We grabbed a taxi from outside the hostal after breakfast at 0745 and got to the airport after 0800. There was no queue at Aerolineas Argentinas for the 1050 departure. Despite being on standby, we were given boarding passes straight away.
We had to wait briefly before security opened. Our flight was a near new Boeing 737-800 with the bright open interior and calming blue lights. The light grey leather helped render a clean interior. A safety demo was conducted in Spanish and English before we roared away. For a newish model, the aircraft was awfully noisy down the back especially during takeoff and climb.
Wifi entertainment was equipped on the flight but not activated. A snackbox of “non”-perishables (various biscuits) was served with hot and cold drinks by a courteous crew. I get the feeling that the airline had turned itself around in terms of at least being courteous since we flew with them 16 years ago.
From Aeroparque, we taxied the short distance to our centrally located Centuria Hotel. It was close to Avenida de Mayo with many cafes. We settled into one called La Junta 1810 for lunch as our room wasn’t ready. We finally got our tortilla (potato and egg fritata) and flan after 16 years since we were last in Argentina. It was an appropriate final meal for Kim on his last day in Argentina as both are very typical menu items.
Text continues after this gallery.
-
- Tortilla.
-
- Flan.
Both our backs were a bit tired today, kinda tired-sore but not twitchy-sore. My adductors were sore too. We put it down to the horse riding. Funny, the horse did all the work but we are achey.
After a rest, I accompanied Kim for his final walk of the city down Florida peatonal, all the way to Galeria Pacifico which we thought was really nice last time. Somehow, it didn’t feel as posh or impressive this time.
Text continues after this gallery.
-
- Casa Rosada.
-
- Galeria Pacifico.
Soon it was time for him to get ready for his midnight departure. I sent him off to the airport by Uber for about AR$240 including tolls whereas a hotel taxi would have cost double that. I didn’t feel hungry and got some fruit from Carrefour as dinner.
It was nice to be back in Buenos Aires after 16 years. It seems more lively than ever. The old buildings are nice but some are a bit frayed around the edges, just like the uneven footpaths in various states of disrepair.