Day 10.

Up before dawn on the morning of day 10.


The headline of Quebrados / Broken with a photo of an aggrieved Lionel Messi on the frontpage of the local newspaper after the World Cup loss to Croatia the day before.


We then made the short walk down Avenida Córdoba to the Buquebus Ferry Terminal.


The terminal was quite modern and almost resembled an airport. After checking in we headed to security and immigration.


Derecha.


Argentina exit migration and Uruguay entry immigration was situated right next to each other so we were conveniently stamped into Uruguay before even boarding.


The departure area had comfy couches, decent wi-fi and was a good place to relax while awaiting the boarding call.


The morning sun about to rise above Dársena Norte (North Dock).


We boarded on time just after 8am.


The journey across to Colonia del Sacramento is ~50 kilometres and would take just over an hour over the mouth of the Río de la Plata.


Settling into our seats at the front of the ferry.


For breakfast we shared a chicken and mozzarella sandwich and hot coffee purchased from the onboard canteen.


Passing another Buquebus ferry making the return journey back to Buenos Aires.


We arrived in Colonia del Sacramento at about 9:45am.


The jetty surrounded by the muddy brown water.


After disembarking we headed off for a walk through town.


The sign outside the old abandoned train station.


The historic Puerto Vieja (Old Town) of Colonia. The city was formed in 1680 by the Portugese on the Río de la Plata.


Since 1995 the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


A short walk away in the historic was La Posadita de la Plaza.


While looking for a place our short stay in Colonia La Posadita de la Plaza not only jumped out for its glowing reviews but also its slightly quirky and interesting decor. At $130 per night including breakfast it wasn't the cheapest option but we couldn't resist booking a night here.


Established by a Brazilian photographer, the posada front room was filled with his photographs from his travels.


It was only 10:30am but we were allowed to check into our room. The posada consisted of four guest rooms, each with a different decor and style.


An old car radiator grill amongst other interesting objects just outside.


And our room for our one night stay.


Although it had quite quirky interior design, it still managed to be quite usable and comfortable.


An old camera, a Aeroflot flight ticket and a James Bond novel in the bedside cabinet.


A world map with other travel related items on the wall.


The bedroom didn't miss out on some of the quirky treatment too!


Turismo en el Uruguay.


After freshening up we headed out for a walk.


But not before having a chocolate brownie and an Americano to share at Gitana Gastrobar.


A tree partly submerged in the brackish water in the Río de la Plata.


A bust of José de San Martín, an Argentine general and leader of the southern and central parts of South America's struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.


Looking up the tree-lined Avenida General Flores.


Ventana.


The yacht pier stretching out into the muddy water of the Río de la Plata.


And from above.


The Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen, a theater and gallery complex that hosts art exhibits and concerts.


The tall and enchanting trees on the corner of Rivadavia and Washington Barbot.


La casona (The big house).


Playa.


Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento.


Established in 1680, it is one of the oldest churches in the country.


María.


For a late lunch we headed to Charco Bistro, located beside the shore of the Río de la Plata.


A very frothy cappuccino and some still water to start.


Followed by fresh warm bread and olive oil.


Rianda opted for the delightful and tasty grilled haddock with seasonal vegetables and green curry with coconut milk.


While I had the mouth-watering braised lamb lasagna and mashed sweet potatos with fresh basil dough. A great location with some amazing food and definitely worth the many superlative reviews!


The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, dating from the 1860's and located on part of the ruins of the towers of the San Francisco Xavier convent.


After paying the ~$1.50 entrance fee we ascended the spiralling steps.


A great view over the old town and the Río de la Plata.


And a great place for another holiday selfie!


La Pintada. We then continued our meandering stroll through the old town.


Pabellón Nacional.


Intendencia de Colonia.


Futbol.


The sun low on the horizon at the end of the day.


And about to set over the Río de la Plata.


And looking back to Colonia del Sacramento.


Escuela Pública.


We then headed back to La Posadita de la Plaza where we finally got to meet the owner and manager, Eduardo. A very welcoming and friendly guy, it was great to chat about how he setup the Posada and all the interesting and eclectic decor.


In the evening we headed out to the nearby Don Peperone.


After the filling and late lunch we opted for a dose of muerte por chocolate and a glass of smooth Irish coffee.


And getting a very friendly buenas noches by one of the neighbourhood dogs at the end of a very relaxing day 10.



Day 11.

In the very colourful and eclectic dining room at La Posadita de la Plaza.


Eduardo busy in the kitchen.


And enjoying our breakfast in the unique decor. It was hard not to get distracted whenever your gaze settled on something you that was a little starnge, quirky and/or very intriguing!


We chatted with Eduardo after checking out, get a brief history of his colourful establishment.


A photo on the wall from nine years ago of one of the neighbourhood dogs.


The dog was still hanging around all these years later too!


After saying farewell to Eduardo and thanking him for the great stay, we made the short trek back down to the ferry terminal for the ride back to Buenos Aires.


Today's ferry was quite a bit larger with a few more cars boarding for the trip back to Argentina.


And equally spacious inside.


Back on Avenida Córdoba after the ferry journey across the Río de la Plata. We went back to the Buenos Aires Lancaster and were luckily allowed to store our bags for the day before flying back home later this evening.


Paro General (general strike).


The flag of Argentina in Plaza de Mayo. In the background is the Casa Rosada, the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina. It is also the location of the balcony where Evita gave several of her speeches.


On the western side of the plaza was the Buenos Aires Cabildo, a building that was used as seat of the town council during the colonial era and the government house of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.


The building today hosts the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution. A reconstructed prison cell inside.


Numerous paintings, artifacts, clothes and jewelry of the 18th century were on display. In the background the Cabildo with its eleven original arches. In 1889 to create space for the Avenida de Mayo avenue the three northernmost arches of the original eleven were demolished to create space for Avenida de Mayo. And again in 1931, to create room for Avenida Julio A. Roca the three southernmost arcs were removed, leaving only five of the original arches which still stand today.


After walking down Avenida de Mayo we arrived at Café Tortoni, a famous Buenos Aires coffeehouse first established in 1858.


There was a bit of a queue but luckily we didn't have to wait very long.


The café still has its original decor from its early years and was almost like stepping back in time.


Famous former guests include Juan Manuel Fangio, Albert Einstein, Hillary Clinton and Robert Duvall.


Being our last proper meal in Argentina we couldn't resist indulging with this very tasty spread for lunch.


After eating a little too much at Café Tortoni we attempted to walk it off by continuing our walk through the city centre.

The health ministry building in the background with a mural of Evita at the microphone on Avenida 9 de Julio.


Outside the Palace of the Congress of the Argentine Nation.


Don't cry for me, England. A movie poster outside a cinema featuring the Buenos Aires Cabildo with its original eleven arches.


Back at Obelisco de Buenos Aires on Avenida 9 de Julio.


Teatro Colón, the main opera house in Buenos Aires.


Tango dancers outside Galerías Pacífico.


Watching the Germany vs. Sweden World Cup match with the locals in General San Martin Plaza.


Just before 6pm we headed back to the hotel to pick up our bags and caught a taxi to Ministro Pistarini International Airport to begin the journey home.


The deep red sky as the sun sets at the end of our trip.


Heading inside to check-in at one of the automated kiosks.


Airside with a sándwich de jamón y queso to hold off until dinner on the plane.



And about to board the ET787 at the end of another amazing trip to South America!