On our final day in this beautiful heaven on earth we actually have a chance to sleep in if you were not going to the Brazilian side of the falls. We were not as it was a very early start followed by the flight back to Buenos Aires and a full day on Thursday. Would have loved to have seen them from any and all angels, but at this age, one must listen to one’s body. So we slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, packed our bags, explored the grounds one last time, ate again and then boarded our bus back to the tiny little airport in Iguazu. The Iguazu airport was a piece of cake compared to the Buenos Aires airport. This time in Buenos Aires we landed out in the middle of the tarmac, exited down portable steps to await a bus to actually take us to the terminal. Another adventure. Once luggage was collected a weary but elated group was bused a very short distance to our awaiting ship arriving just before the closing of the dining rooms. We could not miss a meal you know. Shortly after we had all reboarded, the ship headed for Uruguay.
Before I leave Argentina behind, I’ll share some random thoughts and observations. I liked that Buenos Aires has a very large statue of Christopher Columbus looking out to sea in a park in the port area. Neat. No photo op, however. Argentina is a democracy in that they elect their Presidents and representatives. There are no demonstrations as in Chile, but the economy is in pretty bad shape. They are a very proud people, most of whom live in Buenos Aires. 14 million according to Diego who pleaded with us to each take 5 politicians home with us. Leave Joe Citizen but please take the politicians. They appear to be more prosperous than Chile or any of the other countries we have visited thus far. Tourism is an essential component of their economy. We were treated very well! Our local guide, Tattia, and Tommy really hit it off. She shared with him that she and her spouse/partner/? were planning to go to Italy later this year as she is mostly of Italian descent, they had saved the money and were about to purchase their tickets then were informed that a tax of 50% of the cost of the trip would be levied. From what news I’ve seen, Italy is now pretty much closed, but this was prior to the virus. She was very disappointed nonetheless. Wealthy Argentinians take their money, $10,000 at a time, to deposit in Uruguay where banking, taxes, etc are more favorable. They are very competitive with their neighbors on all sides – as are their neighbors! Argentine beef is the best until you get to Uruguay. (Neither one can hold a candle to our good ole Bayside Fresh Market steaks.) Ushuaia is the southern most city in the world. Unless you are in Chile, then it is Punta Arenas. As I said, competitive, and we aren’t even going to mention “football”. All their wonderful fiber is exported to mills outside the country. ??? Last of all, it was wonderful. Superb. Beautiful. Friendly. Cold. Windy! A place I would love to come back to again and again. If you get the chance, visit Argentina!
This is SOMEDAY! Enjoy it.
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2020 Around the World Tour 