An early start today – grabbing a quick bite at the 7am
breakfast, ready to catch a taxi into Argentina (pre-arranged). Crossing the
border into Argentina was once again a breeze, with barely a look into the car.
We arrive at the small airport (IGR) with plenty of time before the flight – in
fact, we couldn't check in our luggage until an hour before, and we weren't
allowed through ‘security’ until 30 minutes before the departure time. Of
course, after my obligatory pat down, we arrive in the departure lounge as our
plane is called – very efficient. We board the plane – thankfully more leg room
than the previous – and we’re on our way to Buenos Aires!
Arriving in Buenos Aires around 2 hours later – we exit the
plane into a modern, large, clean airport. This time – we’re determined not to
take a taxi to our hotel. Local transport all the way. That didn't quite work
out however. It seems in the few years since Rach’s guide book was published
and our arrival – the buses have had an overhaul, becoming entirely cashless.
We board bus ‘45’ which should head down town. The bus was empty and the driver
didn't speak any English. Waving around bills, saying Cuanto? 5, 10, 20? And
hearing only – No..no.. He just waves
us to the back of the bus. Oh that’s nice
of him we think to ourselves. Little did we know he goes a few stops then
motions This is the last stop. Oh
right… We exit the bus then check our maps – ah, the ‘45’ is on a circular and
we happened to catch it on the wrong side of the street, whoops. We wait 20
minutes for another ‘45’ to arrive – still not quite sure how to pay. We hop on
and the bus is completely empty – and again, the driver speaks no English. Cuanto? I ask. No no we receive again. Why don’t they want our money?! After a few
more waving of bills and spouting of random amounts, once again, we’re waved to
the back of the bus – clearly not bothered about a couple of ignorant Gringos. It wasn't until a few minutes
later, when other passengers started filing on to the bus, we noticed the card
reader and people swiping in. Oops. Feeling guilty, though satisfied in our
free ride – we drive for 40 minutes before reaching our stop. Muchos gracias senor! we shout to the
bus driver before swiftly exiting the vehicle.
Ahhh, Buenos Aires. Clean, modern, and a breath of fresh air
(maybe not literally). Our hotel was in the down town area – which was filled
with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes – exactly what we’d been looking for
and missing in Sao Paulo (still good) and Rio (not quite as good), in terms of selection. We unload our bags
into our surprisingly spacious room and head out into the city. Tonight we just
enjoyed a long stroll through – well, wherever our feet took us. We ended up at
a lovely Italian restaurant where we finally enjoyed a meat free meal that
wasn't laden with salt.
After our meal, we strolled along the well-lit avenues,
including Ave. de Julho – the widest avenue in the world (they’re very proud of
that fact), as well as Florida street (pedestrian only road – famous for the
blue market Cambio money changers),
and Plaza de Mayo. Our first experience of Buenos Aires was a pleasant one –
and we went to bed eagerly looking forward to the next day’s walking tour.
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