A Day in Salta

Salta La Linda

It was 3 pm, after a 16 hour bus ride.  With a fever and a migraine all i wanted was some food and a nap.
 
Great way to start a weekend solo in the city of Salta "la Linda"  (the beautiful).
 
My thought process while walking in the dry heat:
 
-MAN my head hurts
 
-There´s the supermarket, one block more, i can make it...
 
-What is this dog doing at my ankles
 
-Hmmm construction workers, cross the street to avoid unwanted attention.
 
-Why is this dog following me, yet barking at everyone else-
 
-Is my purse closed... hold it tighter..
 
-SOMEONE IS RUNNING UP BEHIND ME!
 
(my heart jumps i tighten the grip on my purse and prepare myself for the impact
... a 10 year old boy runs past me with a smile to his friends up ahead)
 
-Dang-it Teri, stop being so prejudice and self centered not everyone wants to rob you
 
-WHO THE HECK IS THIS DOG!
 
After my trip to the market i return to the hostel to find my four legged friend at the entrance
 "que pasa perrito" (Whats up pup) He lets me pass.
 
Later that night (after a nap) i venture out again, feeling slightly better...  I walk a good 2 1/2 blocks and realize the same dog is following me... It barks at every passerby, avoiding a kick or two by passing cyclists.
 
After dinner (best vegetarian meal ever... hey i´ve tried the argentine steak its great but a salad  and tofu is comfort food now and again.)  anyway I get back to the hostel and sit down with some green tea (another comfort) and a book and notice the dog next to me on the coach... he gives me a glance then dozes off...
 
I ask what his name is..
 
"como se llama el perro?"
 
the response (with a spanish accent)
 
"BODYGUARD"