...MOUNTAIN! Today, we drove off in pursuit of Purmamarca (the Hill of Seven Colours), in nearby Jujuy.
Once again, we enlisted the services of Sebastian who -- in addition to being an excellent driver and guide -- was also an accomplished geologist, having worked several years for a Canadian geological company in Argentina (sadly, he had not been able to complete his geology degree, since the economic crisis of 2001 had hit right as he was in the middle of his university studies, and he had had to leave school to work and support his family).
Sebastian was a fountain of information, and explained, as he drove us up one side of the mountain range and down the other, how the mountain and the clouds/winds combine to create distinct micro-climates.
Once again, we enlisted the services of Sebastian who -- in addition to being an excellent driver and guide -- was also an accomplished geologist, having worked several years for a Canadian geological company in Argentina (sadly, he had not been able to complete his geology degree, since the economic crisis of 2001 had hit right as he was in the middle of his university studies, and he had had to leave school to work and support his family).
Sebastian was a fountain of information, and explained, as he drove us up one side of the mountain range and down the other, how the mountain and the clouds/winds combine to create distinct micro-climates.
Indeed, on one side of the mountain, we drove through lush, green jungle, and on the other side, dry, cactus-dotted desert. The boys were in awe, and asked many questions. Tats was also interested, as the excursion provided some real life fodder for consideration of mountain aviation.
We made a few stops and got out to take photos and marvel at the landscape, before heading on to our first official stop, the thousand-year-old Inca Ruins of Pucara Tilcara.
We made a few stops and got out to take photos and marvel at the landscape, before heading on to our first official stop, the thousand-year-old Inca Ruins of Pucara Tilcara.
The site of these ruins make Tilcara Argentina's archaeological capital. The boys enjoy both the restored site of the ancient Inca city, as well as the nearby cactus garden...
After a few hours of wandering the cactus garden and letting their imaginations run wild as they played amid the ruins of Tilcara, the boys were ravenous, as were we, so we stopped for lunch in town.
Several dogs ran to and fro through the restaurant. (Dogs in this part of the country are nearly as common as mate: Our guide had explained to us during yesterday's horse-riding adventures that people love dogs here; almost every house has at least two dogs, some as many as seven!) The boys enjoyed running through a sprinkler someone had set up outside next to the deck.
Then it was back on the road, and on to our final destination, the Hill of Seven Colours.
Then it was back on the road, and on to our final destination, the Hill of Seven Colours.
The town of Purmamarca, where the famous hill lies, is surrounded by splendid mountains. In the town's square, a feria surrounds a playground where local children play while their parents drink mate or sell their wares at the feria. Alex and Simon made some little friends at the playground, and the ensuing wrestling match almost usurped the hill in terms of their interest and commitment level! |
After wandering around the town for a bit, Tats and I returned to the playground to pick up the boys. We had wanted to snap a shot of the actual hill, but the sun was beginning to set, and was right on the hill and in our camera lens, so that it was a "real life only" memory, rather than a great photo opp.
As we got back in the car, two elderly women walked past us, one pushing a baby stroller, the other hauling a heavy load of firewood; Sebastian noted that many here lived without gas and therefore still cooked over a wood fire. As I watched the women heading towards their homes, the ancient mountains behind them, a new car in the foreground, I reflected on the juxtaposition of old and new here in this place.