San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina

I am up early again to catch a 8am but to Tucumán. I am going with Flechabus this time, and hope the bus might be a bit better. I enjoy this 8 hours more, although the smell puts me off braving the toilet. The scenery is really beautiful and we follow the Andes, keeping them on our left most of the way. The bus arrives early and as I get off mid afternoon it is blazing hot, but a 15minute walk seems manageable. I think this was a mistake as I am a big sweaty mess by the time I get to the location. This is more a budget hotel for tonight rather than a hostel and I am excited about having a bathroom to myself! The guy tries to charge me another £5 to push twin beds into a double, the air conditioning is rubbish and the wifi keeps dropping out. I am now a fairly grumpy, sweaty mess. After a quick shower, I take myself out to explore the place. First stop is the house of independence. It was a local house where, in 1816 the Argentinian papers of independence from the Spanish were signed. It has been restored and is a nice simple building to view. Onto the Plaza Independencia (yes, it seems every city has one) and there is a huge concentration of old buildings. I think the Casa de Gobierno and the cathedral are my favourite, the statue in the centre looks like a kickass woman rather than a traditional soldier commemoration. Spying an Heladeria, I order 3 scoops and get 2 spoons with the tub. I think perhaps this size is meant to be shared? Ah well, I enjoy it whilst people watching in the plaza. I go out later on the search of dinner and love the way the buildings are lit up at night, everyone is out in the plaza on this warm evening enjoying music and dancing. I think Tucumán feels a nice friendly little city based on my short whizz through.