Buenos Aires has an air about it that I took a while to figure out but when I did, it was obvious.  The people have an exterior persona much like the Italians and Spanish.  Well dressed, cool demeanours, with a touch of stylish superiority about them.  But scratch the surface, or look into their eyes and they have that rebellious, devilish charm about them. 

They play by the rules and yet they don't. 

We were warned about being fleeced by taxi drivers and yet our driver gave us a discount because he didn't want us breaking a note.

We were warned to try not to look too much like tourists, but when we stood on a street corner looking totally bewildered, a man stepped straight in and helped us find where we wanted to go.

The natural history museum was nowhere near as big as other city ones I've been to, but there was a pride about the place you couldn't help but feel.  These were real dinosaur bones found on their continent. 

Their pride could have been extended to their subway, which we never got to see because buying a single trip was impossible, however, taxis were pretty inexpensive (compared to Edinburgh cabs!) so we had a get out clause.

To really see Buenos Aires you would need about a week in the city - to really be able to explore all the different barrios (neighbourhoods). We were only there for a few days, jet lagged, shell shocked and I'm ashamed to say, preparing and worrying about our next step to Uruguay. 

The Buquebus ferry across the water to Colonia del Sacramento was so exciting.  Edith and Axel found themselves a seat, put their headphones on and played Minecraft for the entire journey.  Granted there was for the most part, only views of the sea, but Lorne and I enjoyed it.

Colonia del Sacramento is an old colonial town and was absolutely breathtaking. The air was so crisp and clean. 

Axel and Edith were in their element climbing on the rocks by the shore, then found some children to play with in a small square while we had a beer and finally had time to reflect on the journey so far.

I have to admit it was the first time I felt like I was completely relaxed.  Seeing children play with each other even though they didn't speak the same language is just a joy to watch - no inhibitions, no awkward conversations.  They just seemed to know what they were playing. It makes you, as a adult, feel less superior because of all the language problems we'd had and were feeling embarrassed about, some kids come along and just get on with it. 

We decided to try a local delicacy so ordered the mixed grill for two - being a past veterinary nurse, getting a mixed grill is probably never the best option.

I should have taken a photo but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.  There was the usual - chicken stuffed with peppers, steak, pork ribs, black pudding sausage and some other sausage that tasted lovely.  And on top of all that - bbq'd intestine - only veterinary people will understand the flashbacks you would get seeing the intestine.

I tried it, it was ok, a bit chewy on the outside but never the less ok. It was just the look of it........and the flashbacks. 

A couple of dogs came milling about our table.  They were pretty fat, but very dirty looking.  Were they strays or belonged to someone?  Then the waiter came out with some left over steak and fed them.  Fattest stray dogs I have ever seen and obviously onto a good thing with the tourists that couldn't finish their mass of meat.

At least the intestines went to a good cause.