Art, Artesan and a Hangover

After arriving early into Cordoba we were greeted with a dreary and wet morning. We traipsed to our hostel to dump our bags and grab some breakfast. When we could eventually check in we had a quick power nap before heading out to take in the sights of Argetina's second largest city. Starting with a gallery we worked our way into the historic city center to check out the supposedly well-preserved colonial architecture, although we found most of it quite disapointing.

Colonial Buildings

Colonial Buildings

Colonial Buildings

Museum for the Dirty War's Missing People

Perros (dogs) roam the streets all over Cordoba. Although they are in most Argentine cities and towns, there seemed to be even more of these feral dogs, sitting at every corner, scouring the streets for scraps and hanging out in the sunny spots of parks and plazas.

Perro and child in the square

Our secod day we planned to start with an artesian fair that are famous for their fashion and quality crafts and are meant to be the best in the country, but we quickly discovered we had not read the fine print and the market didn't start till 5pm. So we trudged around the city some more, checking out the produce market and a colourful cathedral before dining in a lovely (albeit pricey) Italian restaurant.

Cathedral

Cathedral

Cathedral

Cathedral

Eventually we made it back to the artesian fair and discovered a lively atmosphere, where earlier there were vacant streets and closed shops. The backdrop for these fairs were brightly coloured street walls of graffiti art and modern yet eclectic boutique shops tucked away in hidden alleyways.

Artesian Markets

Cafe in Artesian Markets

Cordoba's other highlight is its nightlife as it has seven universities in the city, and therefore is largely a student town. On our second night we opted to take part in the hostel's assado (BBQ), chowing down once again on large quantities of sausage, steak and ribs. Bar life being the staple it is, at about 2am Travis and some guys from the hostel headed out to a bar, where they downed revolting, cheap liqour inculding a cuba libra that tasted like it was made with tequilla instead of rum.

Another Cathedral

Outdoor photography gallery with reflection

Needless to say, the next day was a harsh one for Travis, which progessively worsened when we discovered the buses were on strike (on a Sunday) and we could not get to the small neighbouring lake-side town of Alta Gracia where Che Guavera grew up. We did however manage find a park to take a nap and literally lost track of time (Ali's watch stopped) with plenty of perros to keep us company. Our never-ending search for the perfect steak took us to a restuarant which served us the most terrible steak we have eaten (the search continues!), following which we got on our midnight bus en route to Cafayate.

Cathedral Window