3,080 - 3,380 km
Close to Azul
We had looked up the schedule for the ferry that was going to take us from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, and we were scheduled for early evening. That way we had plenty of time to drive into the capital city with the margin on our side. To be honest, driving through Buenos Aires was something that had scared me a little already from the start. But there was more to this day!
Unlike the day before, this one started out with a very hot and humid climate. It was not pleasant. But it was the last day before Uruguay (if everything would go as planned), so we dealt with it!Standard 2nd breakfast at a gas station along the road :) -->
Photographer and driver (and to the right flying bison spotted);
The animal kingdom! It is just for a moment, but when the animals, birds like "beasts" fly (terrified) when we pass by, its something out of a movie.
But there was also the horrendous traffic!
Ruta3; What should have been a proper highway with rails dividing the lanes, was instead a chaotic race "home" with little regards to others. Seemed like everyone was decisive about overtaking the cars in front of them whenever there was an opportunity.
More then just a few times was I forced to sidestep to the emergency lane to avoid head on collisions. It kept me on my toes to say the least!
Seemed like we were indeed getting close to the capital.
Before we got too close to the capital, I decided to stop at a gas station for a coffee and something to eat. Although I didn´t feel the hunger, it was just what I needed to calm down from my tense mood. Without realizing it, I had become stressed and irritated. We talked a bit to get it out of the system.
We joined what became a 10 lane highway leading into the city of Buenos Aires. I was glad to have Caro with me, as keep track of the traffic and reading all the signs simultaneously got overwhelming at times. We did fine, and got to the heart of the city where even I felt familiar with where we had to go.
But it just happened to be no exit as we passed over the harbour where I knew we were supposed to be, instead we headed toward the more industrial part of the harbour and parts of the city I was not eager to explore, nor get lost in. Buenos Aires was not the city I wanted to get lost in tin he wrong neighbourhood! We took an exit and eventually stopped at a gas station, thank God!
With new directions, we were able to get back on the highway and with genuine gut-feelings were able to get off at the right moment. With much relief we drove along the road by the harbour, and just moments later arrived to where we had to embark the ferry. We had made it!
To be honest, it took me a few minutes to collect myself. Not only driving through BsAs, but to have crossed Patagonia in the manner we did. You never give yourself time to think about the magnitude when you are actually doing it. I was relieved!
Funny moment: At the immigration, the guy was lecturing me about my numerous boarder-hoppings registered in my passport and told me it was not allowed. He continued to call me a "fake tourist" and urged me to get a proper visa. I reasoned for myself, if they had already allowed me to exit and reenter the country, the problem lied within the administration. In lack of response Caro came to our aid and I was moments later allowed to yet again leave the country.
But this time for a long!
We were finally heading towards Uruguay. A country that lies very close to my heart and whom I have much affection towards. Uruguayan "mate" which I had longed for very long! We settled in the seats of the ferry as in the end of Jurassic Park when they fly away in the helicopter. We made it!!
No comments:
Post a Comment