One of the challenges of being so far west in Argentina (with its time zone being based around BuenosAires in the east) is that currently the sun sets at twenty to seven in the evening but it only rises after eight o'clock.  Despite not being geographically aligned with the time zone, daily life here still adheres to what is the standard in Buenos Aires.   Consequently most accomodation options specify a check out time of ten o'clock, in reality eight thirty with relation to the sun's position.  

In winter, as it is here, it would be far nicer to start cycling an hour later.  Apart from the check out time challenge, it would also mean falling foul of the siesta period which is, at a minimum, between two and five o'clock in the afternoon (effectively twelve thirty to three thirty).  Inevitably we arrive in the town where we plan to spend the night slap dab in the middle of the siesta.  It has been the situation since our first visit to Argentina more than seven years ago so we shoukd know how to deal with it.

With Argentinians believing it barbaric to have supper before ten thirty at night (and the high cost if mediocre restaurant fare), we are now cooking our own meals.  But this means finding a tienda open as soon as possible after five in the afternoon.  When I explained to a shop owner that most folk in South Africa eat supper between six and seven in the evening he seemed rather shocked.   

The conversation started when he asked why I wanted by pancetta sliced thinly.  I had to explain that it was for breakfast with fried eggs, fried tomato and toast.  Another shocked expression - breakfast should consist of no more than a small crust of bread (or possibly something sweet like a medialuna) and a cup of coffee.

Anyway, enough waffling about the differences between Argentinians and South Africans when, if there is one nation with similar habits to Saffas, it would be the Argies - think braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and driving too fast.

A quick and easy ride down to El Carmen today.  No photos because the very busy traffic and mostly urban environment meant there was little of interest along the way.

Tomorrow we are heading towards Salta.  The weather is supposed to be quite warm with a minimum of 9 going up to 22.  This is almost a ten degree shift to the right compared with last week.  There is a big climb between El Carmen and Salta so we will play it by ear.  Previous journals suggest the route should be attractive with not much traffic.  Let's hope that is the case because today's traffic was a bit of a pain.