Source: FlickrIn the United States, when I think of buses, I think of dirty, grimy, worn out Greyhounds transporting two bit felons to a new cities. The seats are usually uncomfortable, facilities worthless or non-existent, and the food… well, there isn’t any. Because of this, buses just aren’t a reasonable alternative to flying or driving- even the train is far preferable.
In Argentina, however, buses are an exercise in luxury, at least in first class.
Upon arriving to the bus station I entered without a ticket or any knowledge of bus schedules- I was simply hoping to get a ticket to head out that night. I found a sign that said Mendoza, then went to the corresponding desk- a quick “Descupe me ablo umpoco espanol… uhhh… Mendoza… cama?” while gesturing down for tonight got the idea across, the fellow at the desk wrote the cost and time of the bus, I asked about first class, he said it was the same on the bus- $180 pesos, or $60.
Sold.
Showed passport, payed cash, got the ticket.
1) Painless to get ticket with short lines, even right before departure.
2) No security check or X-ray of luggage, a huge positive, especially considering that security checks are completely ineffective at everything except making passengers. Despite all the security measures in the United States, reporters are still able to sneak through bomb look a likes and weapons in a multitude of reports.
I went to the platform as the bus was about to leave so I clambered on in, got my suitcase into storage, and carried on my messenger bag. As I got to my seat I was blown away by just how nice the seat was- huge, leather, incredibly comfortable- able to recline all the way (all the way!) back, with a footrest that folds up to make the lying back position completely flat. And, as a bonus, a seatbelt! A true rarity in Argentina.
As I sat down, got my iPhone and headphones out to settle in, the attendant came up with a platter of shot glasses, and handed out little shots of Quilmes.
3) Get passengers liquored up right off the bat.
Following that, he came back with hard candies to suck on, a small pastry, and orange juice.
4) The beginning of a trip is usually dreadful as you try to get into the passing time groove, whether that be by writing, listening to music, or reading. This period is completely avoided by keeping passengers occupied for that first stretch.
Now comfortable, with the kindly onslaught of food, drink, and Jose Gonzalez filling my earbuds, it was time for dinner- which was steak, scalloped potatoes, salad, rice, a cream filled pastry, a biscuit, and wine.
Then a wine refill.
And another refill.
It all tasted great, and the wine made it feel like an actual, bona fide meal.
5) All the pieces have to be in place for a great experience- had the food been the usual awful airline meal, it would have detracted from the rest of the trip. Rather, the bus operators took the opportunity of lowered expectations to hit a home run where others fail.
Following this, the attendant came through again with warm towels, and coffee. At this point, a movie (in Spanish, understandably enough) began playing, and I put but back the iPhone headphones, and started to explore the seat.
From there, the movie ended, the attendant came about again (agua por favor!) and drew the curtains close as the clock struck midnight. Cue a quick and comfortable drift off to sleep, interrupted only when I awoke at 3 in the morning, looked outside, and saw the most awe inspiring array of stars of my life to the tune of Sigur Ros.
If you haven’t heard Sigur Ros before, just imagine a choir of angels singing in an arctic landscape- and make it a little bit more beautiful, with a hint of crescending epicness. I tried to take a picture, but it didn’t come out- just take my word that nighttime in the Argentinean countryside is utterly, utterly gorgeous.
Upon waking, everything was right- no soreness, no aching, no wishing for the trip to end so I can get off and stretch. Just a very comfortable, slow awakening. Got out my laptop, wrote for a bit, and then the attendant came aboutwith coffee and a light breakfast.
A couple hours, and two cups of coffee later, we arrived at Mendoza and disembarked.
They even managed to not lose my suitcase.
6) Seriously, don’t lose peoples’ luggage.
Taking the first class bus to Mendoza was the best transportation experience of my life because, through it all, someone thought of how to make things comfortable. I not only enjoyed the experience (a bus ride!), but I loved it- and can’t wait to take another. It was so good I WANT to go on the bus, shocking as that may be.
