As we headed further and further north on the map, my excitement grew. The whole area was already starting to be uncharted territory for me, so I was very curious to see what things were like in that part of my country. We were already very close to achieving our improvised goal of reaching Bolivia, but along the way we were also seeing some very curious places. One obligatory stop was La Quiaca, the northernmost city in Argentina in the province of Jujuy, where we took two nights to rest and also to sort out our paperwork before crossing the border .

After driving more than 180 km in the small Suzuki 4x4, we left Iruya in the province of Salta to head to La Quiaca, in the province of Jujuy. That would be our last stop in Argentina before heading to the neighboring country. It was impossible to go any further, because we were literally about to cross to the other side. However, despite being so close, we needed some time to be able to go to the ATM to withdraw cash so we could get a good exchange rate in Bolivia, try to get the yellow fever vaccine and be able to fill up with gas before crossing. For this we stayed two nights in a small hostel for which we paid $25 per night for two people

As for money, we were able to get a good amount from ATMs and this was the most convenient thing, since due to the high taxes Argentina imposes on using debit and credit cards abroad, the best option was to pay for everything with cash. Regarding the yellow fever vaccine, we had read that it was necessary but I went to the hospital and couldn't get it because it wasn't the day they were doing the vaccination campaign. I risked going to Bolivia anyway, hoping not to get sick from anything (spoiler: I didn't get sick from anything). Third, we were able to fill a jerry can with extra gasoline, which was what we wanted, since we were afraid of not getting it easily in Bolivia, since there was a rumor that they didn't sell it to foreigners .

All of these things took up the time we decided to stay in La Quiaca. As for the city, like any border city, it is not as touristy or elegant, but it is still full of signs that highlight what distinguishes it: being the northernmost city in Argentina. There are signs everywhere for photos, and many stickers of people who wanted to leave their mark on this place. In addition, everything was quite cheap here, just like what we saw in our previous days in other northern cities .

The city of La Quiaca in Jujuy represents the northern end of the famous journey that crosses my country from end to end along Route 40, parallel to the Andes Mountains and ending in the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province. This route covers 5,194 km and visits 11 of the 23 provinces we have in Argentina. This trip is one of the most desired by nomadic travelers, who choose to do it in different vehicles, from cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorhomes to bicycles. Being at either end of this route, whether in La Quiaca or Ushuaia, is exciting, and that is how I felt after finally getting to know this city, because I already knew Ushuaia .

I think that throughout this whole traveling phase of my life, which began almost a year and a half ago, I did a lot of great things and being in the northernmost and southernmost extremes of my country was one of them. When I decided that I wanted to travel a bit around the north of Argentina, I didn't think that I would literally get to La Quiaca, the furthest north we have. I really enjoyed getting to know this place, which despite being simple has a very special value for travelers and for all of us who love Argentina and love Route 40. Once again, I was able to get to know a new corner of the many we have here .

❤️ Hope you liked this post! Thanks for reading. ❤️

source

In the heart of Buenos Aires, on San Martín Street, stands the majestic Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA). Built between 1872 and 1876 by architects Henry Hunt and Hans Schroeder, this building has witnessed countless historic events.

On a summer night, as the city slept, the building seemed to come alive. The columns and pilasters that surround its two floors whispered stories of its past, from its time as the headquarters of the Mortgage Bank of the Province of Buenos Aires to its transformation into the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in 1888. In 1912, it became the headquarters of the Conversion Fund, the precursor to the BCRA.

However, the building now faced an unusual threat. Javier Milei, the charismatic and controversial president, had promised during his campaign to "blow up" the Central Bank, a metaphor for his desire to close the institution and radically reform the country's economy.² This promise had generated both fear and hope among citizens.

One night, as Milei walked through the deserted streets of Buenos Aires, he stopped in front of the imposing building. The city lights reflected off the bank's windows, creating an almost mystical aura. Milei, with his signature tousled hair and intense gaze, stared up at the structure. In his mind, the building represented everything he considered obsolete and corrupt in the Argentine financial system.

But the building, with its recently restored façade, seemed to challenge him. Stories from its past echoed in the air, reminding Milei that it wasn't just a building, but a symbol of the country's history and resilience.¹ At that moment, Milei realized that his fight wasn't against the building itself, but against the invisible structures of power and corruption that had taken root in society.

Determined to transform the country, Milei realized that destruction was not the answer. Instead of blowing up the building, he decided to turn it into a symbol of change and renewal. He announced a plan to transform the Central Bank into a center of financial innovation, where new economic policies would be developed and transparency and efficiency would be fostered.

The Central Bank building, with its rich history and new mission, became a beacon of hope for the Argentine people. And so, instead of being destroyed, the building was reinvented, reflecting the indomitable spirit of a country that always finds a way to revive itself.

source

In a picturesque corner of the city, a 140-year-old building stood like a guardian of the past. Its white brick walls and wood-framed windows told stories of a time when life was slower and families spent afternoons on their balconies, watching the world go by.

The building, known to everyone as "The Corner," had an elegance that stood the test of time. However, the city had grown around it, and modern glass and steel towers were beginning to encircle it, threatening to replace its historic presence with something more contemporary.

One day, news broke that developers were planning to demolish La Esquina to build a skyscraper. Upon hearing this, the community erupted in protest. Neighbors recalled how their grandparents would tell them about the social gatherings in the building's lobby, the rooftop parties, and the times when La Esquina had been the epicenter of the neighborhood's social life.

Led by María, a young historian who lived in the building, residents organized petitions, marches, and meetings to save their beloved building. María compiled stories, photos, and testimonies from those who had lived in La Esquina over the years, creating a dossier showcasing its historical and cultural value.

On the day of the public hearing, the hall was packed. María stood, dossier in hand, and spoke passionately about the importance of preserving the neighborhood's memory, of maintaining a tangible connection with the past. Her words resonated in the hearts of everyone present.

In the end, the commission ruled in favor of the residents. La Esquina was not only saved, but also declared a cultural heritage site, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The developers agreed to restore the building, respecting its original architecture, and convert the upper floors into modern housing without altering its historic essence.

La Esquina remained the neighborhood's soul, now with a new lease on life that combined the old and the new, symbolizing the resilience and tenacity of a community that understood that progress doesn't always mean forgetting the past.

source