Country of Contrasts (by Kathleen)

Katy has described where we are this May 3rd so I will just describe impressions.  The Tinogasta area reminds me of many places in the western US, especially New México, Arizona, and parts of Southern California.  We are about 200 kilometers from where the Spanish crossed the Andes into modern day Argentina and the town we are staying in is on that trail.  We visited one of the military stations and, of course, a church, just 20 minutes from here that must be something like what the Spanish put up in North America.  Beautiful but against an unforgiving landscape.

Yesterday we visited several schools, primary and secondary.  The children were so responsive and bright-eyed and eager.  Most people don't want to leave their towns but there is little work here.  What is ubiquitous is the Internet and wifi so the children are on net books often.  The government supplies these to all the poorest public schools though some complain that they don't have the computer power that they should.  And of course we saw many children playing computer games during recess!  At least I think it was recess. 

This is certainly a country of contrasts and I can't help comparing here to the US.  Cordoba , the big city, very urban and fast paced.  Then Rio Cuarta, Villa  Maria, Marcos Juaraz, Belle Ville,  similar to the Midwest.  Many farms, farm companies etc.  Actually that area looks a lot like Illinois.

Now we are in "the. West" -- a mere 13 hour bus ride from the southern part of Cordoba province!  Life is slower and maybef I can say, more Spanish in style.  They take siestas  and less formal.

Enjoying the time and what I am learning.

Kathleen