Having gotten home at 7am from the club after my last day in Mendoza, I needed to check out by 10am at the hostel. My bus to Buenos Aires wasn't until 5:30pm. I woke up around 9:30am to pack and shower, but could barely get out of bed. Loud drumming was going on in my head. I stumbled to my water bottle - took a few gulps and realized I was now asleep standing up. The Kikuyu in me had to make a tough decision. I am generally good with money, and don't make unnecessary purchases - especially when backpacking for months - and there is a real risk of being broke and homeless in Argentina towards the end of my trip. That morning though I did not even think twice as I walked to the reception and paid for an extra night's stay so that I could sleep in till 3pm.
I went back to bed, passed out till a more decent hour - woke up and ate some leftovers I had in the fridge, quickly dressed, packed and left for my Buenos Aires bound bus. Calling the bus a "bus" seems like a bit of an insult. That bus was like a plane - no kidding. I had the largest seat I had ever seen on a bus. I was welcomed on the bus with a glass of champagne. There was food served on the bus - inclusive of real cutlery. The seat reclined almost fully and I was able to have a great night's sleep. I read for a few hours and must have fallen asleep around 9pm to be woken up the next morning around 9am once we got to Buenos Aires. I took a taxi to the hostel and that is when I realized Buenos Aires was massive.
The Japanese garden, Palermo
Tango in San Telmo
One of the tombstones at Recoleta cemetery
Pink House - the mansion and office of the President of Argentina
Buenos Aires is split into at least 5 distinct parts with the main ones being "Centro" famous for having a 67m Obelisk in the middle of it and also housing various famous Cathedrals, theaters and Government buildings (including the "Pink House" - the mansion and office of the President.) The second area is "La boca" that is famous for its artsy vibe including various museums. The third area is "San Telmo" famous for it's huge flea market and wide walkways where on Sundays couples (young and old) can be seen dancing to tango in the streets. The fourth area is "Recoleta" best known for it's beautiful and massive cemetery in which Eva Peron "Evita" the former first lady of Argentina and the most famous Argentinean woman to date is buried. The fifth area is "Palermo" well known for it's beautiful lakes, forests and gardens."
Having driven across town from the bus station to my hostel after a 15 hour journey I was really looking forward to getting to the hostel to rest. I got to the hostel around 10am and was bummed out when I was told that check-in was at 10am. I spent quite a few hours on the lovely chairs in the hostel lounge as I waited for my room to be ready. I blogged a bit and was really happy to discover the wifi was great.