Today was disembarkation day for all but 18 of the current passengers. Marc, our Excursion Manager, arranged for the 18 of us to go on a 1-hour bus ride to Tigre Delta for a cruise around islands that serve as a get-away for Buenos Aires residents.
Our bus traveled a modern divided highway with train tracks down the middle. Along the way we passed the domestic flight airport and the usual assortment of office buildings, apartments, and car dealers. No big shopping centers, but we turned off the highway, saw a grocery store that is part of a French chain. Many guides have emphasized the desire of Buenos Aires residents to think of their town to be the Paris of South America. One said they recognized their Spanish heritage, but they are somehow different from their brothers and sisters in South and Central America.
We stopped in a “upper-class” (our guide’s words) suburb and walked through a cobblestoned neighborhood of traditional homes built during the Spanish colonial period. Must have been updated on the inside but have maintained their outward appearance. We visited an elegant church. It was like a well-tailored suit, plain, but beautifully executed without any unnecessary flourishes.
We stopped for a restroom break at a gelato shop and as is our custom, purchased a cup in appreciation of the use of their facility. It wasn’t much of a sacrifice!! The rich dulce de leche scoop with chunks of chocolate cake was oh so good. The cost--$2.60. This was only our second chance on the trip to interact with a store owner and buy something. The other was in Port Stanley. One of the downfalls of travel in the time of COVID.
About 15-miutes later we were off the bus and boarding our boat for the delta tour. For many residents, this was one of the last summer flings. The temperature was a cool 65F, warm in the sunshine, but cool in the shade. We saw all sorts of homes and resort hotels on the many islands as we cruised past. One, the former home of an Argentinian President, has been enclosed in glass to preserve it. There were modern, concrete homes and ramshackle cabins. Groceries can be ordered, or you can signal the grocery boats that cruise by to stop and shop from a floating 7-11.
We returned to our ship for a late lunch. Pretty exhausting sitting in a nice, enclosed boat and watching the river world roll on by. Seemed very sparse of occupants as we wandered up to dinner and witnessed an almost empty dining room. Dinner was excellent. Tooooo many choices!!!!