Writing from Jim's computer and hopefully this will be less frustrating for me -- more for him but less for me!
We began the day with a touch of frustration that turned into a fabulous day. We learned from the reception desk that all museums in Salta were closed on Monday. Jim had his heart set on them and he was very disappointed. We spent much time trying to decide where to spend our day. Off to the National Park we went -- until Waze told us it was 5 hours away. Oh no! Off to the center of Salta we went anyway and Lordy, Lordy, Lordy! Driving through the city center was a exercise in patience, aggression, and prayer. There are just as many motorcycles, motorbikes, and bicycles as cars with everyone jockeying for positions. An intersection with no signal or stop sign has its own rules but who knows what they are. At first I thought 'right of way' like Brussels but we decided that each corner had it own rules. I think Murray was happy I was driving.
We entered the parking garage around noon. I told the attendant - in English he didn't understand - that we would be an hour or two, max. Six hours later we picked up the car. Jim and I were hoping the garage was still open and they weren't at siesta!
Our first stop was Cathedral Basilica de Salta built in 1862 after an earthquake. We were basically kicked out because it was closing time (12:30). Here are a few magnificent photos:
We walked around the town a bit and found a convent that was the oldest building in Salta. It was also closed until 4 PM.
We kept walking through narrow streets and go to a boulevard. What is that up on the mountainside? AH! A GONDOLA! We know gondolas (and missing the 12-18" of snow the next few days in Winter Park) and so off we went to find where it started. I was channeling my mother by asking for the senior discount but saved us a dollar or two! It was a day to talk to people. A lady from Buenos Aires asked if she could ride up with us -- certainly. She chatted on and on and on, even after i told her 'no habla Espanol'. Jim and I laughing on the inside, almost outside.
After the lovely ride down we walked through a marketplace hoping to find some afternoon empanadas to tide us over until 8:30 dinner. None to be found so we walked back to the town square and found a little outdoor cafe to enjoy some local fare.
We had finished our snack and beer when a gentleman (around our age) began to chat with us. After an hour or so of discussion, we have Jorge's number just in case we ever return to Buenos Aires. Give him and call and he will make us some meat to thank us for the coffee we bought him. You gotta love people who live on this earth!
Until next time,
Barbara
you are just having the BEST time!
ReplyDelete