Claudio - U1 - Travel log

North of Argentina

Last year I traveled with my wife to the north of Argentina. We had been planning that trip for several months. We wanted to know that region of our country because a friend had recommended that we should visit some historical places like "the Cabildo" and the Salta Cathedral, and the marvelous landscapes.

We arrived at Tucumán city on July 1st. We had reserved a room in a Francia Hotel, located in the heart of the city. Foremost, we had a shower. After that, we ate a sandwich and decided to sleep; we were exhausted because of the trip. The day after, we visited the historical House of the Independence Declaration and walked downtown. We bought some typical clothes and candies as a gift for our friends and family.

After we had stayed in Tucumán city for three days, we went to Salta. Until we arrive there, we passed by many quiet and agricultural villages. In those places, indigenous people still live, and they conserve their culture as thousand of years ago. They do the Incan rite, the Pachamama ("Mother Earth"), in the month of August. They sing and dance their songs using traditional instruments. I like that kind of traditional cultural expressions a lot.

The Salta architecture is very Spanish and interesting. In the surroundings, there are other kinds of architectural style and primitive houses can be seen. In the province of Salta, we went to the picturesque town of Cafayate where we visited several vineyards. Cafayate's wines are famous for their high quality. The vineyards are often located in mountainous terrains. My wife and I have the same taste for wines. We love Cabernet and Malbec but we like to try other native wines too, like the "vino patero", a wine made by stepping on the grapes with the feet. After five days, we came back to our home.

I think, in that trip, I have learned a lot about the cultures and the differences between human beings. Each person belongs to a specific culture. Very often, we believe that the only way to do something right is our way. The inhabitants of those regions, especially those who live in the mountains or in the Puna desert are very different from us. The way they think and believe belongs to their culture. The earth can't be separated of the human being. They consider the nature and the human being as a totality where everything is closely related.

On the other hand, I missed so many things from my home, particularly my usual meals. I am accustomed to eating fresh fishes and a big variety of vegetables and fruits almost every day, and I could only find that sometimes in some good restaurants. Even so, I would like to go there many more times!