Thursday, July 16, 2009

Salta, Argentina



As soon as I set foot in Argentina, it felt like I was in Europe. Everything here is twice as expensive, but you don´t have to work so hard just to get from point A to point B. It´s a breath of fresh air.

Perhaps it´s the fact that I just finished reading Don Quixote, or maybe I am just giddy from the comfortable surroundings, but I decided the best way to express my immediate appreciation of Argentina is in sonnet form:

Oh Salta, most sparkling of cities
You model of cleanliness and order
A slice of Europe transplanted
299 kilometers from Bolivia´s border


Warm kettle corn on every corner
Fresh fruit in every cart
Toilet paper in every bathroom
No wonder you´ve stolen my heart




Ride the gondolas above the city
Then walk back down the hill
Visit the pink cathedral
Or just sit in the plaza and chill




Taxis that have seat belts
Clear street signs that point the way
Buses that don´t spew black smoke
Drop you off at a sidewalk cafe




Whether drinking a juice at the market
Or yerba mate in the park
You can enjoy the afternoon sunshine
Or walk safely alone after dark



White arches and bright green eyes
Belie your colonial past
Smiling and talkative people
This visit won´t be my last

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