Well, another week’s flown by as I’ve explored and photographed San Juan. It’s a very different place from Buenos Aires, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s smaller, with a population of 600,000: there’s far less bustle. Secondly, the climate and geography and their consequences. It’s on the opposite side of the country from Buenos Aires, on the east side of the Andes and bordering Chile. It’s amidst a desert. It’s hot – frequently above 40C in the summer. That means that the midday siesta is a part of the daily routine. Thirdly, the buildings are all quite modern; unlike much of Buenos Aires where much ancient architecture has survived a few centuries, most of San Juan was built in the 1940s and 50s, after a devastating earthquake levelled the entire city. As a result, many of the buildings are less than three storeys tall, as well.
Despite being amidst a desert, San Juan is home to a number of vineyards, fruit farms, and olive groves. A massive dam in the nearby mountains supplies electricity and stores water for the entire region, and a network of canals routes water throughout the city to hydrate the healthy-looking trees that line every street. During my first night here, my boss took a coworker and I to sample a few wines. They were spectacular. I’m lamenting the 1.5L wine limit that will be permitted at customs on my return.
Today I return to Buenos Aires, and I’m realizing that after subtracting a 9-day visit from my sister and brother-in-law, I’ve got about a week and a half left in Argentina. My return flight is creeping closer than I thought – here’s hoping I can squeeze in everything I want to before then!
In the meantime, feast your eyes on the wonderful sights to be found in Ischigualasto, where I excursed on Saturday (I know what you’re thinking: “Did he just verbify excursion?” Yes, yes I did).
Posts