We have now made our way to Salta, Argentina. What a complete culture shock, moving from 3rd world Bolivia, to ultra modern, developed Argentina. After checking into the hostel Renee and I went for a walk. We ducked in and out of Supermarkets, Drugstores and Ice Cream Shops giggling like little schoolgirls overwhelmed with the choices and goods available. The European travellers complain to us that they don´t like Argentina because it is exactly like Spain, but I have never been to Spain, and I think it´s awesome.
Our first major adjustment for Argentina was getting on their eating schedule. For our first dinner we chose a Middle Eastern restaurant, which we tried to enter at 8 o´clock. They laughed, said they don`t OPEN until 9 PM!!! We were starving but it was the same for all the restaurants, so we settled for pastries at the bakery to hold us over. The next evening we waited until 9 PM then headed to a different restaurant thinking perfect timing...NOPE. The place was empy except a couple of families with toddlers and infants. We took our time, had some beer and by 10:30 the restaurant started to fill up. At midnight we went to the entertainment district, it was a unbelievable experience with 1000`s of people eating and drinking on the patios of endless restaurants and bars stretching for multiple city blocks.
Today we visited a museum which is home to 3 mummies which were recovered from a tomb near the summit of a 20,000 ft volcano. They were children who were sacrificed to the gods thousands of years ago - nearly perfectly preserved because of the altitude. (Any children following the blog, make sure you behave or else...) In the afternoon we headed out horseback riding at a local ranch. Included was a BBQ lunch, prepared by a older, very proud Argentinian man. It consisted of some salads and corn, followed by an all-meat 4 course meal. Ribs, Steaks, Loins and Pork. I tried to turn down the last portion of meat, and he said ``Whats the matter, don`t you like my cow meat?`` with puppy dog eyes...couldn`t say no.
They also force fed us Argentina wine, Renee and I nearly had a bottle each, then off to the trails we went. (The Argentine way!!!). The ride was great, and we returned to Salta to find a severe thunderstorm resulting in the streets flooding with 2 feet of water stranding cars everywhere. Off to bed.
COLIN
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