Argentina & Chile - Rocky Landscape of Vivid Hues & Intense Patterns (part 2)

The only freedom you have is your mind.

Iris Murdoch

Ojos de Mar (one of the six or so 'Eyes of the Sea' ponds)
The number changes - some close, some open
They are not, however, remnants of the sea, despite the name
Part of Salina Tolar Grande (named after tolas - a local bush - baccharis incarium)

Though these ponds look spectacular, the life hidden under its water surface is quite amazing on its own.  They contain stromatolites which are not that common around the world.  ‘Stromatolites are made of sedimentary grains that are trapped and bound by microorganisms. Although they look like ‘insignificant’ rocks, stromatolites provide records of life on earth from ancient time until the present.’ (excerpt from this blog on 4/14/17 when describing the Lake of Seven Colors in Mexico where stromatolites are also found).  

Argentina & Chile - Rocky Landscape of Vivid Hues & Intense Patterns (part 1)

Waiting is the rust of the soul.

Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Salar de Quisquiro (Quisquiro salt flat)
A lone vicuña on the shore of a salt flat near James (or Puna) flamingoes
My first view of both animals in Argentina
We are at nearly 14,000 feet (4,267m) of altitude

My tour of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia starts with a short flight to Salta where I will be meeting with my amazing guide Lautaro Funes of Socompa Adventure Travel, a local of Salta, who will drive all over Argentina and a bit of Chile with me.  I will trade for a new guide in Bolivia.  

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Three Days in 'The City of Many Passions'

I would rather own little and see the world… 

than own the world and see little of it.  

Alexander Sattler

Night view from the window of my room on the 9th floor of a hotel
My first night in Buenos Aires
Part of the city surrounds the Recoleta Cemetery, a famous burial site
Full of ornate mausoleums and sculptures, it feels like a shadowy walled city

Before my tour of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, I visited Buenos Aires on my own for three days.  So many times, I heard comments from world travelers that this city is the best in South America.  However, not having been to other large cities in that area, I can't compare, but I certainly agree that it is a beautiful city with a deep history, several architectural gems, well-tended parks, colorful murals and neighborhoods, and much more. 

SE Arizona - Diverse, Historic, Scenic and Vibrant (2025-26 part 2)

 The purpose of art is to cleanse our souls 

from the dust of everyday life.

Pablo Picasso

Another sign in the Miracle Mile District
Built in 1960, the hotel took a sleazy turn in 1995 when it was converted
into a porn theater, adult bookstore and sex-prop shop
Demolished in 2004, except for this sign

Part II where I continue to mix old and new with nature. 

SE Arizona - Diverse, Historic, Scenic and Vibrant (2025-26, part 1)

 You should only fall in love with a person who enjoys your madness.

Not an idiot who forces you to be normal.

Eddie Vedder

All that is left of the 1953 Tucson Inn
The only two-story motel in Tucson at the time
Miracle Mile District

During my second winter season in Tucson, I discovered many more interesting things to visit, see, or experience in the general area.  Enjoy this photo diary.