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. ❤️

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In the heart of the Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires, stands a majestic castle that has witnessed more than a century of history. Built 110 years ago, this castle was originally the residence of a wealthy family who came to the city in search of new opportunities. Over time, the family moved, and the castle passed through several hands, until it was finally acquired by the local government and transformed into a public school.

The rebirth of the castle

The castle, with its imposing towers and stone walls, had always been a symbol of mystery and grandeur in the neighborhood. When it was announced that it would become a school, the community was filled with curiosity and anticipation. Architects and workers worked hard to preserve the original structure while adapting the interior for modern educational needs.

A place of learning and dreams

Today, the castle is known as Public School No. 110 "Castillo de Flores." Children attending the school not only receive a quality education but also have the opportunity to learn in a unique setting steeped in history. Classrooms are decorated with murals telling the story of the castle and the neighborhood, and teachers use the building as an educational tool, teaching students about architecture and local history.

Intertwined stories

Among the students is a girl named Sofia who has always felt a special connection to the castle. Her great-grandfather had worked as a gardener at the original residence, and she grew up hearing his stories about the castle's glory days. Inspired by these stories, Sofia dreams of becoming an architect to restore and preserve historic buildings.

The legacy of the castle

The castle in the Flores neighborhood is not only a place of learning, but also a symbol of the community's resilience and evolution. It has transformed from a private residence into a public space that enriches the lives of the neighborhood's children and families. Every day, as students run through the hallways and play in the gardens, the castle continues to write new stories, interweaving the past with the present and the future.

Thus, Flores Castle remains a beacon of knowledge and hope, reminding everyone that, over time, places and people can transform and find new purposes.

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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.

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