bought a flight for the next afternoon.
All of this to say: Argentina here I come! Stay tuned for a plethora of posts on hot argentine men, hot argentine steak and… well whatever else is down there (I will find out)!
Have you ever made a really impulsive travel decision?
Yes, Argentina! We had a great time in Buenos Aires. See for yourself 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL47C8BF19C20DFD38&feature=plcp
I love spontaneous travel, especially when you’ve been traveling for a while (and most likely planning planning planning away). It adds some new excitement into the mix.
Have a blast in Argentina!
I usually have to plan too far ahead to be this spontaneous but I’m glad you went for it. Looking forward to the hot Argentina posts!
HAHA! Love it! I was just there over December and January and fell in love with Argentina and BA too! I have been catching up on my posts, going neighborhood by neighborhood, and just remembering how much the city has to offer. You will love it! Enjoy!
Impulsive decisions when travelling are literally some of the smartest things I have ever done.
If you think about it, while travelling, we’re never in that “perfect” mindset to make decisions. You’ve been lugging around a heavy backpack all day, you probably haven’t showered in awhile, and you just want a bed- that’s it, just a bed, so sometimes making decisions can be a little tough.
I think impulsive decisions are the way to go! Always!
So excited to read about your travels in Argentina!
We do this A LOT! We once had our bags packed and at the door in Quito and didn’t know where we were going until the hostel owner told us to head to Otavalo!
Enjoy BA! Do try to get across the water to Colonia in Uruguay – that was one of our favorite spots!
Sounds like me… I’m always spontaneous and last minute about my travels.
Spontaneous travel is always the best! I hope you love Buenos Aires…wish I had spent more time there, but the big city thing doesn’t really do it for me anyway.
Most spontaneous travel plans? I tried to book a trip to Montreal once, while drunk. Because I wanted to get away for awhile, and live there. Ha! Ended up falling through, though.
I did almost the same thing when I lived in Europe. It would be a last minute thing and I couldn’t decide where to go. The good things about it was, Europe has alot of budget airline companies and the pirces for a flight was never much especially when you decided to fly that same day.
I’m so glad you guys are going to Bs As! I love that city and I’m definitely looking forward to your posts! Ahhh, enjoy. 😀