| Argentina is quite a step up from Peru, both economically and socially! We felt safer there
and we didn't get dealt any counterfeit money from the ATM machine like we did in Peru [with the Bank refusing to help, was our problem].
There were fewer beggars on the streets but then there were fewer Native Americans with hardships to bear, than in Peru.
The capital city of Buenes Aires is a modern metropolis!!! This city has European flavor. The archecture, tree-lined wide avenues, public sculptures
all make for interesting walking around the city. Our posada [B&B] was in a quiet, residential neighborhood, away from the busy and very loud
business area, and more economical, but it was just lovely and we usually took the metro everywhere we needed to go.
Chuck was more than ready for some quality beef and he was not disappointed having several beefy meals that week!! We hadn't had good beef since
Sams Club shopping in Puerto Rico in February. We enjoyed a city tour, impressive art collections, historic buildings, craft markets
and touring a retired old Navy sailing vessel. This was the most tasteful location we have been in our travels outside the US. There is
some sophistocation here and it shows. We had to visit the Evita Museum, of course. It was rather biased in her favor but interesting...no photos allowed!
After a week it was time to head north and we took a Coacha Cama bus, where meals are served and each seat makes into a flat bed,
for 19 hours to Tucuman in the high plains northwest of Buenas Aires.
We wanted to see the countryside in Argentina making our way north stopping for a while in Salta, a wonderful city with many side trips available.
We took small personal [economical] tours from one village to another on these side trips. Tucuman is the cradle of Argentine independence
being the place their government was formed in an old restored ranch house.
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Cafayate was enjoyable because it is know for its wineries and we just had to sample a few. We took an all day bus excursion "into the clouds" because
the very famous "Train into the Clouds" was being repaired, and climbed to 12.000 feet for a delightful lunch even if it seemed hazzy due to the altitude.
Humahuaca, north of Salta, is a small and especially picturesque village but they don't eat dinner until after 8 and we were usually pretty starved. Most
of the northern countryside reminded me of old "speghetti westerns" and looked OK but doesn't hold a candle to the views in the US west!!! It looked
like a big southern hemisphere Arizona
Finally, we are getting close to Bolivia and we are wondering why we ever planned to go here. It's better for the backpackers set!!! We couldn't help but
think of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid. We went right through the town that wiped them out in Tilcara, Bolivia!
Now we had 3 days in La Paz and that's 2 1/2 too many!!! There was some nice landscape design that I enjoyed! Food is average at best, accommodations
are 30 years outdated, there is poverty but it is "working poverty" and you have to give them credit for doing what they can. I must say that it is cleaner than
Argentina or Peru, even if it is more rundown, with less blowing plastic bags and bottles. All the countries from Dominican Republic south have not grasped
the concept of LITTER and it is everywhere!!! I mean it's 2' deep in many places blown along the highway.
I really must comment on the many wonderful and helpful people we met everywhere we traveled. We didn't feel threatened anywhere but we were consciously
cautious with our valuables. Many folks went out of their way to show us something special, or get to know us, or share their country, and THAT is what makes
world travel a great experience!!!
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