Across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay

There is a fast Catamaran ferry across the Rio de la Plata (Silver River) from BA to the historical centre of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, so we decided to take the trip for a few days. The estuary is supposed to be the widest in the world.

Aboard the Colonia Express

Old train station in Colonia

We stayed in a quiet Posada B&B (lovely breakfast) and explored the town on foot and by bicycle.

Afternoon tea!

There were plenty of vintage cars dotted about the town but none in working order. Lots of old cobbled streets and knackered pavements add to its appeal.

Captain Jack doesn't look very happy!

We visited the old bull fighting ring, an interesting building, which now hosts a small museum and some modern art.

Its a thumbs down from us

Grand entrance to the bull ring

A rare treat in Colonia!

We found Uruguay very expensive. Petrol about the same as the UK and eating out maybe more! We found a lovely place to have a picnic dinner watching the sun go down with the BA skyline in the distance over the river. A baguette, cheese, tomato, nuts, drink, crisps and avocado costing around £9.00. We shared our spot with many Sparrows and a pair of Red Crested Cardinals.

Red Crested Cardinal

BA skyline across the Rio de la Plata

A Different BA - Bicycle Tour

Our well travelled guide, Jonny, took Dee and I on a very interesting tour in the south of the city, including La Boca, the home of Boca Juniors Football Club, which felt like cycling into a different country! Starting from the Plaza de San Martin, we soon moved on to the monument to those fallen in the war for Las Malvinas (The Falklands).

Interestingly, the football teams of Boca Juniors and River Plate were formed around the same time and both had a Black and White strip. A match was arranged and the winner kept that strip. Boca Juniors lost and decided to take the colours of the next ship that entered port. It was a Swedish ship and their new colours we formed. Rivalry is so intense and violent that away fans are not allowed in the stadium.

Buenos Aires

We made it to Buenos Aires (BA) via a short change at Sau Paulo in Brazil without too much hassle or searches. As we are travelling 'one way', there is always the possibility of being refused entry, so we booked a one way ferry ticket from Argentina to Uruguay that we could modify, just in case.

View from our apartment

We had booked 6 nights in an apartment in Recoleta but as we now have more time to spare, we are planning a short trip to Uruguay, starting in Colonia del Sacramento, using our ferry ticket, but first some sight seeing.

It is Spring here - the weather has been between about 15 and 25 degrees so far - with the odd shower as you can see below in the Japanese Gardens.

Japanese Gardens

Some difficult Origami

Statue of Eva Peron

We visited the Floris Generica located in United Nations square. Made of stainless steel and aluminium, the 6 petals open at 0800 and close at midnight!

Argentinian scooter club meet in front of the Faculty of Law - one of the 13 faculties that make up the University of BA.

Argentinians do love their dogs and we have seen many since arriving in BA. All sorts of breeds, many off lead, even in a busy city and plenty of dog walkers!

A local dog walker

However, we also stumbled across a 'Festival de Mascotas'. After speaking to a local rescue group, it seems the only dogs not treated well here are the lovely Galgos.

Dog agility club