Back to the future

Uruguayans love their mate (pronounced mah-teh). Alisa fit right in there although she didn't walk around on the streets with her thermos of water and her mate in hand as the Uruguayans did.

We bid farewell to the lovely, friendly country and braced ourselves as we took the Colonia Express boat back to Buenos Aires.

We did a lot of walking from the ferry terminal in La Boca through San Telmo, Monserrat to our hostel in Congresso. After doing a little shopping for a new phone for Alisa, we took in some sights stopping for a photo in front of the Pink House, Argentina's executive branch building.

It's always hard to say good bye, even harder when I'm on the road and Alisa is taking off. But, it was a wonderful visit and always great to spend time together. So, Alisa heads back to Bariloche, this time a two-hour plane trip instead of a twenty-two hour bus trek.

So, that leaves me to my own devices. There are wonderful local markets to explore.

I scout out some old cathedrals.

Walk around the Saturday markets:

And I came across a local market in San Telmo with local produce, vintage clothes and artifacts.

I ventured on the SubTe, subway.

Then it was time for me to say my own farewell to Argentina and the Sabatico Travelers Hostel.

Back to Colonia

Spring celebration in Colonia. What a wonderful thing to happen upon! Like a big Halloween parade for children all dressed up. Very precious.






We're back in Colonia to pick up last-minute gifts and get our tickets for the boat ride back to Buenos Aires. We're staying at the Hotel Rivera with a lovely patio and WiFi to check on e-mails and update Facebook and the blog.

For lunch I have "Cuban" rice (plain rice, fried banana and a little salad, aaaargh, there's no hot sauce!!???) and Alisa enjoys her Milanesa. Then a little more sightseeing and we'll be off to Buenos Aires in the morning.