Day 124 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Must start today's blog with a big Happy Birthday for my mother. Wish you were here so we could celebrate it with you! 

It's also a very sad day today - our last day in South America after two and a half amazing months in this wonderful, diverse and varied continent. 

We have another lazy morning this morning having got into a little routine of watching Friends in the morning. Little did we know back in Vang Vieng, Laos when we were mocking those bars that only play Friends or Family Guy that we too would crave a bit of familiar TV after four months. 

We head out at about 1pm after FaceTiming Mum and wishing her a happy birthday. We don't have any set plans today so decide to walk to Recoletta to have more of an explore around that neighbourhood, starting off with walking through Palermo again. We have done a fair amount of walking over the last couple of days and have left literally no street in Palermo undiscovered. We feel like we really know the place now. 

I had to mention Messi before leaving. He has literally become synonymous with Argentina and a national god. God knows what this guy earns from sponsorship over here. All thoroughly deserved though. 

A better picture of Olsen where we are last night. Gorgeous garden. 

We had to stop off at a pharmacy (again!) to get some antiseptic for Nat's cut heal (she wasn't looking where she was going last night and stood in a hole) and I feel I must comment on the most ridiculous and dangerous entrance to a shop I have ever seen. 

All looks good upon approach although limited visbility through the door. That's OK though as they are automatic doors that slide open instead of the pull/push variety. I confidently stride up to the doors on a mission to save Nat's foot from near certain dog poo infected amputation. I slow my pace slightly upon reaching them to make sure the sensor picks me up (we have all made that mistake!) and they begin to part, faster than a prostitutes legs at the sight of a fifty.  

As the doors open and I stride right through BANG!!! Out of nowhere they have stuck a huge security sensor smack bang in the middle of the door which I only avoid planting my face square into with about a centremeter to spare. Definitely the worst thought through entrance to a shop. It is a lot fun watching everyone do the same after me though with a few less fortunate people actually hitting it. Still, at least they are in a pharmacy when they get injured. 

Not sure what this building is but it looked quite cool. 

We reach Recoletta only to realise there isn't actually that much there other than see the Disney World for the dead (aka the Recoletta cemetery) and some nice parks which we have already seen. It's been a lovely walk though - just over 10 in total. We then jump in a cab back to Palermo for an early dinner before we head to the airport. 

We find yet another great place called Miranda on Costa Rica and sit outside. The weather has completely changed by how and there isn't a cloud in the sky.  

Doing what I do best. 

Now this is also another very sad part of the trip - my last Bife de chorizo / Argentinian steak. They have been truly epic and I crown Argentina the absolute kings of a good steak. Better get used to small overpriced steals again as well as expensive wine. We will also miss the fantastic bottles of wine in restaurants of £6-8 max too. 

 

Love the tree lined streets in Argentina which seem to be on every street. 

LOVE! 

Before we get our taxi to the airport we stop for one last beer in the very arty cafe across the road from our hotel. Great complimentary onion bread (not that we needed it). 

Our hotel. Wish we were staying here longer. 

We set off for the airport actually quite sad as another chapter of our amazing trip draws to a close. South America has been absolutely fantastic and we are left wondering why people only seem to come here when they are traveling. It would also make for an awesome two week holiday and is damn good value once you are here. Such a great continent with a wealth of variety and stunning things to see and do and some great cities. Particular highlights have been Brazil (all of it apart from Salvador), all of Peru, Banos and Argentina (so pretty much all of it!). 

Looking forward to next stop Mexico City.