End of Salta

It has been a wonderful few days, which is why we haven't written.  We're gonna try to catch up.

Monday was our last day in Salta la Linda and deserves some attention.  Dave told me that I should write that night because it would get away from us but I was more in the mood to read...I'll try to do it justice now.  Monday morning we took a gondola up the east side of the city to the top of San Bernardo.  We thought it was going to be pretty low key with a cafe and a look out spot, but it turned out to be quite the park including some serious water features. Although none of the benches were in the perfect spots, the views were spectacular and the waterfalls astounding.  It was a great view of the city and a cooler, breezier climate. Afterwards we successfully took the bus to the mercado artesanal on the west side of town.  As soon as the bus began moving, I got the feeling that I was on the night bus from Harry Potter...jerking around slamming breaks, nearly hitting other vehicles jostling us in our seats, but we made it safe and sound. The market was definitely the best shopping we had seen. A wide varitey of knitting, ceramics and baskets to name some of the things.  Down a block from the artisanal market we found a spot to get empanadas.  It was kind of a restaurant, probably the converted garage of a couple's home.  The man took orders and (I think) the woman was in the "back" cooking some of the best empanadas we've had.  They had no water so we shared some Quilmes which is practically the same, and enjoyed the beginning of some spy movie with Angelina Jolie and spanish subtitles.  After returning home by cab ($2.50USD) we enjoyed the tradition of siesta.  For dinner we went to a restaurant recommended by Florencia (THANKS!)  It is called Paladar Negro and specializes in pasta. It was among the best pasta I ever had, even in Italy.  The service was friendly despite a language barrier and I would go back any time!  Seriously, if you are ever in Salta, eat at Paladar Negro.