The Rains Down in Argentina

I’ve written about the Rwanda rain, which is scary. But the rain in Argentina definitely gives Africa a run for its money (I could insert a joke in here, but I’m going to respectful decline to do so).

One time a friend here told me that people don’t go out when it rains because they are scared to get stranded. After laughing that off, I realized it’s most certainly true, and I will now be one of those people.

The night started off with a drizzle, but soon after sitting at the bar, it started to forcefully come down. Around 4am, when we tried to leave, we realized: There are no cabs and it’s still pouring. So we sent one brave friend off to hail a cab and pick up the rest of us (don’t even, I’m a lady and my Spanish is sub-par). After somehow finding a cab, we all piled in to head home.

Problem was the streets were literally flooded. The cab had to wade through the water as car crashes happened behind us. All I can really compare this to is trying to wade your wagon across the lake in Oregon Trail and tipping..and getting cholera. The cab took us as far as he could, but then we were forced to walk through the water to my apartment building. Well, I am sure glad I live on the 18th floor.

The drains in the city get clogged, which forces the water buildup in the streets. Then, you must walk through all of the dirt and shit (I’m sorry, I’m swearing) because I literally mean dog feces to get to where you want to go. And then, hang up your clothes and jump in the shower because that is dirtyyy. This picture doesn’t even do it justice, but it’s the best we got.



Photo Credit: Caley Bulinski

Uruguay Part 2: A Day in Colonia

When I typed the title, I accidentally wrote Urugay. Oh come on Nora…

Due to visa issues and the need to do something other than BA while Caley visited, we decided to go to Uruguay. (typed gay again). After the Buquebus adventure, we arrived and said: whaaaat? Our tickets said SIN bus and surprisingly there was no car waiting to pick us up. So to the Thrifty we went. I didn’t bring my license because you know what? That’s not an issue in many countries (except the overburdening US). It wasn’t an issue in Bermuda when my sister and I naively tried to rent mopeds. If I had actually been able to drive in one circle without falling, then I could have driven it off the lot. But noooo Uruguay apparently requires a motorcycle license to get a moped. Fine.

So we all jumped into a golf cart to explore


I, like the 5 year old child I am, immediately had to eat and go to the bathroom. So after touring a bit, I soon forced the group (of 3 of us) to stop to eat.

(Though you may not believe it, I'm not actually going to the bathroom in this picture)

After, we hit a market and drove around some more. Next, like the 5 year old child I am, I insisted on stopping for ice cream. We hit the beach, saw the sites and climbed around a bit:

Jim even grew a mustache along the way:

And then we buqued our way back to our busboat and went home. Colonia is a fantastic day trip, especially in nice weather. There is a lot to explore, but I think one day is enough, as it’s not that big. If you want to get out of the city, I’d definitely recommend Colonia!

Photography Credit: Caley Bulinski

Uruguay Part 1: The Buquebus

I visited Colonia, Uruguay last week, so I’m making it a two-part blog post. Part one, which totally deservers its own post, is how we got there: Buquebus.


This three hour tour (no, really) took us from Buenos Aires to Colonia, rockin and rollin along the way (again, no, really). We had to get up early to make this a full day trip, which meant 7am wakeup call..ugh. After boarding the bus and getting seats, we realized hey they lean back, time to go to sleep! But no…Even though it was only 8am, the party did not stop in Buenos Aires.

To my annoyance, a band began to play Argentine hits. There was literally nowhere to go to escape the noise. It overpowered my earplugs that I carry with me everywhere (travel tip!). The dance floor filled, the (sort of clap) began, and the sound of requests filled the air. Did I mention it was 9am? You can take the Argentine’s out of the party but you can’t take the party out of the Argentine’s.

The way back, of course, was the same. In order to handle, we hit the bar and arcade. Yes, arcade. I was traveling with Caley, a Tetris champion. You can find her initials on the buquebus. The way back, unfortunately, was horrible unorganized, and we ended up arriving back in BsAs an hour late.

In the end, it’s an easy way to get from Argentina to Uruguay, it’s easy to buquebook and relatively quick. By the way, there was no bus in this whole process: Name Misleading.

Next Post: My Actual Trip (and pictures!)

I will also explain this picture.