Argentina ¡Sí!

So many litle things to like about Argentina...

Technically there are pesos and cents but I have yet to see an actual one cent piece. Instead if the change is a matter of a few cents a shopkeeper will often give you a mint or a piece of candy...

Or my favorite: in the rest of the spanish speaking countries I´ve visited 'de nada' is 'your welcome'. Here the game is protest that there really is no reason for you to thank them. Thank someone and they will respond with 'why?' or 'how could I not?' The other day I thanked some for holding the door for me and he replied 'Oh no, on the contrary.'

So after a few days with the family in Cordoba, I met up with Zoe and we travelled south to a couple very cute old German towns. One was footpath only and nestled in the mountains surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and footpaths. Very touristy but almost entirely argentine tourists so it´s ok. We strolled the streets of what seemed a little German fairy village and listened to Spanish all around. Surreal... In the other town we spent the night at an amazing hostel and biodynamic farm. Truly amazing and with real food too! Argentine food is pretty deficient in terms of nutrients and can quickly suck your energy after a few weeks. You have no idea how good oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and yogurt tastes after a few weeks here.

Now I am again with Grandmother and Katie in the mountains north of Cordoba. This morning we woke early to for a 6-hour hike to the top of Capilla del Monte. Beautiful! The sun was intense. If you know how I am, I´m sure you can imagine me putting on sunblock every couple minutes...

Well ok, I'm missing you all! Un abrazo fuerte y cuidense!

Sigo

Dear readers,
If you have previously read this blog you know it is a trite juxtaposition of cliched observations and ineptly taken photos. Unfortunately, in this moment I don´t have access to a camera so for the time being words will have to suffice; I will try include blurry, poorly lighted photos soon so check back.

My few days in Argentina already feel like months. Partly this is because I have hardly slept due to bus rides, plane rides, jet-lag, and nights out. I am in Cordoba which feels a lot like the Lord of Flies. It is choked full of beautiful young people who run frantically in all directions without regard for day or night. There is a bit of excitement upon seeing an older person. Who are they? Why are they in Cordoba? The city itself is beautiful and accesible and I really wonder if I might not just stay here and someday raise 1.7 argentian kids with argentinian equivalent to a white picket fence. Right now I´m just so amazed and inspired by this country which is so different than anywhere I have been previously.

Zoe and I parted ways in Buenos Aires and I have to shoulder most of the blame for this. But I think it is working out the best for the both of us since it is allowing us to have the experiences we needed to have when we came here. Cést la vie...