Day 108: November 30, 2007 Salta to Rosario

  Rosario, Argentina
Friday, November 30, 2007

Day 107: November 29, 2007 Salta to Rosario

We got up at 7:00. The day was already hot. I went down to the office and uploaded my final entry from Salta at 9:00 while Elena finished her packing. I arranged a departure time with Toyo and went upstairs to thank Tuity for his generosity and support. These past three months would have been very disappointing, I think, if I had spent them exclusively with UNSa.

I went back up to the apartment to finish my packing. It was a tight fit getting everything into the bags but eventually it all went in, sort of. Elena left a small pile of worn out clothes. We loaded all of my paleomag samples into my bag. I will leave them in Buenos Aires and Elena, Elise, and Shirl will carry them back to the US for me. Before we knew it, it was 12:15 and Toyo was ready to load the truck. I left one of my bags with him. He will ship it to me and a bag with the paleomag sampling equipment when I send him an address.

He drove us down to the bus terminal. It dawned on me that in my hurry to depart, I forgot to say a final good-bye to all of my other friends at the office. For those of you there who read this, I am sorry. Thank you for all of the friendship and good times. Bernardo and Jorge, it was especially fun getting to know you. I enjoyed our many evening discussions together. It is wonderful to have you as friends.

After arriving at the terminal, I needed some money, so Toyo and I left Elena with the bags went to the terminal ATM. Incredibly, it only took Banelco and not Visa! We drove over to the Shopping but found the same problem there. Finally, we found a bank that accepted Visa and I got the money I needed. I gave money to Toyo for the impending baggage shipment. He dropped me off at the terminal and we said good-bye. I really like that guy.

Carlos had arrived to see us off so he and Elena spent their last half hour together, tearfully, in each other's arms. I felt really sorry for both of them. Our Balut bus arrived right on time and we boarded. I had purchased tickets in the front row, passenger side, on the upper deck. Elena sat with her faced pressed against the window with tears rolling down her cheeks for the 10 minutes until we departed.

Santa Bárbara System Ranges

When we pulled out, we both waved to Carlos. A tear rolled from my eye too. Elena was sad but composed herself within half an hour and soon dozed off. Towering clouds loomed over the ranges of the Santa Bárbara System and Sierras Pampeanas to the south as we made our way to Tucumán. It rained some but not as much as threatening clouds would suggest.

We bought stale sandwiches and flat cokes in Tucumán before continuing sout to Santiago del Estero. From there we headed southeast on the 700 km stretch to Rosario. We ate better sandwiches and coke along the way at a small restaurant. After watching a pirated copy of the movie "Blood Diamonds" we both fell asleep.