23 Feb   Salta  23 Feb
  Argentina & Chile  
Everywhere I look I see a picture   25 Feb  25 Feb 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salta to Tilcara
24 Feb 2014
Salta to Tilcara    24 Feb 2014
  Tilcara, Argentina   
 
 
 
 
 

We missed the morning bus to Tilcara so we ate lunch on the square in rainy, green Salta. The square, called Plaza 9 de Julio, is lined with charming old buildings fronted by covered walkways and sidewalk cafes. We ate pizza followed up with flan smothered in dulce de leche.

The police in Argentina remind me of Italian Carabinieri in the style and fit of their dark uniforms. It's a good look.

There are loose dogs, reminding me of Turkey, though now that I think of it Istanbul was mostly cats; outside the city it was dogs. The dogs here seem benign but I keep my distance because I flash to the dog pack that threatened us in Alacati. We avoided rabies vaccines only because a local fellow came to our rescue.

The road from Salta to Tilcara starts in green farmland and passes through nondescript towns. Homes are topped with exposed rebar which I also saw in Peru. Our Peruvian guide said that exposed rebar means the homeowners can claim the buildings are still under construction (and avoid taxes) for years after they´ve been occupied.

After four hours the bus arrived in Tilcara. We were a half hour late because the bus stopped at the bus repair shop to have the door fixed and do other repairs I couldn't see. It was almost dark when we arrived but my initial impression of Tilcara is very positive. The altitude, 2,500 m, will take a little adjustment though.

It is now midnight. I am tired and I am sitting outside in the dark where I have a weak wifi so until tomorrow signing off. 

 
 
 
 
Our hotel room  
 
 
 
 
Our hotel room  
 
 
 
 
Our hotel room