Argentina Heaven - SALTA

Hello!! My spirits are finally up again. I was feeling very depressed after the bad salta trip. - I also realised i forgot to mention why the fact that the doors didnt shut properly was so important.
On day 2 we were also driving through rivers, and i dont just mean small shallow things. The water came half up the car.. so if i had my window open i could reach down and touch the water. As we went through these rivers, the guy sat by the other door and his bags got extremely wet! Especially at one point. we drove into the water which was covered in 3cm thick ice. Stopped dead. Then he had to reverse and go forward again, smashing up the ice as he went. We got stuck in the middle for about 5 mins... which was pretty worrying, as i defiitly was nOT getting out to push, like when we were stuck in the sand!
Anyway.. the other day after a hellish night in Tupiza got the bus to Villazon which is on the border to Argentina. There was a fair going on, so i ditched my bags and went to have a look around. Was really good fun, people doing raffles and stuff for really ugly sculptured animals.. Was a bit crazy. I then did a bit of last minute shopping on my walk to the border and then crossed hassle free into La Quacha which is the same town but the other side of the border. Straight away you can tell you are in a 1st world country... The men were better looking... there was an actual TARMAC road!! then we walked past a BAKERY! I was getting very very excited! Also, all the people had the Argentinian accent, which really surprised me, especially as we were so close to the border. I met a Italien on the Border.. who had grown up in Kenya and was studying A.I in Germany. We bought our tickets, me to salta, and him to Buenos Aires, then he took me out for dinner. I am so thankful to this guy. He introduced me to REAL argentinian food. He ordered a Pane***(cant remember the name.. will let you know soon) but basically it is a big grill... and you get chorizo(sausage), another kind of sausage made of blood and herbs, intestines, steak, ribs and stomach- all of a cow. It was delicious! I definitly wouldnt have tried it had i been alone! It was fab. Unfortunatly had to part with the Italien, but it had been a real pleasure! Also he introduced me to Quilmes..Argentinian Beer.. MMMmmmm delish!
The bus to salta was pretty standard. Only 8 hours. I was quite annoyed though, when they woke us at 3am, we had to take all our stuff including my fat rucksack, for drugs checks. They didnt even bother to touch my bag, just looked at my passport and let me pass! But the Argentinians had everything looked through thoroughly!
Arrived in Salta at 6am.. an hour early... again, very disappointing as I could have done with some more sleep! But met a chica at the station and we went Hostal hunting together!
OMG SALTA! I have been in 3rd world countries till yesterday! We couldnt get over the fact that there were actual SHOPs! Clothes, TVs they sell furniture... they sell everything! its amazing!! They even have SHELL! and normal petrol stations, and ROADS, and no cholitas, and the town square is beautifully european! There are actual cafe's where you can sit ourside, enjoy the sunshine, and just enjoy yourself! First night we went to Viejo Jack, which has been recommended by everyone, and the steak was TRUELY amazing!
Today i slept. Then headed up to the mountain overlooking the town. WHilst searching for the path i came across a group of young christians. They offereed that i walk with them. I took them up on this offer,.. and boy am i glad i did. They were aged between 11 and 21. About 10 of them. I chatted to them loads, and the first thing they asked is if i like tea! Ha ha ha! We all walked to the top, where they prepared sandwhiches and drinks. Then we all stood in a circle and held hands, and one of the girls said a prayer.. and ten we ate and drank. It was such a good experience. The kindness of these people was so cool and so nice. It really made my day! Anyway, tomorrow off to Cafeyate... wine country... cant wait! x