Yesterday was interesting. I decided to head to the Recoletta cemetery but couldn't be bothered deciphering the city's bus system so caught a cab. Taxis in BA really aren't as bad as people make out. I only flag down ones with a meter and the drivers I've had have been great - friendly and helpful. On the way to the cemetery we came across a protest. I saw a group of people marching through a park carrying banners. At the front of the protest were a large group of young men with their faces covered (except their eyes) and carrying chunks of wood. As the group crossed the road these men lined up and faced into the traffic in a menacing stance and blocked it. I was quite glad we got through just before they arrived. I've got no idea what it was about and unfortunately was unable to communicate enough with the driver to figure it out. Maybe it had something to do with the protests at the airport today

I got to the cemetery without incident and spent a couple of hours wandering around. It's a fascinating place. Basically a city of the dead with huge ornate mausoleums. Some of them have glass doors and you can see coffins and alters/ shrines set up inside. Some even have stained glass windows! I found the tomb of Eva Peron (Evita) which is actually under her family name of Duarte. There were several plaques to her on the front which I found unusual as most only have one plaque per person and some not even that. Hers was one of the few with fresh flowers on it. I did see a lot of people working in the cemetery to maintain the tombs though including one girl scrubbing the marble with a toothbrush to remove rust stains from the ironwork. If you are ever in BA be sure to check this place out!

Back at the hostel I checked into me new room. At 6 I met the rest of my tour group for the trip to Rio. There are around 25 people on it so they've split us into 2 groups. I'm in Tony's group which only has 9 people. We had a bit of a meet and greet and briefing then met up in the bar later for drinks. I can see me needing to detox my liver after this! I had a relatively quiet (in bed by 12.30) one due to us needing to check out by 7.30 but some of the of them didn't get back until after 3 (my room mate included). Thankfully all made it up in time this morning.

It seems we are to be a little spoiled this trip. They arranged cabs for us to get to the ferry terminal (id expected to walk). Very happy not to have to carry the bags there! Unfortunately I did end up sharing a cab with someone who is turning out to be the complainer of the group. He was vocal at reception about his disgust at them not having the money ready to refund our key deposits (don't know why he's upset. I'm the one who's out $50 pes until he gets some change). In the cab he continued on and then added gripes about seeing a bug on the wall in his room. Hopefully it was just a bad morning and things improve. Rest of the group seem good. Nella, my room mate is an English girl around my age that seems loads of fun. Tony, our guide, is great so far. Chilled yet helpful and competent.

Checking in to the Uruguay ferry is like going through an airport. Long queues, customs/ immigration and different classes on the boat. At immigration the Argentinian and Uruguayan guys sit next to each other and you check out of one country and in to the other. Stepping on to the ferry doesn't feel like getting on a boat at all. It's parked really close to the terminal and the gangway is covered so it's just like walking through a tunnel then realizing you're on a boat. Seats aren't allocated but there is a fair amount of leg room and they recline a long way. Def better than planes.

Anyway time for a nap and hopefully I'll wake up in Uruguay.