Salta, Argentina

I was merrily faffing as I got ready today, went for breakfast and checked out before walking to the bus station. I had not really left enough time, on paper perhaps but when you factor in people walking slowly and not looking where they are going, I was almost at a run by the time I got to the bus station. The bus is late but quite smart, I am next to a middle aged Argentinan who seems friendly but doesn’t speak English so our conversation is limited. At one point he prepares his maté and I nervously pray I am not invited to share this bitter drink. Thankfully I am spared the politeness dictated that you graciously accept as he doesn’t offer, well it is a 4 hour journey and he only has one thermos. It is a smooth ride until the host asks me a question as he picks up my blanket, I don’t really understand and am fairly relaxed when we pull up next to another bus. My companion is getting off, he is transferring to the other bus as he is going to Salta…..what? Me too! I barely make it onto the bus and we set off. Forget to check that my main luggage has joined me but needn’t have fretted as it is there when we get to Salta. I have a quick look round the bus station trying to check out companies that will take me to the Atacama desert, Chile next week. There are about 5 companies which is good as the Internet only found 2, so I have plenty of options. I catch a taxi this time to the hotel, I am purposely here mid afternoon as it has a indoor pool and jacuzzi I can relax in! Lovely swim and chill this afternoon, waiting for me friend Inka to arrive on a flight from Buenos Aires. Inka is a lovely German lady I met at Spanish school, who was keen to see the North West. Our plan is to spend 5 days in the region, including 2 night north of Salta in Tilcara. Inka arrived at 9pm (so great to see her) and we head out for steak and Salta beer to celebrate the start of our adventure.