THE GOOD LIFE

8 - 24 JAN

After a brief interlude in Northern Chile, our bellies rumbled all the way across the border into Argentina... the land of steak and wine.

And we weren't disappointed. Within an hour of arriving in Salta we hungrily devoured the first of many tender steaks... spurred on by the boys who were notably silent, except for their groans of delight across the table. Maybe it's the sheer size or the fact that each steak comes out solo, in all it's glory on the plate... but I can saythat eating a good steak in Argentina is another-worldly experience. They are damn good!

And what else would complete the perfect meal, than a bottle or three of locally produced wine. From light, sultry rose` to the darker more mysterious malbec, every sip of wine was like a drop of heavenly goodness... and my love affair with Argentina was in full flight.

After spending almost a week staring at rock and desert, the landscape once we hit Argentina was lush and stunning. The city of Salta itself is brimming with lovely old buildings, a stunning central square and an abundance of green gardens and parks. It was the perfect place for us to stretch our legs which were still aching post 4WD confines, and just exhale for a few days. Salta actually exudes quite a European vibe, and the local restaurants turned up some of the most memorable meals to date. Spicy tomales, steak, more steak, fresh vegies... it was the perfect refuelling stop!

It's funny how travellers manage to amuse themselves in such places... and I want to make note of one particularly fun day in Salta. 'Coin Day' as it was dubbed, was a day in which all our fates were decided by the flip of a coin. Steak or salad? Left or right? And as the day progressed, wine or beer? One highlight included Luke successfully redistributing his worn havianas in a local department store.
Ah good times... and sure as hell more fun than being at work!

(Photos to come... welcome home traveller number 2!)