December 6, 2024 - Friday - Buenos Aires

December 6, 2024 – Friday                           Day 72 of this journey 

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

We were up fairly early, took showers and headed for breakfast. We aren’t sure what we are going to do today as our ride to the airport doesn’t leave the hotel until 6:00 pm. 

We did a little re-packing to try to lighten the backpacks and carry ons. Then killed time in the room before calling for a bell hop to help with the luggage. It was raining a bit with quite a breeze. The weather app says the rain will stop mid-morning. We want to utilize the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus to see some of Buenos Aires so are hopeful the weather app is right. A fellow passenger told us that they had used the HOHO on their way to Ushuaia and that it was a fairly comprehensive tour of the city. 

We chatted with the Concierge about things to do and see. He mapped out quite a walking tour that looked like a lot more than what we had the energy for. He also advised us that the HOHO picked up right across the street and that they were usually there about 10:30 am. 

By 10:00 am the rain had stopped, and the sun was coming out. We waited at the pickup point and right on time, the bus came down the street and right on by us. He obviously didn’t see us, but somebody on board did, because just a few minutes later, the bus was back and pulling over for us. We went up top and found lots of seats. The sun feels really good. In fact, we both got a little bit of a sunburn. 

The tour took about 3 hours with 24 stops along the way. The commentary was very good and shared a lot of history. The city has a very European feel with lots of parks and monuments. It is spring here with the trees leafed out in that green that seems to have an inner light.

There is a small airport right in town that is a favorite spot for locals to park and watch the air traffic. We remember doing just that at a Naval Air Station near where we grew up.

There are many soccer teams in Buenos Aires. We drove past two stadiums. Across the street from one were souvenir stores with all the paraphernalia with team logos.

The equestrian scene is extremely important

Interesting architecture

Tree growing through a fence

Casa Rosada - Think "Evita"

Soccer memorabilia

We found the mannequin holding up the flagpole humorous

About 1:30 pm, we were back at the hotel. We found seats in the bar area and ordered some lunch. The Hilton is a popular place for people with flights to catch. The area where we left our luggage had hundreds of bags and there were lots of people just hanging out until they could head to the airport. After our lunch we sat and waited for our turn to head to the airport. As with the previous evening, traffic was a mess, and it took over an hour to get to the airport. We checked in and the employee at the counter advised us of where the VIP lounge was located. 

I forgot to ask about the wheelchair for Russ and headed to the gate. The line up at Security was ridiculous, but we eventually cleared that. Next came passport control. There we got in the line for people needing assistance, but neither of our passports would read. We were assured it was not a problem with the passport, but a problem with their system. Finally, they were able to process both of us and we headed for the VIP lounge. 

We had a couple of drinks and some snacks, then it was time to head to the gate. I had asked one of the attendants if there was any way to get a wheelchair to the gate. Russ was getting antsy when the wheelchair showed up. Yea! And it was quite a walk to the gate, so it was a good thing. 

The flight was a little late taking off, but we had plenty of layover time in Dallas/Fort Worth. After dinner, we both settled in to get some sleep.

What an adventure