Day 359, 28 June 2013, Colonia (Uruguay) back to Buenos Aires (Argentina) and off to Santiago (Chile). Even Blind Freddy should be able to tell it was Travel Day! It was horrendously overcast this morning in Colonia - our first dull day since arriving into Buenos Aires - it was cold and the air was damp and it seemed barely light enough for 6 am, let alone 8 am when we trekked down to the ferry terminal. The noise and excitement of a footy match in hell greeted us at the terminal - 1000s of schoolkids off on some grand adventure were raising the roof (ok. probably 100 or so. But it felt like 1000s). It all became clear why the economy class ferry seats were sold out and we'd had to buy first class. Thankfully! Got to check in straight away and were secluded with other grownups in lush leather captain's chairs upstairs on the ship (pictured). Had little coffees and treats brought around and everything. Back in BA we had a final stroll around town - for no other reason than to spend our Argie bits (pesos that is... we found out the hard way they were worth half as much when we took them to Uruguay - can only imagine how worthless they'd be if we took them to Chile!) We headed to the international airport in a private car (another way to spend Argie bits) with Speedy Gonzalez at the wheel. Took 40 minutes at high speed - easily more than an hour if he'd done the speed limit. But it did have seatbelts - we felt soooo safe! We continued to be plagued by hordes of school children at the airport - it's a holiday weekend here an we think that's why there are so many excursions. This time it was 100 or more private school kids in snazzy uniforms. Marginally quieter than the morning's rif raf. Due to checking in early (and being obviously adorable travellers) our request for an exit row on the Air Canada flight to Santiago, Chile was met with a smile (of the "yes - of course" kind... not the "no - you've got to be kidding" kind). It was actually one of the most pleasant flights we've had lately and so nice to have all the announcement in English and French - the Spanish got the subtitles this time. Given the great seats it was (almost) a shame to have only a 2 and half hour flight. But we made it to Santiago on time, and then the race was on. How to get off the plane, buy the Reciprocity Fee "Not-a-Visa" for James, get through Immigration and get the bags - all ahead of the tsunami of children cresting behind us. For the first time in the trip we ducked a rope in the Immigration queue and our Jordan queueing training stood us in good stead as we won the race, left the airport and were swiftly shuttled to town. Trying something new in Santiago - at least 50% of the accommodation here is in managed apartments blocks - so this time we have a snazzy loft apartment with a kitchen and even a supermarket just downstairs. Bliss! However the day had taken it's toll and we were bushed - found a steakhouse/grill just down the road when we went to explore and gave in. We're not sure if steak, egg and chips or a grilled salmon is entirely typical Chilean food - but gosh, it was good. Sweet dreams.