Quebrada del Cafyate

Picking up from where I left off...
Giorgia and I went on a hike (of sorts) up into the hills in tafi del valle on Thursday and it was so beautiful. Big green mountains that look like the hillsides in Austria complete with grazing cows and horses. The hills were hugged by low clouds in places that only made everything look that much cooler. The locals were so friendly and always stopped whatever they were doing to come over and talk to us - this place has not been hit with the big tourist bang so at times, it felt like we were like some sort of exhibit, especially for the children there. We ate our avocado and goat cheese sandwichs on top of the outlook point and sat for awhile just taking it in. Later that afternoon we took the bus to Cafayte - which is not a bus trip that one should sleep through. Fern Gully to the extreme! Everywhere you looked was covered in green - steep mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and green green green. When we came to the other side of the valley it seemed like we were in another country all together. Now is was much more arid and the mountains changed from being all green to being all colors. Cafayte is located in a valley, surrounded in all sides by mountains. We walked the very long 3 blocks to our hostel and everytime I have to carry my stupid bags I want to leave everything on a corner and only carry my day pack. In every place now I have left some things... clothes are clothes and as long as I don't leave ALL my clothes and walk around naked I think it is a good idea to leave some pounds behind. (now if I could only leave my "bread" pounds behind!)
Yesterday were took the tour to Quebrada del Cafayte for about $12 that lasted for about 6-7 hours. There are no words to describe just how beautiful this place was. I feel like I have seen my far share of beautiful places in my 23 years and so far in my life I feel like this trip is definitly in my top 5 most amazing places... maybe even in the top 3. Combine all the wonders of the Grand Canyon, Moab Utah, and the Garden of the Gods and THAT is what this place is like. The rock formations are amazing and make our "red rocks" look pink. In other places there were every color imaginable in the cliff sides. We climbed to the top of amaing structures and everytime it took my breath away. The weather was perfect, and I'm sure I was a sight to see in my GIANT green sun hat, but Giorgia bought a sun hat too so I was no longer alone :) Our two guides got a hoot out of my hat and insisted that the other try it on. :) In one place, next to a giant "oblisk" rock formation we got to feed llamas!!!! They were so cute and ate corn out of my hand. Some people want a dog or a cat.... now I want a llama. Dad? :) But, I kind of feel bad because in front of "la garganta del diablo" (devils throat) there were people selling sandwichs of llama sausage... and yes... i tried llama. But no, i won't eat my own llama if i have one some day!

Our guides were amazing too. They told us the stories behind the valle and how years ago - even before the Andes were formed, there was a giant sea and when the plates began to move the water all rushed out and created this amazing place. I still can't believe the colors... the red rocks were really really RED, and the green copper rocks were so green. I've never seen anything like it. And once again I'm so glad that Giorgia and I are traveling together! We are having so much fun. I really think I'm going to have a touch of Italian accent to my Spanish at the end of the trip. Now I am thinking and dreaming in Spanish.... sometimes my brain hurts, but the words just flow now so it is much easier. I'm teaching Giorgia words in English and she is teaching me some Italian! yes, we are an odd pair!

Things I've learned -
- the things in the all the bathrooms here that are meant for washing your bum work really well at washing your feet after walking around all day
- dental floss can be used for meanding a broken green straw hat
- I could (and have) eaten the grapes here everyday all day
- when people say that yes, they have internet in their restaurant or hostel it sometimes means that they WANT to have intertant in their restaurant or hostel
- yes..... i have light colored eyes
- loudly snoring people sharing your hostel room can be worken up in the middle of the night by poking them a bit
- i love sunscreen
- I love banana and milk "licuados"

The only thing that could have made my day yesterday better would have been having all my friends and family there with me so I could have someone to share the memories with :)