Argentina!

 

Why Argentina? A lot of people seemed rather baffled when we said we were going to Argentina, though it seemed like a natural choice for us.

One of the things that Rupert and I had in common when we first met was a desire to go to Latin America (not sure why on his behalf; as for me, I’m afraid that it was due to reading too many Tintin books.) In July we celebrated out thirtieth wedding anniversary having not been anywhere near South America in the time and realised that we really ought to get on with it. We’d put it off because we’d felt that we wanted to “do” it properly – take six months to a year to travel around. But of course we’ve now got to the age when it’s dawning on us that we might never have the luxury of doing that. So three weeks in Argentina would have to do as a staring point. Rupert wanted to see the Iguazu falls, I’d wanted to see The Pampas, since being obsessed with anteaters and Gerald Durrell as a kid. Also, we did Antigua and Albania last year, so obviously we’re working our way around the A’s.

My intention was to write a blog about each adventure we had whilst there – Buenos Aires, Iguazu, the Ibera Wetlands, Salta, Cachi, Cafayate and Juy Juy. However, life has intervened, with house fires, two family members ending up in hospital, and a new puppy amongst other things, so it might not happen quite as I envisaged…

I would like to begin, however, by saying that Argentina surpassed all our expectations. The size of the country has to be seen to be believed, but the stunning contrasts, the rich culture, the geological formations, the wildlife – had us both in a state of awe most of the time. It’s a pretty horrendous journey, especially if you have to fly through Frankfurt – surely the most annoying airport in the world after L.A – and you fly Lufthansa, but worth every minute. Watch this space for your first exciting installment1