Blogs from Jesús María, Córdoba, Argentina, South America

This morning we plan to drive to Jesús María, an hour north of Córdoba. It’s a risk; since the Fritz y Franz pigeon poo lunch, things have been distinctly loose in the bottom department. But we set off (camera in one pocket, Imodium in the other). We reach Jesús María without incident and stop briefly in the main plaza. It has a train line running through the middle and a strange collection of naked orange statues with enormous feet. On to the Museo Jesuitico in a 17th century Jesuit estancia by the river. It’s a beautiful old building full of interesting religious artefacts. It’s fallen somewhat into disrepair which makes me wonder why they don’t charge an entrance fee. In the afternoon, one last wander round Córdoba. We have dinner at el Club de la Milanesa ... read more

Tomorrow is my last day in Cordoba, and then the next morning I´ll be moving on. Actually, I feel like I´m ready to be done with this place now... but one more day of relaxation will be good for me. Yesterday I didn´t do much, and on mondays, most things are closed, so there wasn´t much to do. Mostly, I switched hostels. The first I was in was recommended Lonely Planet, but these tend to be a little expensive, plus I think they raise their prices after they get mention in "the backpackers bible". I found an ad for a different one "El refugio" and I like it much better. A problem with some of the backpacking scene is that a lot of kids come down here to not do anything but party and get laid. ... read more

On Tuesday we arrived in Cordoba and it is a small and nice city with a pleasant enough centre. Cordoba is a university city and there are a lot of bars all over Cordoba to sit outside and have a beer or two. Again, the ´Las Villas´are very present but in contrast to Buenos Aires they search the street equipped with a horse carriage. We didn´t really feel comfortable to take a picture while they are ´working´and hence you can only see the horse... In Cordoba city itself it is more than sufficinet to spend a couple of days, but it is a great base for day trips. Yesterday, we went to the annual ´Festival Doma y Folklore´in the sleepy village Jesus Maria and it was really good fun. The festival attracts Gauchos - Southern Cowboys ... read more