Córdoba
After an overnight bus ride from Buenos Aires, I arrived in the picturesque colonial city of Córdoba, in the heart of Argentina. After walking over to my hostel, named 'Córdoba Hostel', -there's one brain storm session that ended too early- and dropping off my gear, I made my way to the center. Before starting my exploration of the city, I took my guide book's advice and went for a filling meal in one of the restaurants, trying this nutritious stew of beans, potatoes and meat.
Being founded in the 16th century, Córdoba has a bunch of historical buildings and churches to check out. There are over a dozen churches scattered in the downtown area. Since I love taking pictures of churches, it would be a feast for the photographer in me.
But before really checking out any churches, I wandered over to the Plaza San Martin, a pretty big central square in the heart of the city. Bought some ice cream and spent a while watching the world (and people) go by.
Also on the Plaza San Martin: the Cathedral. Notice how the seemingly random white lines (at least they look random when you're walking over them) on the plaza are a mirror image of the Cathedral.
I decided to wander around the pedestrian shopping streets, looking for some bargain clothes shopping. After everyone raving about the oh-so-great shopping in Buenos Aires, I was a little bummed not to find any cool/cheap clothes there. Luckily Córdoba had a selection that seemed to fit my taste a little better.
To conclude the touristy part of my first day in Córdoba, there was one church I really wanted to check out because I had been reading about it in my guide book before I even started my trip and was curious to see what it looks like. The church's beautifully crafted ceiling, shaped like an inversed ship's hull, was by far its most interesting feature.
Being a little weary from the overnight bus ride, I just wanted to relax at night so I went to see a movie in a local theater.
As I was walking back to my hostel after the movie, I heard some loud music playing at a bar a few blocks away from the hostel, so I went over to check it out. As it turned out, Argentina was flaunting its hottest babes around in this street fashion show. Good times.
I spent the next day exploring some more of the city, wandering its streets, visiting its churches and trying fernet, a typical drink of Italian origin, which tastes like medicinal liquor, but even with half a bottle of Coke I had a hard time swallowing it down. It was pretty damn yuck.
I also took a stroll through the Colegio Nacional de Monserat, one of the most prestigious high schools in Argentina.
Córdoba is also known for its many universities (therefore often referred to as 'la docta'). It was around the end of the academic year while I was over there, so I got to see some of the students getting their traditional graduation ceremony. Don't picture any fancy togas and all that though, as it's an Argentinian tradition to cover graduating students with eggs, flour and any other condiments that can be found. Much like the Belgian student club initiational 'baptism'.
Anyway, back to more churches...
And one more...
And so my two day visit to Córdoba came to an end, and yet again I packed my bags and got on an overnight bus, the luxury cama version for once, off to Mendoza.