Argentina

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The last week or so has been mostly a bus ride as I've attempted to cram as much of Argentina as possible into my remaining time. Fortunately the buses are the main mode of transport here and as such are plentiful, clean, comfortable, and cheaper than buying flights last minute. Don't think McCaffertys or Greyhound when you think bus, because by comparison our bus services are prehistoric. Here's an example.

In Buenos Aires I got the feeling that Argentines aren't the happiest lot. I guess they have had a rough ride in recent years, but I wonder if that alone explains how bitter most appear to be. In any case, they seem to be staging an economic comeback if the amount of cash I've gone through in a short time is anything to go by. Maybe its the national drink, mate? I dunno. Occasionally I manage to crack one with a smile and 'hola', but generally I think they'd prefer me not to be in their country.

I checked out the San Telmo market, a Boca football match, the museum of latinoamerican art (recommended), and finally a place I thought was just too good to be true. The city has what most cities have; broad streets, chic shops, restaurants, some nice parks, shopping malls, museums etc. What it also has that no other city (that I know) has is a place that fits squarely into my top ten highlights, and what should be a must on any South America itinerary: Tierra Santa, Saintland.

Here the faithful can see multimedia animatronic recreations of La Creacion, La Resurreccion, and La Last Supper, all with a spiritually moving soundtrack and light show. All this in a fibreglass, plaster and concrete mini-Jerusalem. Even the staff are dressed the part; old style like, with centurions running the show. Pure turistico genius.

I passed the 5th anniversary of Argentine economic strife at the amazing Iguazu falls. I had planned to see it after arriving in Rio, but wisely put it off until more rains had arrived in the last few months. For me it really was worth the 16hr each way bus trip from BA. I just stood transfixed at each of the lookout points, enjoying the cool spray, the sound, and watching the other tourists' glamour photo poses.

Here I am now in Mendoza, vino heartland. Yesterday I took a bus out to the zona industrial (vineyards) for a dusty bike ride in the scorching heat to a few wineries. I joined a couple of Swedes who've been crossing my trail since southern Chile, Terese and Emit. The wines were as good as expected, but it really was just too hot to go crazy.

So the South America adventure is almost over. Just a bus ride over the Andes to Santiago tomorrow, and a flight to Aukland in the evening. I may try throwing another blog up tomorrow just so I can have a 'Chile' blog 😊

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Photos

La Resurreccion
18m high, Christ the redeemer rises and rotates on the hour to jubilant applause, Fridays and weekends from 12pm. Take bus 45 from Retiro, its worth the 15 peso entrance fee.

Roman
Apparently the centurions sat about, winked and ate chicken legs.

Russell
Is that Crowe?

Ghandi
Even the Mahatma was there. So real I thought he was going to fast right in front of me.

Sheep
were everywhere.

La Creacion
and the laser-light show that greeted Adam and Eve.

A southern right whale
approaches the boat. Peninsula Valdez.

B Aires
the obelisk

Boca match
Boca played well against Colon (he he)but it all seemed too easy for them; 4-1.

Boca fans
and the victory chant. Something about the other team being a bunch of whores.

Butterfly
These ones love salt and mopping up sweaty hands.

The vines
and the Andes (just visible)

Comments

[Tessa]

will I recognise you?
Its hard to believe I'll be seeing you in about 25 days. Will I recognise you? I'll be the one with the irridescent skin that hasn't seen sunshine for 2 years.