Another typical-non typical morning Even though the location always changes. I usually wake up about an hour before Emi and start my day with some self-care. First, I scrape my tongue and rinse my mouth, something I picked up from Ayurvedic practices. The idea is to remove any buildup from the previous day and night’s sleep to start fresh. Then, I drink a large amount of water and, if we have it, a morning mixture Emi’s family makes called *Ungüento*—it’s packed with vitamins and minerals and helps regulate your pH. We’ve run out, though, so lemon water will have to do.
I’ve noticed that nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. For example, I can’t drink too much lemon water or it triggers acid reflux, while Emi drinks ¼ cup with no issues. It’s important to remember that what works for some may not work for all. I’ll share nutrition tips and insights about maintaining flexibility while traveling, especially when dealing with limited supplies in different countries, but always listen to your body and consult a medical professional before making any major changes.
As active people, Emi and I stick to a high-protein, whole-food diet. This, combined with regular exercise and mindfulness, is 100% why we rarely get sick despite traveling constantly. As a professional singer, I’ve worked contracts that can last up to 11 months, and I’m proud to say I’ve never lost my voice during a show.
In case you’re new here, I’m a professional singer, vocal coach, and vocal director, with a passion for vocal health. I’m currently developing a business dedicated to helping people build and maintain a healthy voice, not just for singers but for anyone looking to harness the power of the human voice. Stay tuned for vocal exercises you can do on the road!
Today, we’re planning to drive “Los Siete Lagos,” a scenic route between San Martín de los Andes and San Carlos de Bariloche. I don’t know exactly what to expect, but it’s said to be one of the most beautiful drives here. Knowing us, we’ll have another packed day ahead! We’re planning to head out around 9:30 AM, but first, we’ll do a morning flow and go for a quick run. Moving in the morning is essential for me. It helps me feel more patient and balanced throughout the day. That said, I’ve learned to check in with myself and make sure I’m exercising for my well-being, rather than obsessing over it for aesthetic reasons or because “studies say I should.”
Yesterday was amazing in San Martín. We’re starting to notice some changes as we move through Argentina. From Mendoza to here, we’ve seen similar infrastructure and cultural practices, but San Martín brought us to larger houses, chain restaurants, and higher prices clearly aimed at tourists. Still, we had an action-packed day without spending too much, and it was incredible!
We started by renting bikes from our hotel “Cabanas Ayelen” for $4,000 ARS (about $4 CAD). We biked up the hillside for brunch at “Casa de Té Arrayán”, a British-style tea house known for its scones and spectacular views. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open yet, probably because the season hadn’t started. Regardless, the ride itself was worth it, with breathtaking views and a nice adrenaline boost. Emi, of course, crushed the downhill biking, while I’m more of a road bike speed demon!
Cabañas Ayelén: Our Boujie stop for $30.00 USD in San Martin de Los Andes
Back in the city, we were both hungry and needed coffee, so we stumbled upon a cute café by the water. It had an interesting two-story layout, bright interiors, great acoustics, and—most importantly—delicious coffee with fantastic service. One of my travel goals is to celebrate local cuisine, so we treated ourselves to fresh, local trout, which wasn’t expensive at all—around $25 for 4-5 portions. We cooked a beautiful dinner of trout, roasted potatoes, and a kale salad in our hotel’s full kitchen.
After dinner, we walked to a wine bar up the hill. I wore a sweater Emi’s aunt gave me since it was the only warm thing I had. One big regret on this trip is not packing for the cold, wet weather—I didn’t expect it to be this chilly! Lesson learned.
We ended the night with some helado (ice cream), then headed to bed to prepare for another big day.
Now, I’m in the kitchen prepping some essentials: Ungüento, road bars, and mayo. I’ll make them in that order since Ungüento needs to cool, the bars need to bake, and the mayo is quick. When you plan it right, food prep doesn’t take long, but doing it out of order can easily add hours in the kitchen. I prepped all this gold in an hour. And all these Items will last us the week.
That’s all for today ! Enjoy your wanderlust.
L+E
