Argentina and Uruguay!

I've fallen back on my old habits again and haven't kept up with writing this. Oops. But I've been all over. I've seen so much in the last few weeks...and also spent many, many hours on busses. In between the bus rides, though, I visited amazing red rock formations in Salta, Argentina called the Quebrada de Cafayate. A beautiful place to explore and climb around on the rocks. Next, to the wonderful Iguazu Falls. I was there in the dry season and still, the falls were huge. The amount of water and the force of it going over the edge of the falls was stunning. From Iguazu in the north, I crossed the border into Uruguay for a few days. It is a pretty country with lots of rolling hills and farms. And the capital, Montevideo, was a small-ish big city with lots of old buildings and nice places for exploring. Next, was a big big city. Buenos Aires. It was a very lively, exciting city although it's obvious that winter is not the season to be there. It felt like for the low tourist season, it was a bit closed up and especially now with the swine flu...they take it very seriously in Argentina. Even in smaller towns where no one is infected things are closed and people are wearing masks. But back to Buenos Aires. There is a good subway system and lots of different neighborhoods spread out around the city that each have something unique to appreciate. Some areas are very crowded and overwhelming, others are calm and quiet and don't feel like the city at all. Within the city there is a huge cemetary that is like a mini city of old churches and temples that all happen to be filled with coffins. I saw tango dancing and ate good food, stayed out late, did all the big city things. Then, before long, I was in Mendoza, the wine region of Argentina. I had a fantastic time there with an Argentine friend of my cousins who took on the job of being my personal tour guide for the weekend. It was great to be with someone who knew his way around. Taking us to all the best wineries and the most beautiful mountains. I learned how to tango...a little bit...and had a great time. Now, I'm in Bariloche. An amazingly beautiful mountain town at the north end of Patagonia in the Lake District, which, not surprisingly, is full of beautiful glacial lakes. Everywhere I look there is another amazing view of snowy white mountains and a sparkling blue lake. It's fantastic, but a little bit cold down this far south in the middle of winter. Worth it though. From here, I go to Chile for a week or so and then I'll be heading home!