Heading Home

Sunday, February 24

It was still dark when we got up and went to the hotel lobby to wait for our ride to the airport at 6 am. Coffee was available which was much appreciated but we were too early for the breakfast that was included in our stay. When the four of us booked the package deal for Iguazu Falls I had expected that all of our transfers would be together in a van. But no. Again two drivers in two cars showed up. Seems like putting us together in a larger vehicle would have been a cheaper alternative. I know that is what I would have preferred.

Kent and Laurel were traveling with 3 large suitcases, a carry on bag and two backpacks...almost more than the small car could handle. It took some creative maneuvering by the driver, but they made it.

On our way to the airport we went past the obelisk. Very pretty in the predawn light.

Puerto Iguazu Back to Buenos Aires

Saturday, February 23

Weather: Still hot 😓

Not quite so early of a start today as yesterday. Time to get what little we had repacked and have breakfast in the lobby. I was so disappointed to find out the fresh mango that was on the buffet yesterday was not to be seen today. I knew pretty soon we would be back to Minnesota's version of fresh fruit in the middle of winter...hard and no flavor. 😒

Our transportation to the airport was a van and we only had a stop or two to pick up other travelers. The drive took us back through the national park.

Loved this sign. (I magnified it in the photo.)

Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls

Thursday, February 21

Weather:  Hot, hot, hot

The end of the cruise...but not the end of our trip.

After breakfast in the buffet we went to our cabins to wait for our group to be called for disembarkation. Two of the things I like most about Holland America are that the cabins are ready right away when you start the cruise...and you can stay in your cabins until the last minute at the end of the cruise. It always makes a cruise end on a bad note when you have to leave your cabin and find someplace to sit in a public area when waiting to disembark. Usually these places are crowded and full of grumpy people...not fun.

The four of us had booked a package deal with 01Argentina to go to Iguazu Falls and we were scheduled to be picked up at 9:30 am at Gate 4 for our ride to the airport. Just like yesterday, the area around the gate was a madhouse. Lots of people were there waiting for their shuttle or tours...basically a mess. To make things worse (much worse) was all of the construction around the port was making it hard for the buses, vans, cars, etc. to get close to the gate. The small semi-circle drive in front of the gate was way too small for the full size coach buses to get through, but yet they were doing it.

Buenos Aires - Day 1

Wednesday, February 20

Weather: 94º, Sunny

I have a confession to make. Each night during this trip I faithfully wrote a blog post. Even when my eyelids were so heavy I struggled to see what I was writing, I recorded the days events along with my thoughts and feelings. That is...until this day. I hit the wall and not a word was recorded while we were in Buenos Aires. So for that...I'm sorry.

I have a folder full of photos that can help jog my memory, but it isn't the same as writing it down while things are fresh in my mind. So now six weeks later as I write...here is our day in Buenos Aires...and mostly in photos.

The four of us were joining eight others from Cruise Critic for an all day city tour of Buenos Aires with Patagonia Shorex. Our group met in the Ocean Bar and then left the ship together. Once outside there was a bit of chaos. Much construction was going on around the port which made things very congested for vehicles to get in and out but eventually our minibus arrived and we were off.

The majority of the day was spent driving with our wonderful guide (whose name I can't remember 😕) pointing out landmarks and sharing an incredible amount of facts. I don't think I've ever had a tour guide that provided so much information. A few times during the day we would stop and have time to explore an area on foot.

Floralis Generica is a steel and aluminum sculpture that was created in 2002. The petals of the flower are designed to open each morning and close each day at sunset. Our stop here was brief...just long enough to snap a couple of photos.