El Fin

Our final day in Argentina was heavily debated upon. We couldn't decide if we wanted to make our way to Colonia, Uruguay or head to the Tigre Delta. Ultimately we opted for the latter trip and made our way just like one of the locals. We hopped on the subway to the Retiro train station where we caught the one hour train out to the delta. Near Retiro station located on the other side of the tracks is where the BA "villas" are located. These slums left a lot to be desired in terms of adequate living conditions. As the train left the station we could see 1,000s of these homes. The route would take us along some of the wealthier neighborhoods in the province. We enjoyed getting the feel of the local train which was littered with different salesman offering a Chinese menu of assorted items. You could buy almost anything from battery packs to pastries. After an hours ride we arrived in Tigre where we opted for a boat cruise of the delta on a beautiful summer day. The area is the second largest delta in the world and is home to a multitude of wealthy residents who live along the river banks and islands on the delta. We passed many people enjoy a summer Saturday on their socks, jetskis, and boats.

After our boat ride we walked the town to the Puerto de Frutos and handicraft market that has nearly 1,000 stores selling practically the same goods. We continued our stroll past some of the other museums and landmarks before catching our train back to BA. In efforts to fully bookend our trip we made one last gelato stop and at out on the sidewalk enjoying some of the last hours of summer while we waited for Mauro. He arrived on time quite possibly the only person in the country to do so and drove is off the EZE Airport. A beautiful sunset drive was our last sights of Argentina and of the trip I will remember forever.