Having flown into BA the day previous we had booked on the Buquebus high speed ferry for a day trip to Colonia in Uruguay (on Wednesday 5th December) before even setting off on our trip to South America. The internet is a great resource for travellers!

The ferry terminal was a ten minute walk from our hotel in Buenos Aires, and it was an early start as the ferry was scheduled to depart at 08.15, but we needed to be there at least an hour in advance to undertake all of the customs and passport formalities as we would be leaving Argentina.

The ferry was a bit of a beast and crossing the River Plate took about an hour. Sadly Simon was not feeling well by the time we arrived in Colonia so he and Linda decided to return to Buenos Aires. This did give them both a new country visited - albeit for less than fifteen minutes (and then only the ferry terminal) as they have stamps in their passports to prove entry . . . . not too sure whether this really counts!

The old town area of Colonia is an easy walk from the ferry terminal, but what first caught our eye was the former railway station. Last used for rail services in 1985, but still standing with some of the tracks in situ and now housing a catering and hospitality college.

Colonia was a delighful place to wander around, cobbled streets, old cars and buildings coupled with a very relaxed feel. It did not seem too busy either which was great for us. Some of the restoration work that has been completed is fabulous but having walked around most of the old town it is clear that some buildings are just waiting for investment to be made in them.

Even though we only had around five or so hours in Colonia there was of course the need for lunch and being in Uruguay only two things would be needed - a Chivito and some Tannat red wine!

The Chivito is a Uruguay staple and is regarded as their national dish. A large bread roll filled with salad (the healty bit), steak, bacon, fried egg, cheese and some mayonaise served up with some chips for good measure. It really is a bit of a monster - even if a little messy - but tasty at the same time. The Tannat red wine only comes from this part of the world and it was a lovely drink, maybe we should have had a second bottle?

Sadly our time in Colonia came to an end far too quickly and it was not long before we were heading back to the ferry terminal for the short trip back to Aregntina. There was the need of course to go back through passport and customs control as we said "Adios" to Uruguay and "Hola" to Argentina.