December 6th I took a break from blogs, badges and beer.
The wife and I got to do a two week trip around South America. It was guided tour, which was good as I didn't bring "my compass." into the jungle. Getting lost was easy at Iguassu Falls.
These falls are on the border of Argentina, and Brazil. Paraguay was just a couple of miles up the river. This is a long way from Rio de Janeiro where the trip originated.
Iguassu was spectacular. It was spread out over several miles. In that respect it wase seven times larger then Niagara Falls, and is a candidate for listing as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. They get my vote! But I must note Niagara Falls is much closer to home.
After spending the night with nature I was guided by Ollie North to a remote airport. We then flew to Buenos Aires, which is not in the jungle. Here I slept in a Sheraton Hotel, saw Eva Peron's tomb, and the got hauled off to a cattle ranch to partake in a "Fiesta Gaucha" in the heart of the Pampas. Here I saw Gauchos, and ate their grilled beef.
At the end of the day it was "good bye ranch" and back to civilization for Tango lessons. The instructor was cute so I was motivated, but I only learned one dance step. That was when I held the girl in my arms. I didn't need to learn anymore moves. Naturally when things are going well the time in Argentina came to an end.
The next stop was Peru. Arriving in Lima the idea of checking out the local police hit me. I figured I could get a badge, a hat or at least a picture. I had a mission.
When I had a chance I discussed my thoughts with the Guide assigned to us in Lima. She discouraged me from approaching the police. I was on my own, and would not be discouraged. I notice several of Lima's finest near one of the million cathedrals that were on the itinerary. When the group headed for the big old Church, I moved in for a picture.
Now look at the basic patrol car that I found parked just outside the Church's gates. I had no trouble getting a picture of it, and I even got someone to take my picture too. As I moved closer to what might have been a station house the Guide found me. She made me go to Church for I had sinned. I also noted an officer in the rear of his vehicle stand up with a machine gun. The Guide was right. It was time to go to Church.
The next morning I flew to Cuzzco, about an hour, by air away, from Lima. Here a new Guide was assigned to us, and she was sympathetic to my mission. She intervened with several officers and made sure I got that picture.
Around the City Square I was fortunate enough to get a couple of officers to let me use my camera up close. The young lady smiled quite nicely for me, as did the "officer in charge." Things were looking better. I had some pictures, but no badge or hat.
The next stop was Machu Picchu. Here I learned that this location was more than a "Lost City" on top of a mountain; but a real City (hamlet) at the base of the mountain.
The Guide, knowing the language, did make a pitch for me with the local constabulary, explaining that I was a collector. The officers smiled, and shook hands, but requests for more than a picture met with the response: "Adios". That's Spanish for "No badge or Hat."
I did mange to learn that the state run police do not earn a good deal of money. The pay is in the area of $200. a month in US dollars. Teachers earn about $100 more a month. The farmer earns a fraction of these salaries. Bottom line is even with our economy that has gone "d.o.a." it is still good to be home. This was a good trip, and trying to get these pictures added to the fun. Hope you enjoy them.
