Back in Buenos Aires

We returned to BA where preparations were being made for the visit of the Pope! Not sure how short notice this was but the Triple Crown polo tournament had recently been pushed back a week. This was a shame because we were hoping to go. Luckily there is also horse racing and free to enter so we went along. We could watch the horses paraded around a small ring, the jockeys mounting up and after the race, the horses getting a shower.

Below is a lovely mural but this is also where we stopped for a serious discussion on what to do next. The bike was to be delayed by at least another 2 weeks plus the additional cost due to higher demand - madness! With the added visit of the Pope, this delay could easily be extended. What do we do?

On Wednesdays, museums are half price, so we visited MALBA, one on Latin American Art. They also had an exhibition of Freda Kahlo - there were lots of personal photos taken from a collection from her last home.

There are many murals depicting the Falklands War. These were just some taken along one wall outside a military compound.

So many different plug sockets!

Last time we were here we took an adaptor with two round pins and two flat pins that can be parallel or angled. However, when we arrived all the sockets we found had three flat pins!

Off to a Ferreteria (hardware store) to buy a couple of adaptors.

However, in Argentina they have two types of plug, one with three flat pins and another with three pins but two can be round or flat. Our adaptor fits these ones.

However, Uruguay is even crazier - they have four different types. We found the main three, all often in the same room!

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