Day 35 – I can't believe the weather. It’s really co-operated with us the whole trip through. Sure there has been some cold days, hell we were only 400 kilometers from the Antarctic. But in port, day-in-day-out, no rain, or inclement weather really. Today it’s bluer than skies and temperatures in the mid-20C. Perfect day for a day tour. We thought we’d head over to our apartment that we have booked for tomorrow just to make sure that everything was ok. Found it no problem and sure enough – all is good – the "remise" will be picking us here at the pier at 8:00 a.m. to assist us with our luggage and then we’ll check into our new home for the next three days.

From there we thought we’d explore this city of three million people (with close to thirteen (yikes) million people in the BA Metro area. Something I’ve found in every city that we’ve ever traveled in, geographically no matter where it is in this world, there must be a whole lot of people born with a spray paint can in their hands. Buenos Aires is architecturally a very interesting city, but it’s sad to see how the youth have tagged so many of these amazing buildings with their ****. Unlike some of the other SA cities and towns that we’ve visited there are still lots of dogs, but NOT “street dogs”. There are dogs on leashes, family dogs – they seem to be everywhere here.

One of the real things that both Deb and I seem to like here in BA is that every street pretty much as old, knarly, mature trees that line most of the residential and commercial streets. It kinda makes me think I’m back in Parkdale I guess. With 13 million people you can appreciate there’s very, very little space between these buildings – old buildings with only about 1 inch of space between 40-storey chrome and glass skyscrapers. BA does have a subway system that started in 1937 and it reached the north-end parts of Belgrano some 60-years later. Even though we arrived on a Sunday, all the families and kids were out in full-force there was zero traffic issues. Not sure that that will be like tomorrow on a work-day but we’ll see.

We grabbed 2 days of Buenos Aires By Bus today – which will give us until Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. to use this as our taxi service to get to different parts of the city. First time I ever booked a Hop-On/Hop-Off and have been given a full bottle of red-wine as a thank-you for shopping. As a good friend in Ajijic, Mexico always says “What a Country”.

We made it back to the ship in one piece. Our final dinner tonight, and lots and lots of goodbyes to the great people that we’ve made friends with over these past 36 days.

Again, I need to say THANKS to a number of people. To Tiyo and Tatang – thanks for keeping our stateroom in perfect condition for these past few weeks – the daily ice and towel animals were definitely a nice touch. To Daneo in the Dining Room – if you would fit in our suitcases you’d be coming home with us. We’re not sure how we’ll have dinner anymore without you being there for every little request. To Vince & Karen – what can I say – this cruise would never have been so successful if you weren’t on it. The memories that you have given people for the eight tours you contracted cannot ever be replaced. You’ve become good friends, and Vince, you’re not a bad poker player either. I hope our paths continue to cross for many years to come.

I’d like to thank the entire staff of the ms Zaandam – collectively you do an amazing job. All of you have made this extended cruise a pleasure. While most of the time was spent with your professional casino staff – I want to say that each and every one of you is over-the-top helpful – without exception.

And finally to my wife – what can I say. I tell you that we’re off to South America – I tell you to get some boots and rainwear and despite the somewhat weird look on your face you say “yes” and off we go. You have always amazed me sweetheart. You have continued to walk with me, step-by-step, hand-in-hand, wherever I want to go – you go - no questions asked. Thanks for your confidence. Hold on sweetie, we’re just getting started.

This is a long posting so I’ll rend it right here and pick it up once we get into our apartment tomorrow – hopefully with some reasonable wi-fi.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have been reading this. Over 2,000+ have read my comments and observations and for that I’m very, very thankful.