5 Things We Will Miss About Living in Patagonia

June 8th, 2010 Posted in day to day, lifestyle

Written by Shanie and Jamie

As our time winds down here, we both have been reflecting on the last three years of living in awe-inspiring Patagonia (and the words awe and inspiring are not exaggerations).

So, in due appreciation, we thought it fitting to highlight those moments that we will miss most.

Please note these are not in any particular order, as they are all special and would be too difficult to rank.

Late Night Meals

For one reason or another, we tend to get a bit atrasado from time to time…or maybe it’s that we have become accustomed to the joy of evening time that the Argentines embrace so well. Either way, one thing that we have come to appreciate is the ability to still get a bite to eat after 11pm.

And not just some measly snack, either.

We’re talking amazing, 5-star, quality culinary experiences, or yummy breweries, or succulent steak, or the basic pizzeria. The choice is yours. Having numerous options in the neighborhood to choose from sure has been something that we enjoyed, have been oh-so-grateful for in times of not wanting to cook, and will look back upon with growling tummies.

Amazing Sunsets

Stopping what we are doing to be in the right place for sunset is a regular tradition that first started during chapter one of our lives in Argentina at Finca Paz y Amor.

Thanks to the lakes, mountains, and Patagonia’s incredible ability to create unique clouds, sunset viewing has gone to an entirely higher level.  Going with Mother Nature’s clues, we have learned to read the tell-tale signs of what constitutes prime sunset material, and where to be to enjoy it. Consequently, we developed a “Patagonian Sunset Rating System” that has shown itself to be quite precise. For example, we cannot award a 9 or better unless the lake is glass and gives off a reflection.

Hiking Trails and Walks in the Forest

As lovers of the outdoors, we are continually amazed at the beauty and mystique of the hiking trails in the area. We can honestly say that our eldest dog, Bergen, maintained his youthfulness, spry ability to play, and energetic ways throughout his 15 years thanks to our daily strolls in these vibrant, old growth forests.

And as is so special with old growth forests, one of the things that will be sorely missed is being in the presence of 300+ year old trees. They truly have a special energy. We especially love the days with just the right amount of wind, because it makes the trees “squeak”, sounding as if they are letting us in on their ancient secrets.

Our Own Personal Discovery Channel

Our 5 foot by 11 foot living room window has been our personal theater for many hours over the past 3 years. We actually nicknamed it “Our Discovery Channel”. Whether it was watching the clouds gather from the west, or the fog burn off the lake, or the many varieties of birds that let us watch their world from behind the looking glass, our own personal Discovery Channel was always serving it up much better than anything on the TV.

Condor Sightings

Seeing the giants of the sky play the Patagonian thermals up-close-and-personal is, and always will be, amongst the most memorable treats given to us by living here. We enjoyed several hiking experiences where we were close enough that we could hear the wind blow through their feathers.

And on another level, in the last two weeks we have had five sightings of condors from our home, sometimes flying in pair formation, other times alone.  We have had a chance to see their majestic ways from our place before, but the frequency is increasing. Just the other day, we were enjoying a little time in our guest house, Casita Llao Llao, and a young condor flew within twenty feet of the living room window, looked in at us and then made a banking turn, letting us see the beautiful gleaming white on the back of his wings before he flew off.

So special!

All of these parts of living in this extraordinary region of the world will be cherished in our hearts forever. We wish to offer a grateful abundance of thanks to Mother Nature for creating such a wonderful spot in the world! It truly is one of the last paradises left on earth!

  1. 29 Responses to “5 Things We Will Miss About Living in Patagonia”

  2. By katti on Jun 8, 2010

    Reading all this I wonder, why are you leaving? Can one ever get tired of these views???? Or you must miss something else far more important!?
    I will certainly miss your sunset photos.

    Good luck in your ‘new’ life!

  3. By changcho on Jun 8, 2010

    Oh, wow – I thought you guys would stay there. You guys write very well, and reading your blog combined with my memories of Patagonia made me feel as if I was there…

  4. By Patagonia on Jun 8, 2010

    Katti,

    We will never tire of the views. Another unique and amazing project awaits.

    Changcho,

    Thanks for all your comments over the years!

    Suerte, Jamie

  5. By Patagonia on Jun 8, 2010

    Yes, thanks Changcho for your comments. They have been very much appreciated. (:

    Cheers,
    Shanie

  6. By David Owen on Jun 8, 2010

    # 6, the skiing and back country access! Good luck in your move amigos.

  7. By Pamelita on Jun 8, 2010

    Guys, your energy will definitely be missed in this part of the world, that is for certain! I miss you already! Looking forward to seeing you before you go! Besooooote! :)

  8. By Split-It on Jun 8, 2010

    your pic of the Discovery Channel window is amazing. i would definately agree that your top 10 are all things i miss about Bariloche. those, and the general attitude about enjoying life at a relaxed pace versus the live-to-work, fast-paced, always-too-busy lifestyle i’m surrounded by…even living in this beautiful mountain community. i think about this every time i take 20 minutes out of my day to enjoy mates. te mando un beso a shanie y un abrazo a jamie, amigos

  9. By Patagonia on Jun 8, 2010

    Thanks for the kind words amigos!

  10. By ROBERT on Jun 9, 2010

    WHAT??????? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

  11. By Estupendo on Jun 9, 2010

    Don’t tell me you plan to shut down this blog (or sell it to someone who will delete all posts)!? There are so many useful info and pics it would be a crime!

  12. By Patagonia on Jun 10, 2010

    Fear not, the blog will live one.

    We think of LIP as our “digital diary” and plan to have it to reflect back on forever.

    Cheers, Jamie

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