We spent 10 days in Buenos Aires – eating, drinking and definitely being merry. After our initial reunion with Amit, and sharing stories about our trips so far, we easily sunk into relaxing with a few home comforts in our Airbnb, swimming pool included. Christmas and New Years both came a knocking, and we opened the door with our arms wide open. From enjoying Christmas Eve (far bigger than Christmas day here) on the rooftops of Buenos Aires watching fireworks displays from every direction, to preparing our first Christmas dinner Argentinian style (empanadas > roast), to dancing into the new year on the streets we all agreed it was a 10 days much needed and much enjoyed.
The new year swept in with a fresh excitement for getting back on the road. January came and we headed to our 3rd country of the trip, Uruguay. Although not initially included in our plans, we’d heard plenty of great things and it sounded like our kind of country (renewable energy, a beautiful coastline and rugged, relaxed cities). Unfortunately, much of Argentina and Brazil agreed with that view too and we ended up hitting the peak summer season along the coast. With inflated prices and fewer options for accommodation, we decided it would have to be a whistle stop tour and we missed out on a couple of places we were excited to visit (murmurs of a return trip in the future).
After hopping off a ferry from Buenos Aires, our first stop on the other side of the river was Colonia de Sacramento, a UNESCO world heritage site and possibly the smallest town we’d ever seen. Although small, the town packs plenty of charm and walking around the cobbled streets was a day well spent. Sipping mojitos while the sun set, we were already relaxing into the vibe of Uruguay.
As soon as the shirts come out, a washing day is due..
Following the warmest nights sleep to date, our next step along the coast was the capital of Montevideo. With beautiful palm tree-lined streets and a beach just down the road, we enjoyed exploring the city and getting a feel for the relaxed nightlife. We spent every evening down by the coast with the rest of the city, taking in the most beautiful sunsets with our feet dipped in the sea. By day, temperatures soared but it didn’t put us off taking a trip to the home of the first World Cup and wandering through the parks. You heard it hear first, Montevideo may have taken over as our favourite capital city of the trip.
With cheering like that, we know it’s not for Newcastle or Scotland
To round off our trip through Uruguay, we headed to the beaches, opting for the laid back, fishing village come beach resort of Punta del Diablo. It felt great to be in our first beach town, and it had a real holiday feel to it. Market stalls lined the streets, small fishing boats dotted on the sand, surfers were out from dawn and there were musicians on every corner. We stopped here for a few days and took full advantage of sunshine hours on the beach and happy hour off the beach. Every evening would lead to an impromptu street party with a collection of musicians forming bands, and the sky produced the best display of stars since we had left La Serena. One night we headed to the beach and looking up at the Milky Way, we couldn’t help pausing and reflecting on just how lucky we were.
Battling with the single ATM in town, we were cashless and clueless about how to get to Brazil. We had done some research on how to navigate our way through this gigantic country, however, our initial plans were tweaked again. We had been tempted by travellers’ tales throughout Argentina of a beach side paradise called Florianópolis (hereafter known as the ‘the Flo Flo’) and so that became the next destination. We scrambled to find bus tickets to the Flo Flo, having to take a local bus an hour up the road to the border to buy what felt like golden tickets. Exhausted but relieved we set off the next day, heading north with fellow golden ticket holders Maria and Magda. Uruguay had brought us sun, cocktails and a taste of samba, but we were eager for more. Luckily for us, Brazil awaited.
A Christmas Tale: It was the night before Christmas and all through the flat, firework cheer and backpacker chat. Morning sun and mulled wine brewing, cooking our mismatch roast, gravy stewing. Cal on stuffing, Yorkshire’s rising, somewhat oversizing. Christmas classics much savoured, while the Asians spiced, diced and frantically flavoured. It wasn’t long before the mojitos were out, music was playing and dancing no doubt. FaceTiming home, half the world away. Belly’s bloating and card game triumphs of the day. Straying away from normal traditions, resolutions replaced with daring revelations. For some, their dignity saved. Others ensued a head shaved. Murmurs of ‘more wine’ and ‘leftovers please’ continued throughout the night, a Brits Christmas abroad, done absolutely right.
What we’re listening to: Across Europeans and South Americans, the song of choice before heading into 2018 was Journey – Don’t Stop Believing. There’s something about a group of near strangers dancing around a hostel singing the same song in a mix of languages.
Love & hugs
Cal & Rosh xxx
The Los Vagans 