Cordoba

Cordoba, Argentina

Yes - this is Cordoba Argentina, completely different to Cordoba Spain which not only did we booked accommodation for, but also became super excited for 'hottie watching' which was listed as the number 3 thing to do. Failures on so many levels, but at least we were able to play the Honeymoon card and get our payment back (thank you online booking agency which cannot be named for legal purposes)!

So much to Leigh's dismay there was no hottie watching in Cordoba, however the quantity of suit clad males was quite high which led to some interesting commentary.

Arriving on an overnight bus from Buenos Aires after a less than positive bus experience, we were tired and exhausted. Plusmar Bus provided, semi-cama seats, which were not a high standard and provided a sleeping experience half a sleeping tablet could not overcome!

Arriving at the Palenque Hostel we were pleasantly surprised by the overnight managers Gato and Mike who were accommodating and cleaned our room  while we checked in. This quickly resulted in Leigh and I having an extended nanny nap waking late in the afternoon.

Palenque Hostel has a lovely warm feeling and has been very comfortable and homely. A rareity in the hostel world, they held a free empanada night, where we learnt how to make them ourselves and this followed up with a BBQ experience on the final night. Both these provided great socialising opportunities including meeting another couple and a group of girls who are also travelling for 8 months.

Our second day in Cordoba was a tourist extravaganza!  Spurred on by free museum entry (free every Wednesday), we quickly set out to save $1.25AUD per entry. We started at the Catedral Ingles, which although under repairs, was exquisitely extravagant.  We visited sculpture, modern, and contemporary art galleries. With the preservation of the outside Architecture of the museum, inside we found renovated and polished galleries and did Argentina proud in showing of its cultural side.

Paved streets and cobbles walls... leading to the Memorial Museum - showing the detention and torture facilities used during the "Dirty War".

Leigh outside Catedral Ingles

Some crazy artwork in one f the many plazas.

Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emilio Caraffa

Inside the Museo Provincial which used to be a palace.

Both Leigh and I are still getting used to the amount of meat that we are needing to eat, but have been more than surprised and ecstatic over the amount of vegetarian vegan restaurants we have found so far. Sol y Luna (Sun and Moon) was the first one discovered and was very happy with the self serve buffet for the amazing price of Au$1.75 per 100 grams of food. This place was upstaged by the chinese run vegetarian joint that we found, which cost AU$2.00 for 250 grams.  Such a bargain!!

Sol y Luna vegetarian restaurant

Inside Sol y Luna

After the BBQ on the final night, we were invited to a local Jazz Fusion club. Arriving near midnight, we were early, as the club does not start its entertainment until 1am. Making ourselves busy, I was introduced to the strange world of Argentinian 8-ball. This game changed frequently with the locals making new rules during the game. This included the black to be sunk in the back right corner only. On my final shot to sink the black ball,  I was then told it had to be sunk in the same pocket as my last ball which conveniently this was at the other end of the table... Ending the game in frustration we enjoyed the music, and chatted with the locals.  Afterwards I was told that they either wanted to sell me drugs or take advantage of the gringo....

Marc doing his part for the environment. 

At the underground jazz club with some people from Palenque Hostal 

Red Asian face Leigh very excited by her 1L plastic cup of beer for less than AU$6

Recovering the next day, we found the excuse we needed to return to Cordoba and Palenque Hostel and have committed to a week of intensive Spanish lessons.

We are headed to Mendoza where we will have three wine filled days before returning to study. Cant wait!