Serene Salta

Our last stop in the north of Argentina is Salta.  I charming colonial town nestled into the low valleys of the Andes. 
We have a day and a half of free time to enjoy the town and surrounding areas.  On the day we arrive we get the lay of the land,  and the rest of my tour mates decide they haven't punished themselves enough and sign up for some further hiking the next day.  I have opted for a more leisurely pace of local gondola to a lookout point,  a selection of impressive cathedrals and  most importantly the ice cream shop in the main square.  I like to do what the locals do.  Nothing better than enjoying a cafe con letche while watching the little old ladies gossip after mass. My Spanish is no where good enough to know for sure,  but I'm certain there was a clutch of women commenting on the tightness of the pants of some others.  Hand gestures are so universal. 
As I walked over to the gondola,  I came through a large park that was a bit run down,  but obviously still popular with the locals.  I am impressed that almost every public space has some sculpture or art installation.   There continues to be a healthy acceptance of street art or graffiti.  It appears on every block,and no one has tagged or painted over it. As I wonder through the park I am deafened by the cacophony of birds and cicadas.  It drowns out any conversation or even personal thoughts. 
I am finally gliding my way to the top of the lookout on the gondola.  I get a car to myself.  The silence of this ride is much appreciated after the park.  It affords a remarkable view of the city and misty mountains beyond.  At the top is the requisite cafe,  souvenir shop,  and observation points. I stroll around taking it all in,  and I come across a series of man made waterfalls.  It is a cool reprieve on a very hot day.  I love the sound of the water bouncing off the rocks.  I find a tucked away bench where I can glimpse the views while surrounded by the rushing water.  I take a moment again to reflect,  breath and most importantly release.  The traditional places for worship in this part of the world are in those cathedrals I will visit soon down below,  but for me this is my alter and my faith; my moment to surrender.
As this is Sunday,  and I have a tight schedule of churches to visit before they close for 1pm siesta, I opt for the return gondola ride rather than walking down.  This time I share my   ride with a young family.  The little girl dressed in head to toe Minnie Mouse paraphernalia,  is far more fascinated with my freckles and blue eyes than she is fussed with the views.  She is nervously plucking up the courage to speak to me,  when she decides to go all in and fling herself in the arms of this spotted foreigner.  Her parents are clearly stunned and try to pull her back.  I'm quite happy to have the curious poking and giggling wiggler in my lap.   The parents then decide it's picture time and clearly this little girl knows how to work the camera.  Somewhere in Salta there is about 50 photos myself and the Minnie Mouse warrior.  Brave enough to overcome her suspicions and throw herself, literally, in the "picca" (her word for freckles) hands of the unknown.
I made the rounds of some lovely churches,  most of which where in full mass.  I respectively waited to take a few quick snapshots.  The interiors of these places can rival any art gallery; carved arches,  sculptures,  stainless glass and tile work - all amazing.
At last I reward myself with an ice cream in the main square.  Nothing like a cool treat on a shady beach. 
I head back to the hotel to enjoy a siesta while waiting for some of my hiker tour mates to return.  We later taken in the archeological museum where they feature the mummified bodies of Inca children sacrificed to bring good fortune to their tribes. I respect all forms of faith,  and have certainly seen my fair share of bizarre representations of it,  but these kids were creepy. Dressed up to please the gods and forefathers,  these children are then paraded around their towns,  heavily drugged and buried alive.
Time to lighten it up,  did someone say Artisan Market.  I round out my visit with another meaty dinner. I know all this steak is stressing my waistline,  but it is so yummy.  I promise myself that there will be nothing but green leafy veggies when I get home.