In Cafayate

Hola!

This morning began with Allison waking up with a heavy arm and tingley fingers due to bug bites she got in El Ray. On our way out of Salta in our rental car we decided to turn around and consult a doctor. We went back to our hotel, which we had just checked out of, and they called an emergency physician. The doctor arrived at the hotel within 20 minutes and injected her in the derrier with a big ol´needle of cortizone to combat the allergic reaction. Total cost: 20 pesos, which is about $7. Compare that to the $800 I paid at Swedish emergency center in Ballard for an infection last fall. Amazing.

Once that was done we drove the 180km to Cafayate, a beautiful small town that thrives on the winery business. It´s due south of Salta. The driving in Salta is becoming much easier as I´ve gotten into its rhythm, and the highway between Salta and Cafayate is smooth sailing and goes through some amazing desert territory much like Utah.

On the way we stopped at a small local restaurant with no lights, a futbol game on the television, and all locals, most with missing front teeth. We clearly stood out to their clients, who were 95% male, probably on their siesta. One old man left, but before walking out the door he turned, faced us, and then made the sign of the cross before leaving. A few minute later two men approached us and attempted to communicate, both very friendly and cheerful. The meal, (we each got chicken and rice with tomatos, though we weren´t quite sure of what we ordered until it arrived) was the highlight of my day.

Further on we stopped at a small canyon along the road and spotted a colorful snake which is almost certainly poisonous. The snake was about 10 inches long and very narrow with red circles around its body.

My time is now up at the internet drug store from which I´m writing. I´m going to meet Allison for dinner in five minutes.

As usual, thank you for reading. Ciao ciao,

Mark