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, there is a square that has witnessed countless stories and special moments. In the center of this square is a merry-go-round, one of the few that still retains the charm and magic of the old days. For children and their families, the merry-go-round in Flores Square is not just a game, but a place full of memories and joy.

The merry-go-round, with its colorful roof and hand-painted wooden horses, attracts children of all ages. Its owner, Don Ernesto, an elderly man with a white beard and a perpetual smile, has been caring for the merry-go-round for over thirty years. For him, keeping it running is a passion and a responsibility he embraces with love.

Every evening, Don Ernesto turns on the lights on the merry-go-round and plays cheerful music that accompanies the steady roll of the horses and wagons. The children, their eyes shining with excitement, line up, waiting for their turn to ride. Their parents, meanwhile, watch with tenderness and nostalgia, remembering the days when they themselves rode on that same merry-go-round.

One day, a little girl named Sofia arrived at the plaza with her grandfather. It was her first time visiting the merry-go-round, and her excitement was palpable. Sofia chose a white horse with a golden mane, and her grandfather helped her onto it. As the merry-go-round began to spin, Sofia felt the wind on her face and the melody filling the air, creating a magical moment she would never forget.

Don Ernesto, seeing Sofía's joy, remembered how his own grandfather used to take him on that same merry-go-round as a child. It was a tradition passed down from generation to generation, and every laugh and smile was a testament to the happiness the merry-go-round brought to so many people.

Over the years, the merry-go-round in Flores Square became a neighborhood symbol, a place where birthdays were celebrated, new friendships were made, and lasting memories were created. The community deeply appreciated Don Ernesto's dedication and the effort he put into keeping the magic of the merry-go-round alive.

On a special occasion, the neighbors organized a party to celebrate the merry-go-round's 50th anniversary. They decorated the square with garlands and balloons and brought food and sweets to share. Don Ernesto, moved by the surprise, thanked everyone and spoke a few words about the importance of keeping traditions and community spirit alive.

That afternoon, the merry-go-round spun more than ever, packed with children and adults reminiscing about their own childhoods. Flores Square resounded with laughter and music, and the sky lit up with fireworks, marking an unforgettable evening.

And so, the merry-go-round in Flores Square continued to turn, day after day, carrying with it the magic of childhood dreams and the love of a community that embraced it like a priceless treasure. Don Ernesto continued to care for it with devotion, knowing that each turn brought with it a new story and a new moment of happiness.

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In the vibrant Caballito neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Caacupé Church was a place of gathering and devotion for many. However, there was one group of parishioners who shared a special and unique passion: their devotion to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, affectionately known as "La Chinita," from the state of Zulia in Venezuela.

This devotion had begun years earlier, when a small group of Venezuelan immigrants settled in the neighborhood. They brought their traditions with them, and with them, their deep faith in La Chinita. Initially, meetings were held in private homes, where they prayed and shared stories of miracles attributed to the Virgin. Over time, this small community grew and decided to bring their devotion to the Caacupé church, making it the spiritual heart of their faith in Buenos Aires.

Every year, on November 18th, the community celebrated the festival of La Chinita with great fervor, coinciding with the celebration in Zulia. The Caacupé church was transformed into a sea of color, with Venezuelan flags and floral arrangements in shades of yellow, blue, and red, reminiscent of their homeland. The statue of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, a gift brought from Maracaibo, was placed on a special altar, adorned with flowers and candles.

The celebrations began early in the morning with a solemn Mass. The parish priest, moved by the community's devotion, always dedicated special words to La Chinita and the immigrants who had found a new home in Buenos Aires. The voices of the parishioners joined in songs and prayers, filling the atmosphere with a unique spiritual energy.

After Mass, the celebration continued in the church courtyard. There were food stands where you could taste arepas, empanadas, hallacas, and other typical Venezuelan dishes, lovingly prepared by the families of the community. Music filled the air, with Zulia gaitas and other rhythms reminiscent of the beloved distant land.

The children, dressed in traditional costumes, danced and played, learning the traditions of their parents and grandparents. For many of them, these celebrations were a way to connect with their roots and understand the importance of La Chinita in their lives.

During the evening procession, the statue of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá was carried on a platform through the streets of the neighborhood, accompanied by a multitude of devotees. People of different cultures and nationalities joined along the way, drawn by the faith and joy radiating from the community. Songs and prayers echoed from every corner, and the neighborhood was filled with a spirit of unity and hope.

Devotion to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá at the Caacupé church not only strengthened the faith of Venezuelans in the neighborhood but also created bonds of brotherhood with fellow parishioners. The story of this devotion became a testament to resilience and the ability of human beings to find solace and community, even far from home.

Thus, the Caacupé church in Caballito became a beacon of faith and love, where the Virgin of Chiquinquirá found her second home and where the devotion of her community remained alive and vibrant, illuminating the hearts of all who venerated her.

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