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Published: August 11th 2010
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We have spent the last 4 days in Salta recuperating from the ridiculousness of our Bolivia adventures. Comfortable buses, hot showers, and heaters next to our beds have been too comforting to leave immediately.
Sim got a stomach bug on Monday, I had an irritated eye from the Bolivian jungle, and it was been abnormally cold for the region, so we were hibernating in the hostel next to the heaters. It was a much needed break though, and I finally got to do laundry! Woot for clean clothes!
When we ventured into town, we perused the main square, Plaza 9 de Julio, and did some shopping because I am in desperate need of new jeans and we both wanted to get boots. I was lucky enough to find boots in my size, but Sim left empty handed.
We then went to the market, which had literally anything and everything you would ever want/need from underwear and electronics to spices and veggies. There we tried some typical dishes called locro (a stew made from pork) and costeleta (fried beef with an egg on top, rice and the works) both were really yummy.
Back at the hostel we met
a couple of South Africans, Niki and Keagan, and Matt, from New Zealand. They were so friendly and full of amazing stories about South Africa, that now I really want to go and visit! I don´t know when I´m going to squeeze that one in between Russia, Europe, and Brazil, but it´s going to happen somehow :P
On Wednesday we intended to leave Salta but by the time we called the bus company, the buses to Iguazu Falls were full. So our plan for the day got a little messed up but it was probably a blessing in disguise because we got check out more of Salta. Sim and I woke up with sore throats, which I think we contracted from one of our previous German roommates who was coughing up a storm, so we drank a ton of hot tea and ventured out to see more of Salta. We bundled up and went to the teleferico (cable car) to see the great view of the city. We walked back down the hill to get some exercise and fresh air. We also stopped to have some empanadas and tamales for lunch. Salta is apparently known for its empanadas, tamales
and humitas so we had to try them. The tamales were delicious.
On Thursday (our last day), we went to the MAAM museum to learn about the Incan shrines and sacrificial ceremonies. We actually got to see the mummified children that they sacrificed to the Gods--the state of preservation was incredible, like nothing I have ever seen before. Sim and I couldn´t fathom how the mothers felt giving up their babies for this practice--we wondered whether they were torn, angry, or felt privileged to have their child serve such an important role, especially since the Inca didn´t believe that the children actually died. Instead they passed on to another world with their ancestors...who knows...all I know is I would never give my baby up like that. But that ´s just me.
Now we´re off to Iguazù for some nature and warmth after this much needed rest and very unnecessary cold...
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