It’s hard to reconcile the vast differences between two countries when they are only separated in this instance by a rather large stream.

We left Uyuni early in the morning , crossing yet more high country to make it to the border. It was not the most pleasant journey, 8 of us in a van, plus our bags and petrol in containers in the back giving off some pretty full on fumes. News is almost impossible to come by so we didn’t know what we could potentially face, a lot of traffic? Long queues at the border? Protest blockades? Really no idea so we had a lot of contingency time up our sleeves. After a 5 hour pretty cramped ride we made it to the border. No issues. No queues, we were practically the only ones crossing and before we knew it we were in Argentina.

After killing some time we finally got on our bus to get to Tilcara , our destination for the next two nights.

Not without incident it turns out. About two hours in we were pulled over at some random Police check point and all ordered off for a search. No idea why. But off we got, had to get all our bags and lineup for search. Every page of my passport examined , ( hoping I didn’t need an Argentina passport stamp because despite asking for one I didn’t get one) every bag opened by a very serious looking police officer. He had just finished checking me when it started to hail. The bloody heavens opened and this unbelievable hail storm had us all running for cover. It was so heavy and so persistent it almost looked like it had been snowing. Search aborted, we were allowed back on the bus and on our way.

Arriving in Tilcara was like arriving in another universe. It was late Sunday , families were gathered in the park , street vendors were selling tortillas, is that a cafe? A pub with a huge BBQ roasting a whole side of beef? Wait are those clothes boutique’s a chocolatier? What’s going on?

We arrived at the hotel and practically squeeked with delight when we saw a swimming pool. Went to check the temperature and get the fuck out, it’s a giant jacuzzi. Ten minutes later we were all in. The staff then brought out pool towels. Quite a contrast from the day before when I had used a facecloth and was seriously eyeing up my scarf to dry off after the hot springs. This place is flash. Lights we can see with, shampoo and conditioner, a bloody bidet ! We were allowed giddy with the luxury of it all. The night ended in the courtyard of a local restaurant, where we feasted on vegetables? Yes real vegetables and between us three bottles of wine. The discomfort of the days travel melting away.

Next day, most of us decided to take a walk up to a waterfall. I was ready for a stroll not a hike and the 2-3kms of uphill climb just about did me in – sure it’s because I was still at altitude. 4 hours later I feel back on my bed, a siesta and then another lovely meal out.

The standards of living between the two countries at least from what we’ve experienced in the last 48 hours is so vast. The cars, the roads, the infrastructure, the way people dress, everything is different. It really illustrates to me how important our system of Government is and what a massive difference it can make to everyone. Something I wish a lot of the sheltered people at home could appreciate.

Next day We chose to have a lazy morning. And wonder to a nearby gallery we had heard about.

What a surprise that turned out to be. A privately owned and built photography museum featuring photographers from northern Argentina. The work itself was incredible, very contemporary even though the collection spanned a 100 years. But the real star was for me the architecture. This place is in the middle of nowhere. But has clearly been built to be part of the stunning environment it sits in. We loved it.

We had tried to find galleries in Bolivia but nothing ever really eventuated. This place was such a surprise, and such a delight. What an absolute privilege.

Tonight we fly to Buenos Aires and it will be the second to last night with this intrepid group. And then we are solo. The “intrepid “ part of our adventures are over. So now it’s time to buy a suitcase. The hand luggage bags have straining zips!

We left home over a month ago and we will be home in 3.5 weeks. Still a bit of ground to cover and a few more borders to cross, here are a couple of stats so far

Flights = 6 flights ( including tonight)

trains = 2

boats = 2

buses = too many to count

step count since dec 12 = 345,000

Hotel rooms = 20

Countries = 4

It’s been a blast so far.