WANDERING WITH WILLIAM
  • Home
  • Blog

On to Buenos Aires, Argentina

1/13/2018

1 Comment

 
We leave Montevideo for Buenos Aires, Argentina via the Buquebus ferry.  I booked our tickets months ago using their website (greatly aided by Google Translate).  It was only $12 more to go Business Class, so I went for it.  It turns out the benefits are a slightly smaller queue at check-in, access to an air conditioned lounge prior to boarding, a glass of sparkling wine on board and wider chairs.  Not a great value, but we think it was worth it.
 
During the crossing we discuss our return to Uruguay after almost five years.  The primary industry remains agriculture and that probably will never change.  However, some high tech industry is making footholds.  We were told that TaTa Consulting has made Montevideo their South America headquarters. The city seems a little more vibrant, with some newer restaurants and different cuisines.  There is still so much potential for the Old Town, but it will take investment money and higher paid jobs in the area to truly revitalize the old buildings.  Could we live here for a few years?  Both of us answer yes, but we agree there are other cities in the world we would choose ahead of Montevideo.
 
The ferry goes upriver for about two hours to Buenos Aires, and we catch a taxi outside the port to our hotel (Alvear Art) for the next six nights. Our room is ready so we unpack then at about 2:30 pm look for a late lunch.  The Front Desk advises us that most restaurants close for lunch at 2:30 or 3:00, but they recommend one that doesn't close and is a short taxi ride away.  Ok, but first we must find an ATM and get Argentine pesos.
 
We walk about a block to an ATM - it has a sign about service and is closed.  We try three more, all from different banks.  All have a message about service and are closed.  At the last bank a woman (I think an employee) says it will reopen at five pm.   Hmmm.... we walk back to the hotel and explain our experience.  Several people at the Front Desk say yes... all the banks shut down for a period at 3 pm to "account and refill the money".  They are not sure if it is for an hour or two.
 
Sigh... two cultural learnings for us in less than 30 minutes - don't expect more than a hot dog or a sandwich place to be open for lunch after 3 pm and don't plan on using and ATM between 3 and 5 pm.  Well, that is some of the fun (and mindset broadening) that comes with travel.
 
We opt to just stay at the hotel where we can eat appetizers or sandwiches in the bar area.  We have a huge (and filling) board of meats, cheeses, olives, etc. and a fish and chips appetizer.  The quality is good and we are again happy.
Picture
1 Comment
Sharon J Fender link
1/18/2018 12:22:18 pm

I can only imagine how much fun you two are having. Can't wait to hear you stories.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Hi.  I'm Anne.  I wander around the world with William.


    Enjoy Some of our Favorite Links below
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014


    Categories

    All
    9138
    Albuferia
    Alicante
    Ambato
    Antarctica
    Argentina
    Armenia
    Atlantic And Islands
    Barcelona
    Cambodia
    Cartegena
    Chile
    Colombia
    Costal Rica
    Cuenca
    Easter Island
    Faro
    Hungary
    Iceland
    Jaco
    Jakarta
    Kuala Lumpur
    Lisbon
    Loule'
    Malta
    Medellin
    New Zealand
    Olon
    Panama
    Porto
    Portugal
    Santiago
    Scotland
    Seville
    Singapore
    Slovakia
    SouthEast USA
    Spain
    Taipei Taiwan
    Tavira
    Thailand Bangkok
    Thailand Chiang Mai
    Uruguay
    Usa
    Valparaiso
    Vancouver
    Vienna
    Vietnam Halong
    Vietnam Hanoi
    Vietnam Ho Chi Minh
    Vietnam Hoi An
    Vietnam Hue

Proudly powered by Weebly
Photo used under Creative Commons from A Vahanvaty