Another adventure has begun! Our final adventure of 2024. On December 14th we flew from Orlando to Miami where we caught an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Overnight flights are never easy. WIth only a few hours sleep we arrived mid morning. Our travel agent had arranged transportation to the cruise port which included a short tour of Buenos Aries. We were really too tired to enjoy it and just wanted to get to the ship.

This cruise port was different than any other port we have sailed out of anywhere in the world. We checked in and went through immigration and security at the main terminal. We then had to catch a shuttle bus to board the ship. The port is a huge container port with a few cruise ships added. It made for a long boarding process for two tired travelers.

This is a new Holland America ship for us, the Oosterdam. Our last two cruises were on the Zuiderdam which became like a second home to us. Each ship is different and this has been an adjustment for us.

The Oosterdam was in port for two days so after settling into our cabin, we were able to get some rest. After a long flight, it is always a relief to see all our luggage made it to the ship!

This is The Puente de la Mujer (Spanish for “Woman’s Bridge”) a rotating footbridge.

The next day we had scheduled an eight hour excursion of the highlights of Buenos Aires that included lunch and a tango show. We had an great local guide who spoke excellent English.

Buenos Aires, population three million, is the capital of Argentina. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, they are about to enter their summer season. Its economy is mainly agricultural and manufacturing.

Our guide said the three most important things to the Argentine people are family, food and football (what we call soccer). Families often gather together for barbecues and they eat a lot of beef. Dinner is usually eaten around 9:00  at night.

The Pink Palace is the official workplace of the president of Argentina. Unlike our White House, it is not his residence. The original pink color came from mixing white paint with cow’s blood. It is supposed to keep the paint from peeling in the high humidity.

We visited Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of presidents and other important Argentinians. It is also where the body of Eva Peron is buried. A former controversial first lady of Argentina, her embalmed body was kidnapped by the Argentinian military when a coup removed her husband as President of Argentina. The body eventually made its way back to Buenos Aires in 1976 where it was buried in the Duarte tomb which was her family’s tomb. Requests to join her with her husband has been rejected by her family. You may be familiar with the 1996 film “Evita”. The guide laughed and told us that even though Evita Peron had once acted, she never sang “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”. It really is a fascinating story to read.

The government rents the space for the family tombs. If payment is missing the remainders are removed and a waiting list is used to replace your spot. One man wished to be buried in a cave so his family created a “cave like” tomb.

We love visiting cathedrals and in Buenos Aires we visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. A Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1779.

Pope Francis served here before moving to the Vatican in 2013.

Buenos Aires is a colorful city with a European architectural influence. We felt safe there however our guide cautioned us at every stop to watch for pickpockets and cell phone theft. Evidently stealing cell phones is a big thing and they have been snatched right out of people’s hands. They use the cell phones for parts.

After a busy day of sightseeing,we were all starved. Our tour included a four course Argentinian lunch.

The people in Argentina eat a lot of beef. Our lunch included appetizers of beef empanadas followed by a huge steak with fries. All delicious. Argentinian wine and beer was included. After we were all stuffed, we were treated to an exceptional 45 minute tango show. Amazing talent.

A great day in Buenos Aires. So glad we were able to visit!

Next up: Montevideo, Uruguay