Wow,
slept like a baby and woke up after a few hours tired but up and ready for the
tour and some wine. I had to wait a little and we were on our way by 8. It
looks like its been raining all night as the streets are a little flooded.
Let’s hope it's not like this the rest of the day.

This
country is so funny, if people are not walking around with a thermos and a mate
cup they are walking around with a cup, 2l coke and a bottle of fernet (they
drink lots of fernet and coke, it's like our brandy and coke except it tastes
medicinal and is not as sweet. As it is a digestive they do say it doesn't give
u a hangover...)

Since
being more north I have definitely notice more pictures and signage of Che
Guevara around. The bus today was a little bit more diverse and at least there
was another English, well Dutch, speaker and we managed to keep each other
entertained (thanks Ellen).

Tobacco
is the main item farmed and produced in this region (about 40m kg a year). All
the production is done by hand and therefore provides lots of employment in
region.

 

The
next area we went through was called Valley of Sea Shells because they have found
lots of fossils of sea shells in the area as the sea used to cover the area
many years ago. Driving through the valley I was amazed at how quickly the
fauna and the rocks on the mountain changed.

We
got to Cafayate and went for a wine tour (in Spanish) before tasting some wine
and heading back into town for lunch. At lunch I had matambre casero (like a
tagine) was ok but very chewy outside and Cazuela de cabrito (got stew) was
rather tender and tasty but could use a bit of chili. They don't do spicy in
Argentina.

After
lunch went for helado Vino and this time was the real thing. It was strong and
so tasty but the only thing was that you have to eat it quickly as it melts and
when you have the last bite of the cone its full of alcohol.

We
then went for a walk to the square and popped into the church before meeting up
at the bus to continue the journey. Ellen is staying in Cafayate so she left
the tour and when the bus left everyone thought we had left her behind (it was
rather amusing).

We
then made our last stop on the way back to Salta where I met my first llama,
well not on a plate that is, but I do have to admit that I was scared he was
going to spit at me but fortunately he didn't. I then met a small one that just
lay down as I touched him and we became friends... But we didn't exchange
names.

The
sun eluded us most of the day but we had a few moments with sunshine which was
fun otherwise it was overcast or raining. On the way back we passed Tres Cruces
which are on a hill and represents the father, son and holy spirit.

I
must admit, I do like Argentines, they think like me. Walking around with beer
in hand or they buy a 500ml coke and a baby bottle of fernet... It's Brilliant!
What makes it better is that all these things are so easily available (even in
petrol station shops).

After
a few more snoozes we got back to Salta and was dropped off at my hostel. Fortunately
there was no traffic today so arrived back on time!

Due
to the rain the hostel asado was cancelled and instead a chicken stir fry was
organised but didn't seem like many people were interested so gave it a miss
and decided I would find my own place instead.

I
packed my bag and enjoyed some WiFi before heading out to the main square to
grab a bite and try spend the last of my Argentine pesos. I went to a place
called New Time and got a churrasco de filet (still not sure what a churrasco
is but was very tender but a bit bland, even after adding salt and a bit of
lemon and it also had a grainy texture) and a beer. It’s the first time in a
while that I'm doing dinner alone. I'm actually rather good company and managed
to keep myself entertained.

Most
things closed today as it's a public holiday (like a Sunday). After dinner took
a walk around the square and made my way back to the hostel for an early night
before the early bus. I then sat on the couch using some WiFi and chatting to
some new friends before calling it a night at about 12 but my body is just not
used to it so it kept me awake for a while before falling asleep.