Argentina

I have now been home for over a month but thought it appropriate to finish my journey in writing and close out what was an amazing experience. My last 3 weeks were spent in Argentina, a highly developed and interesting country. It was a major change coming from the underdeveloped and poverty stricken land of Bolivia. I could tell a difference immediately after crossing the border when I went from stuffy, old buses driving on dirt roads in Bolivia, to air conditioned, brand new looking buses in Argentina. The highways opened up into 5 and 6 lanes and traffic flowed like blood through healthy veins. The metal roofed houses that lined the roads in Bolivia slowly transformed into street lights and farms as we drove further into the heart of Argentina. I remember making a mental note about how such a large change can occur between two countries that share a border and language. Don't get me wrong; South America as a whole has suffered from centuries of exploitation, dictatorships, and hardship; but Bolivia still remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, while Argentina has become a developed and highly efficient country (more European than Latin).

I continued my journey through Argentina and spent varying amounts of time in Salta, Cordoba, Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls. Each city had enormous churches (from a heavy Catholic influence), lots of culture, music, students, and lots of external beauty. Mendoza, famous for it's vineyards and mountains, was one of my favorite stops. Beautiful, laid back, and with great character, just my type of place. I spent my time exploring the wine region and biking through some of the most famous vineyards. Tasting, sunshine, a bike, and latin music, what more is there? I also visited the Aconcagua National Park, home of South America's largest mountain (Aconcagua). Many climbers attempt the 22,841 foot summit, which takes almost 3 weeks. The season was not right for me to attempt this, but I doubt that I have had the training or experience to try. Maybe in the future...

Buenos Aires was, second to none, a mind boggling city, both in it's grandeur and culture. I spent a week in the city and felt I had seen a small fraction of what she offered. The city of over 11 million people (second largest population in South America next to Sao Paolo in Brazil) is the home of Tango. Culture booms from every street corner and at times it feels much more European than South American. I loved exploring the different neighborhoods and nightlife that BA had to offer.

The last highlight was Iguazu Falls. I find it hard to describe this wonder of nature. It seems that the earth just drops off and water falls from all directions. It is a site that must be seen in your lifetime and offers a sense of tranquility and inspiration that only water offers. It was one of my last stops on the map before heading back to Buenos Aires and my flight home. My final bus journey after 8 months of many buses couldnt have gone more smoothly. I was served a hot chicken meal, whiskey, champaign, and dessert. The bus was smooth, air conditioned to perfection, and sleep came easily as I contemplated my trip and the end of one of the best adventures of my life.