August 8-9-10: SALTA

After a 3 day non-stop adventure, we could finally rest a little. So much to see, so much to do in such a small town! Salta is situated in Lerma Valley (1152 meters above sea level) at the Andes mountains foothills and was founded in 1582. When the 16th century colons exterminated natives from Argentina, the few survivors escaped to the country's upper north, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and so on. As a result, Salta has a particular mixed beauty, its people too!! Charming indian tanned faces, sweet minds and peaceful spirits (don't ever be in a rush, hungry or thirsty though since everything works in slow motion here!!). The town is one of the most Spanish-like cities of Argentina and its residents deeply practice folklore activities as well as Gaucho traditions and lifestyle. We spent the week-end in Salta, went over the lovely sunday markets, contemplated the incredibly well preserved children mummies in the "Museo de Arqueologia de Alta Montana de Salta" (the Inca civilization used to accuratly chose the most beautiful children to bury them in the highest mountain peaks for their spiritual beliefs) and experienced the "salteña" (from Salta) nightlife in "La Vieja Estacion" traditionnal chacarera peña (bar). I must say, the Gauchos are cute and when they gently offer their hand to invite a woman to dance with them, it is quite flattering!