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Published: November 19th 2008
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Having arrived in Salta safe and sound with no problems at the boarders we were all ready to let loose and party. First things first was to eat as much delicious steak as possible. Arriving by bus late at night, first stop was to dump the bags at the hostel, find the best restaurant and devour some Argentinian steak and red wine...... ahhhh, yum!!!!! It´s quite odd going out for a meal at midnight and falling off your chair when they bring you a steak the size of a plate. I´m not kidding, the size of these steaks was unbelievable! We made the mistake of ordering one each.... wont be doing that again!
More Cow?
Next morning the boys had the brilliant idea of steak challenge. Only a boy would come up with it, hahaha. We set about eating steak for every meal of the day, determined to get as much delicious Argentinian steak in as possible! Even after eating no less than half a cow about 12 hours earlier! Fortunately, the guys got distracted playing football with the local kids and came back too late in the day. The girls made an executive decision to skip lunch.
Steak on!
Dinner when we arrived in Salta. Jen, Nina, Luke, Harrison, Dan, Jax, Julia and Nick. We had an all you can eat and drink BBQ on at the hostel that night and didn´t want to spoil it. Didn´t quite manage breakfast lunch and dinner so Steak challenge then became known as sh*tloads of steak day......all good fun, hehehe!
the most generous hospitality ever..... Sayta Ranch
Mariana, the most helpful girl I´ve ever met on a hostel reception, highly recommended that we go horse riding. You´ll love it, she said. Boy was she right! 7 of us booked to go riding and stay over at the Sayta Gaucho ranch, about an hour or so out of Salta. This has to be one of the top highlights of my trip so far, which is really saying something. Words can´t even explain the amazing, generous hospitality that you feel when you arrive.
We stumbled out of bed feeling rather lack-lustre after a late night dancing and a few too many cocktails. The taxi drove us through gorgeous, tree lined, green countryside, passing through several small towns until we arrived at Sayta. Driving up the dirt track to the ranch we instantly forgot about sore heads and lack of sleep. This place was amazing! We
Colonial buildings
This town was a lovely were instantly welcomed by a stunning swiss girl Melanie, and a man of great warmth and stature, Enrique.
Come, come, come sit down and relax, they said, offering us organic red wine made by local monks. We sat there introducing ourselves, admiring the beautiful old house, massive wooden barns, swaying green trees and multitude of outdoor relaxation areas. The parrilla (BBQ) was already on the go and lunch was due to be served. I´m not joking when I say this meal was one of the most memorable food experiences I´ve had to date. Red wine was flowing non-stop, the meat was delicious, served with an abundance of fresh salads and dressings. Delicious!!!
Lasso the little aussie girl!
With tummys full of food and wine we saddle up to go for a ride. Now, I´m a little bit scarred of horses so I was feeling a little nervous. However, my horse was a small one and really well behaved so I was soon at ease (small is relative, I still needed a step ladder to get on it, haha!) . We had a leisurely ride through the countryside, going fast at some points, other times just plodding
Salta
Main area of town. Nina and I had a girly day shopping.... until siesta when everything shut! along. The Gauchos were so skilled, demonstrating their experience by standing up and riding and doing all sorts of tricks. When it came to lassoing I was an easy target and was soon caught!
Philosophy of life
I learnt that Enrique had spent many years travelling for work in the petroleum business and never experienced hospitality on his travels. One of the great pleasures in life is to provide for your family and friends and enjoy life. He was persuaded by his son to extend his enormous warmth and hospitality to tourists and share his beautiful home. This is exactly what he does. This is not a business for him, rather a way of life. I hope that I can be so fortunate to enjoy life like this in the future!
Joining Enrique, his close friend Jean Paul, and Melanie we had the most lovely evening, sat outside chatting to the early hours, making new friends for life. Melanie is such a lovely girl. Open, welcoming and a generous host. Living in Switzerland as she wanted to learn English and Spanish. Her Aunt knew Enrique so she decided to come and work at his ranch in South
Empanadas
We found the best place to get empanadas, hand made whilst you wait. Delicious! America. Not only was she in the process of learning two languages, we spent the evening teaching her to play the guitar. You have to admire that in a person!
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Kim
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Sounds amazing!
Oh Jac, this sounds like something i would just love...you have made my day. Keep having fun, loving the stories. Kim xo