Here we are flying over the International Dateline and New Years Eve feels like it has been going on forever. We celebrated both New Zealand and Australian New year on the Plane.
The Aerolineas Flight attendants got excited for a moment but not too excited as at their age too much excitement can lead to, well you know....
I did think I could hear the song "The Monster Mash" coming from the back of the plane, the line "it was a grave yard smash" was particularly appropriate for the crew on board.
Met this very nice Brazilian girl at Auckland Airport with guitar in hand. She reminded me of "Sister Bertrille" from "The Flying Nun". She was on her way her was to São Paulo or so she thought she was.
Maybe she could sing as we endured the "Amelia Airhard" experience aboard Aerolineas. Thankfully we did not follow the same fate as poor Amelia and we arrived safely in Buenos Aires 3 hours late due to the ailing argentine airline.
We caught a taxi at 6:30pm from the building that was once and international airport and still tries to be but looks more like a factory that should produce Scrap Metal. Finally we were on our way to the Hotel Reconquista Luxor located one block from the famous Obelisk on Avenida De Julio
As we made our way through the city it appeared strange. The city had closed down. No people on the streets, no shops open, nothing. It was if life had ceased to exist, and this was New Years Eve!!.
Suddenly we were in front of shiny glass doors and a sea of Marble could be seen beyond. The taxi driver gestured that this was was our hotel.Inside we were greeted by a charming and beautiful woman. We breathed a sigh of relief that all the people of BA had not been kidnapped and there was at least one person left standing. We chatted a little and told the lady how we loved BA and the Argentinian people and told a few jokes as well.(Obviously a generation far removed from the Aerolineas Crew)
It wasn't long before we were wisked away to our upgraded executive suite on the 9th floor with its own balcony and a view of the Obelisk.
My Bantor had paid dividends, we opened the door to a truly luxurious suite. We collapsed exhausted and fell asleep. We rested for a couple of hours in preparation for a night of feasting and enjoyment. I had already asked the lady on reception to make us a dinner booking.
We awoke, showered and changed and in were reception ready to go out. This time the reception had changed focus and we were greeted ( I use that word very loosly)by a surly young man. Mr Surly informed us that a booking could not not be made and sent us in a direction for something to eat. I had visions of eating Macdonalds for New Years Eve but even they were closed!
We ventured to Av Corrientes that looked desolate and abandoned as if there was an impending milatary coup about to take place( you never know in Argentina).
On the corner of Corrientes and Suipacha I could see a flickering light and a milling of what must have been the last remaining inhabitants of Buenos Aires. We made a hasty forward motion towards the light. The rations that Aerolineas had given us before landing had long since worn off and we were starving.
The flickering light beconed us and we were in front of a nice looking red coloured restaurant called Il Gatto Tratorias that was very busy. We went inside and asked for a table for two. The lady looked at the long list she had in front of her and asked if we had a reservation, I said "no but did say that we would be very quick if she could fit us in". She must have taken pity on us as we looked emaciated and gaunt and she said "one moment please"( I have learned that this is a very good expression in Argentina.
We were seated, the very cute friendly waiter took our order and dinner was on our table in no time We chomped away happily. It was somewhere between melon and the proscuito and the Beef which were delicious that I became aware of the Americans talking away at the next table.
Not being a shy person I said hello and wished them a Happy New Year, we got talking and asked "where are you from" The reply was "Bolivia" I retorted " what do you do in Bolivia" "We are Missionaries" I thought how 1930's Africa is this. It turns out that June and Brad were second generation missionaries, funny of all the people I choose to talk to I get ot spend New Years Eve with Missionaries in BA.
We farewelled the Missionaries, went back to our hotel, watched fireworks from our hotel balcony, kissed and wished each other A Happy New Year. Tomorrow is a new decade and who knows what it will bring. We have been informed by Mr Grumpy at reception that no taxis will be available to take us to the airport. So who knows if we will have another opportunity to enjoy the Aerolineas experience.
One thing is certain though as long as we can get the taxi at 4am and survive the plane trip. Is that tomorrow we will be with our dear friends Gil and Nando in my spiritual homeland Brazil
