Leaving Argentina (first time).

Well, we did leave Argentina.  For a day.  A day trip to neighboring Uruguay.  Specifically, to Colonia.  The trip started by searching for information and buying tickets for an hour boat ride across the Rio de la Plata.  I’ll spare some of the interesting details about going to the office of the ticket company, paying in cash, because of the “blue rate” (actually, this whole paying in cash everywhere and not using credit cards at all has been an interesting experience) and then realizing that I needed the passports (Uruguay is a different country 🙂 ), subte ride back, etc.  Long story short, we have four tickets, the confirmations of our reciprocity fee paid, passports and off we go.  The taxi ride to Buquebus station was about 30 minutes.  First time in a while I actually had my wallet and credit cards with me – was a refreshing feeling to start spending “virtual money” again.  Jumping ahead, I’ll say that the only two plastic transactions where a $3.00 internet charge for an hour of the ferry and ATM transaction to get U$D.  That’s it.  The rest was in Uruguay moneys (about 20:1 ratio with U$D).  The whole ferry, terminal, customs experience was very positive.  Very clean, friendly, smiley – just really positive.  Some photos of the lounge and the boat ride:

An hour later and we’re in Uruguay.  As we departed from the ship and passed another set of friendly customs/immigration our bananas and apples were confiscated.  I hope they eat them.

The lady at the counter of Buquebus spoke better English than Mrs. Doubtfire.  She very politely explained that we can have an hour bus tour and separate audio tour of the old city.  Gave us the map, explained where our desired restaurant was.  No selling, no pushing anything, no rushing.  We walked, exchanged some money – Andrei wanted his Kinder (we have a large collection of Kinder toys, if you know anyone who would buy in bulk, we’re willing to ship worldwide), and we all wanted to get some Uruguay food in out bodies.  The restaurant, El Buen Suspiro had amazing reviews.  As we entered the old city (Barrio Historico) everyone (but me) pretty much forgot about food or anything.  Louisa got immersed in photography, while the kids started running around the old cobblestones.  I managed to temporarily gather everyone and we entered this restaurant, which was very very quaint and charming.  The food wasn’t exactly our cup of tea, but we enjoyed the overall experience of sitting outside surrounded by about 2 centuries old walls and architecture.

The owner lady opening the local wine that she recommended.

On the other side of the restaurant there was a tiny shop.  Almost impossible to convey the oldness and tininess of the store.  I had to bend about 50% to get through the door and stayed at about 75% between the ceiling railings to look around the wines, foods and grappas.   Some really interesting grappas too.  Jumping ahead, later on, at night in the apartment, I tried a grappa made from honey – pretty cool.

After the food we were out and about.  Louisa photographed for hours and kids were just enjoying everything: streets, old buildings, museums, galleries, stores and sellers outside.  Although it was a touristy town, but it was very authentic and there was no feeling of being touristy.  I’ll post some random photos (all the photography is from my iPhone, Louisa’s pro-photos will be processed in Atlanta).

      

Lots of old and very cool cars, but I just realized that I didn’t take as many photos of them.  The white one really reminds an old Lada that was actually made by Fiat.

There cobblestones were old and uneven.

After several souvenir shops, we had final drinks at a restaurant, before going back to the Buquebus ferry.  In this restaurant couple of interesting things: they made a frame out of the wall and they had a picture of Russian Pelmeni (like Pirogi or Ravioli) in the men’s room, right above the toilet 🙂

And off we go

After arriving back at our home away from home, Argentina, we came back to the apartment and since it was Argentinian dinner time, we went out for pizza.  It was around 11PM 🙂

Andrei said that is was one of the best days of his life.  We all had a blast.