BA Day 6, the journey home

Okay, slightly dramatic title since we really had more than a half day left in Buenos Aires. However, it would culminate with the start of our trip home. 

We woke up for our last morning at our 5 star location. We did still relish it slightly. Bright morning peeking through heavy shades. Large shower space with variety of wine-themed bath products. Towels bigger than you bring to the beach. 

We then subsequently, had to repack our bags. We loaded up our clothes, repacked our toiletries, and even had to prep our return to the US (by readying our carry-on bags.)

Then, it was BA go time. We wanted to make the English tour at Recoleta cemetery, so we checked out and stored our bags before hustling off again to Recoleta. 

We made the tour in time, but the free English tour took its sweet Latin American time to start. And even then, we confused the lisp in our guide for Castillean Spanish, only realizing later she was actually speaking English. 

First off, she explained a mystery to me in the cemetery: the cats. 

Everywhere else we've been, it's always about the stray dogs. Here, however, it's the cats the roam. She explained that there's a rumor that the cats help contain the spirits that like to roam at night. However, she also opined that the woman that comes to feed the animals each day may also heavily influence their presence. 

Mystery solved. She then also explained several other of the monuments and sarcophagi. Still amazing. We saw the first tomb, the wife of Gen. San Martin (the liberator and hero of Argentina). As well as some of the most elaborate. 

We a also heard a lot more about Evita. Especially, before visiting her tomb. 

In all, the tour lasted about an hour. Afterwards, we decided our skipping breakfast led to a ravenous hunger. We decided against the nearby McDonalds in favor of the far more expensive cafe next door. Tipping it's favor was the XL alfajor. 

However delicious this stop was, it did not fill us as we had hoped. After debate, we decided to make for a restaurant we knew would satisfy well, the restaurant at the Evita Museum. We made our dash. 

The menu of the day included more hake (with guarnación), a glass of Malbec and coffe or dessert. Delicious!

(Despite Meredith's face, she was happy with the dulce de leche at the bottom.)

Then we weighed our options. There was a Haulocaust museum we had wanted to see, but it's a rough way to end a trip. We also thought about more strolling through Recoleta, but it would be awhile to get there and then awhile back. The truth was we really only had an extra 20 minutes or so, before needing to be back at the hotel and departing for the (hour drive to the) airport. So we had to spend our 20 minutes wisely.

Last stop for dulce de leche and chocolate! 

From Freddo, we got back to the hotel and collected our belongings. 

Then we got in our taxi and rode the hour and paid 315 pesos. We shifted our things around to prepare for flight, checked in, went through customs and security, and then sat for our departure. 

(Mer insisted on the pose.)

Next stop, USA!