sidetrip to Colonia: worth it?
Jun 13, 2008 | 9:46 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: FLL & EZE
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Posts: 917
I detect a bit of BA's bias coming out here. 
I wouldn't dream of advising someone who may never visit this part of the world again not to fit in a trip to Colonia even though they only have three days in BA.To be honest they could have three weeks in BA and not have enough time to take it all in so using one of their three days to sample another country is fair game in my book and won't make much difference to their memories of the city.
Personally, I would rather fly over to Montevideo for the day and get a truer sample of Uruguay life there.
I wouldn't dream of advising someone who may never visit this part of the world again not to fit in a trip to Colonia even though they only have three days in BA.To be honest they could have three weeks in BA and not have enough time to take it all in so using one of their three days to sample another country is fair game in my book and won't make much difference to their memories of the city.
Personally, I would rather fly over to Montevideo for the day and get a truer sample of Uruguay life there.
just the reality of the OP's trip. AAU states that "I don't want to spend a whole day somewhere else, maybe a few hours at most." Short changing a brief visit to BA just to cram in a quick trip to "sample" another country for a couple hours seems an injustice to both. That kind of traveling reminds me of the old Bob Hope movie, "If it's Tuesday this must be Belgium". Horrors 
sam
Jun 14, 2008 | 9:09 am
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,882
Ah yes the famous "ten countries in a week" coach tours of Europe mainly supported by retired citizens wearing beige clothing who are escorted and led by the hand from airport-coach-hotel-coach-hotel-coach-hotel.......airport.Then they go home and say they've done Europe.
Jun 14, 2008 | 3:52 pm
#18
Original Member, Moderator: Hotel Deals and MilesBuzz
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 14,291
what is awesome about a half empty, average hotel in the middle of nothing, and if OP is only spending few hours what does he/she need a hotel for.
There is no way i understand anyone recommending especially to someone with only 3-4 days in BsAs that a day to Colonia is a good thing. Oh I forgot the stamp in passport thing.
I must be very strange as I only get stamps where they insist on stamping....
There is no way i understand anyone recommending especially to someone with only 3-4 days in BsAs that a day to Colonia is a good thing. Oh I forgot the stamp in passport thing.
I must be very strange as I only get stamps where they insist on stamping....
Jun 16, 2008 | 10:49 pm
#19
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, UA 2P
Posts: 1,453
The only reason to go to Colonia is for the music.
Jun 17, 2008 | 7:00 pm
#20
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
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Colonia is a good place to visit if you like to shop for antiques.
Jun 17, 2008 | 10:39 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SF, CA, US
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I'm back from BA. I didn't go to Colonia. The fast ferry was more expensive than I ever thought it would be, also runs less frequently in the winter. Even the fast ferry takes about an hour each way.
Jun 18, 2008 | 5:05 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 949
just got back...
I just got in this morning from a six days/five nights trip to BA and vicinity.
It was a wonderful time all around.
Monday, we took the fast ferry (tourist class was perfectly decent for the 50-minute ride each way) to Colonia. It was a beautiful day (but a chilly morning). I viewed this side trip as a relaxing, though not spectacular, escape from fast-paced, noisy, exciting BA.
There are a few briefly interesting museums, some good little restaurants, a church, old walls to walk, a lighthouse to climb, and souvenirs to buy. I left after about six hours satisfied I'd spent my time well and seen most everthing there was to see.
Would I have done it on a three-day visit? I'm not sure. But on a six-day visit, it was a good experience.
It was a wonderful time all around.
Monday, we took the fast ferry (tourist class was perfectly decent for the 50-minute ride each way) to Colonia. It was a beautiful day (but a chilly morning). I viewed this side trip as a relaxing, though not spectacular, escape from fast-paced, noisy, exciting BA.
There are a few briefly interesting museums, some good little restaurants, a church, old walls to walk, a lighthouse to climb, and souvenirs to buy. I left after about six hours satisfied I'd spent my time well and seen most everthing there was to see.
Would I have done it on a three-day visit? I'm not sure. But on a six-day visit, it was a good experience.