Our journey back across the border into Argentina began when we left our hostel in Bolivia at 3.30am to travel to the border town of Villazon. After some minor scamming while buying bus tickets, we made it to Salta, where the snow was falling. Despite the cold, the main plaza was lined with orange trees, all filled with fruit - pictured to the right. The pink church was just one of the ornate and baroque churches and cathedrals around town. Salta was a very attractive place, especially in contrast to Bolivia. Comfy buses! Proper pavements and roads! Food that won´t kill you!
Towering over Salta was a hill powdered with snow, which we spent an afternoon climbing. It also boasts a lot of parks and plazas; the many vendos roasting peanuts and selling hot dogs, popcorn and multicoloured candyfloss give the town a fun fair atmosphere. Food in Argentina was a delight after our time in Bolivia - it was great to rediscover such Argentine specialities as steak sandwiches with fried egg, ham and cheese, and dulche de leche filled alfajors.
After a few days chilling out in Salta, we headed for the university town of Cordoba. It was less scenic, but seemed a bit more vibrant and buzzy. The snowfall ceased as we travelled south, but the temperature remained low.
We spent our time in Cordoba wandering parks, plazas and churches, as well as sitting in cafes and drinking wine and coffee. We also discovered a new type of empanada, the ´arabes´, which is meat flavoured with spices and lemon. One night we visited a traditional parrilla restaurant for an Argentine grill - I think the platter which came contained just about every edible part of a cow. I recognised sausage, black pudding, steak and liver but the various other greasy, crunchy items will forever be a mystery.... Next stop, Buenos Aires! Before the long journey home...
I want a parilla for my breakfast!
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