South+America

Argentina Religion: Non- Catholic Christian churches are growing. About 7% of the people are members of various Protestant churches, another 2% are Jewish, and the Remaining 6% belong to other religious organizations. Religious freedom is guaranteed, and church and state officially separate. Casual Life: people typically eat three meals each day. The main meal traditionally is served at midday, but because of work schedules, urban families may be able to gather together only for supper, which often is served after 9 p.m. Many Argentines also enjoy an afternoon teatime, which includes a cup of tea and a snack. Diners eat in the continental style, with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. It is considered polite to keep both hands (but not elbows) above the table, not in the lap. Using a toothpick in public is considered bad manners, as is blowing one’s nose, talking with one’s mouth full, or clearing ones throat at the table. Eating in the street or on public transportation is inappropriate. Tipping is not required but is becoming customary in many restaurants. Government: The Argentina Republic has 23 provinces and 1 federal district. The executive branch consists of a president, vice president, and cabinet. The president is both chief of state and head of government. The national congress has two houses: a 72 seat senate and a 257-seat Chamber of Deputies. Members of the independent Supreme Court are appointed by the president. The voting age is 18. Tiffane

Peru is an epic fantasyland. Imagine forgotten temples entangled in jungle vines, cobwebbed imperial tombs baking in the desert sun and ancient bejeweled treasures beyond reckoning. Wild rivers that rage around, pumas that prowl in the night and hallucinogenic shaman rituals that are centuries old. After all, this is the South American country that chewed up and spat out empire after empire – even Inca warriors and Spanish conquistadors didn’t stand a lasting chance. No one could completely conquer this jaw-dropping terrain, from the Cordillera Blanca with dozens of peaks exceeding 5000m, down to the vast coastal deserts and the hot. Wanna take it easy? Follow the Gringo Trail that connects the country’s highlights, winding up to the mountaintop Inca citadel of .Machu picchu Or step off the beaten path and groove to Afro-Peruvian beats during Carnaval, float in a slow boat down the Amazon and chase that perfect wave along a paradisiacal Pacific coastline. Almost like a continent in miniature, Peru will astound you with its diversity, from its countless indigenous peoples, languages and traditions to its rainbow variety of wildlife. Whether it’s your first trip to south america or your fiftieth, Peru is the perfect launchpad. Travel however and wherever the spirit moves you – a luxury lodge in the Amazon, cheap ceviche raw seafood marinated in lime juice at a beachfront cafe or a panoramic train ride through the Andes because it’s all surprisingly affordable.Brittany