Next on our places to visit was a city called Rosario on the banks of Rio Parana four hours northeast of Buenos Aires. I am not really sure why we stopped here. Perhaps it was becaus someone had recommended it to us or so we would only have a short bus trip to take.  

We had missed our original arrival date to Rosario due to a bus timetable mishap. As a result, our hostel emailed us to see if there had been a problem. We explained that we had been stranded in  Uruguay and assured him that we would be there later this evening. As an 'apology' for missing a nights accomodation he asked us to bring him various Uruguayan bottle caps... Bit of a strange one eh! In all fairness to the owner Juan, he was a nice guy and made sure we got the most out of our time in Rosario. 

During my time in Rosario  'Las Colectividades' (international food fair) was on. Basically any foreign community that lived in Rosario was represented. Unfortunately Pete and I found this out after we had filled up on a very average pizza. When we did make our way down to the river front I was kicking myself. Rows of Lebanese,  Palestinian, Russian, Italian food filled the park. Traditional arts and crafts stalls,  Peruvian dancing and Brasilian samba all added to the diverse athmosphere. There was even a token Irish stand nestled in among the masses. We ordered a couple of Croatian beers and took a stroll around. 

After having a brilliant night out on Friday in BA I was looking forward to checking what Rosario had to offer. Apparently it had a lot but where we ended up it was rather questionable for a group of guys in their mid-ish twenties to choose. It was a flashback to all those nights out I had in 'Redz' in Cork when I was the mature age of eighteen! The eagerness of youth made me a little uncomfortable. We prompty went out to the courtyard where it was not as cramped or loud. Was I really like that when I was that age?         

There is a small beach on an Isla Espinillo in the middle of Rio Parana. The locals flock here at the weekend to escape the heat of the city. After a quick fifteen minute boat trip you are digging your toes into the warm sand. The only downside is that the water is a bit dirty so the swimming part is not all that inviting. I have also adopted the Brasilian method of sunbathing which is actually standing up and chatting. This way you are not turning like a rotisserie chicken all the time. It works wonders and as long as there are no follow up questions, I have a glowing tan prove.