I didn’t know it was possible for the days to keep getting better – especially the days that are supposed to be filled with the mundane – like travel days are supposed to be. There’s not much to tell about the travel except for the Buenos Aires marathon was going on. Who knew, right? It just meant more traffic on the way to the airport.
In the spirit of total coincidence – because I was searching for seat where I could stretch out and sleep – I ended up sitting next to Rafael who was on holiday from Venezuela. We just got into a really nice conversation and the flight passed by in an instant. We decided to share a taxi to El Calafate but instead ended up on a bus with a bunch of other tourists. I have to say that the views – both while flying into the airport and on the ride to El Calafate were not amazing. But I’d learn to not judge a book by its cover.
El Calafate is adorable! A sweet little – very little – town at the base of the mountains. My hotel – Posada Los Alamos – was adorable. I needed to unpack and repack and then I was off for a glass of wine and some food. I’d given Rafael my name and as I was getting out of the bus he said “I’ll find you later”. Little did I know that he was actually serious. As I was having wine at a restaurant across the street, the bartender asked my waiter, “Is that Aimee?” I guess he would find me later, right?! Rafael and I ended up having dinner together and decided to go for a walk since it was absolutely stunning outside and it had started snowing!
We ended up at the casino in El Calafate just because we wanted to check it out. It turns out there was a company – Calafate Salsa – teaching some salsa and bachata classes in the bar area. We had a seat and decided it was worth a shot. Well, that turned into hours of dancing and drinking wine and laughing and just having a blast! I think – but I can’t be sure – that it was 3 am when we finally left. We walked outside to a winter wonderland! Everything was covered with a gorgeous fluffy blanket of snow. It was lovely. And my evening and my date were lovely too! I have seriously met the most incredible people here and he was no exception. Honestly, I’m still smiling about the entire experience and I hope! hope! hope! we’ll see each other again. What an amazing man…
