Argentina
05 September 2009, Uspallata: Smack in the middle of the Andean Mountains
I am in the village of Uspallata, in an exceptionally beautiful valley surrounded by polychrome and snow capped mountains about half way between Mendoza and border to Chile. The area served as location for the Brad Pitt epic Seven Years in Tibet. To the east the mountains rise to about 2.000 - 2.500 m. high and fairly easy to scale. South of town mountains are about 3.000 - 3.500 m. above sea level and in the western direction going towards Chile they get even more majestic with 4.000 - 4.500 m.
Photo: Bovedas Historicas, Uspallata, Argentina
One and a half hours away from Uspallata is the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, Cerro Aconcagua, 6.960 m. Rumours say that the mountain can be climbed with a guide even by non-professionals. Unfortunately the Provincial Park is closed during winter and opens for climbers and trekkers only from December to March. I'll try to get at least to Base Camp (as I did at Mount Everest in 2006) but access seems to be restricted.
Photo: Cerro Aconcagua and I, Argentina
01 September 2009, Vallecitos: First days in the Andean mountains
I am headed to the Andean Mountains. Finally! This mountain range was on my list of must-see before returning home for a long time. I booked transfer and accommodation for a 'Refugio', a mountain lodge at 2.550 m. above sea level in Vallecitos. The surrounding mountains are called Cordon del Plata with their summits way above 5.000 m. I try a few lower peaks like Arsenales (3.400 m.) and Lomas Blancas (3.650 m.). Check out the photo gallery for more photos.
Photo: Summit of Lomas Blancas, Vallecitos, Argentina
The winds on the summits and ridges are strong! I even got blown over twice and had to stay down for a while until the winds calmed down. Tail wind while going up is a great help but dangerous going down hill. The gusts are so strong that I have to hold up my hiking pants or else I would lose them. I am lucky, too: On one of the hikes I saw wild lamas grazing at an altitude of 3.500 m. They are actually called something else but I can't remember. The difference to lamas is that they cannot be domesticated or tamed. Their fur looks more like deer fur but they still have their long necks.
13 August 2009, Cordoba: The city of churches and plazas
I had some really great days in Cordoba. Cordoba is the second biggest city in Argentina and has a charm of its own. Most of the time I spent in the city centre wandering around the many sights like the plentiful churches, old buildings and beautiful plazas. I was always looking around for a quite place to study Spanish and have a cafe con facturas (sweet pieces). And there were many. Highlight was a wine tasting in an old church (benches, altar etc. were removed). The location is used for functions now. That's where I met the most inviting Argentinean couple, Federico and Veronica. The day after the tasting we drove to the country side, al campo, to attend a birthday party on a friend's estate. Views were awe inspiring and the company non plus ultra. I had a really great time. Photos will follow shortly.
Photo: Federico and Veronica, al campo, Cordoba, Argentina
08 August 2009, Buenos Aires: My dear friend Stefan marries Katrin in Germany!
I am back in Buenos Aires for a few days to see Elan off. She stayed for three fantastic weeks. We had so much fun travelling around together. I was sad to say another 'good bye' to her. Also: On August 8th, my dear friend Stefan gets married to Katrin in Wiesloch, Germany. Celebrations are in Mannheim, Germany. I deeply regret not being there to celebrate with them. BA is a long way from Mannheim.
Photo: At 20:08 (German time) I called the MARUBA in Mannheim to speak to the newly married couple.
Today I will leave Buenos Aires. On a night bus I will travel to Cordoba to enjoy the sierras (mountains) and culture of central Argentina. I just hope it won't be too cold in Cordoba - it's still winter in Argentina.
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