... and we're off!

Yes, the travels have began! I met my Italian friend georgia in Cordoba on the 1st of march and now we are going to be traveling together for the next 2 weeks about. It is SO nice traveling with someone instead of going solo. Cordoba, which they call the heart of Argentina bc it lies in the middle of the country, was great. We stayed in a hostel that was called Turning Point and was ran by two guys from Ohio, we met a lot of people and everyone was so fun. I now have "friends" from Isreal, Africa, Ecuador, Japan... and all of them said "come visit me!" Give me a few years huh? :) We spent our time there walking around the city, visiting parks and museums, and eating 3 times in the same place because it was so amazing. I bought a green huge sun hat, which I'm sure I'll get looks for (what's new) but now since I am afraid of the sun I needed something! We took the bus to Tucamon the next night at 10 pm and arrived a long 11 1/2 hours later. There was a big rain storm that we were stuck in and had to turn around half way because the roads were gone! Some of the cars that were driving in front of our giant bus were drowning in the "river" I thought for sure they were going to get washed away! Upon arriving in Tucamon we took one look around and decided to immediatly take the next bus to Tafi del Valle, (2 1/2hours) This bus ride was however quite amazing. We drove for over an hour through thick tropical rian forests that in every which way you looked there was green. It was misting at the time so the clouds hung low and kind of drapped over some of the hills... it was so pretty! Not to forget all the rivers and waterfalls that we pasted too. We arrived in tafi del valle and immediatly loved it! It kind of reminds us of Austria because of the green hills and cute cafes. Not the typical south american city, thats for sure (no trash in the streets or grafiti). We are staying in a very cute hostel that has hot water and now we are using the free wifi in the only cafe that has wifi and we are drinking cafe con leche, honey, and eating medialunas. The town is full of great artesian fairs and i am sad bc i cant buy anything else because i cannot carry my bags more than 2 blocks at a time as it is! very sad. Tomorrow we are going hiking up in the hills to get a great view of the valley. Very cute town to say the least!
There are random horses roaming the streets, just like dogs do! and there are a lot of little restaurants selling local cheese, honey, and chocolate. Yes, I will be eating a diet heavy in veggies when I get back :) but honestly I'm not doing that bad! no worries!
Sidenote - my skin is peeling like a snake and I have 3 big bug bites, but if that is the worst of it I think I am doing just fine!
next place we are going is Quilmes.....
chao!
love, megan