A 25,000 kms drive around South America - Oct/Nov 2001

Starting and finishing on Copacapana Beach, Rio de Janeiro. Driving 25,000 kms through six countries: Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Uruguay. One hundred cars: fifty classics and fifty 4x4's.

Day 46 - Buenos Aires - Rest Day

Tim had a massage at the hotel in the morning and I went for a walk.In a nearby square were large old trees called ombu with massive root systems spreading above ground. I met Yvonne and David at the shops, then Tim found me and we walked to the port for a late lunch. We went into the Sheraton, the official HERO hotel, and saw the Robinsons arriving from Mar del Plata. It was raining heavily. Paul's car is not looking good, but he is still hopeful. We had a drink with Paul in the Alvear Palace bar and were joined by the Moffatts, the Noors and the beekeepers (the Borns). Later, Paul, Yvonne, David, Tim and I went downstairs to La Bourgogne (the excellent hotel restaurant). I had beautifully presented avocado and langoustine.

The Alvear Palace Hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires.


An interesting thing happened in the hotel. Outside the door of the room next to us is an armed guard who apparently is protecting guests.  We came out of our room as the guards were escorting a man and a woman to the lift. When the lift door opened one of the guards stood in front of the opening doors while the two guests were kept to the side to ensure that no one exiting the lift could attack them! We wondered who the guests were that warranted such protection.