Thursday 2nd November 2006. From Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires.

Up early and on today for Argentina and Buenos Aires. I am getting to see all Rio has to offer as it even rains for me this morning to show that the sun does not always shine at Copacabana.

After a two hour flight delay we are off.

Onboard I am to share delightful company. The young lady across the aisle engages me in conversation. She looks like a movie star and in fact she is from Niterói. Claudia is heading down to the Argentine capital for a long weekend.

I am also treated exceptionally well by the two very pretty air-hostesses who are in charge of my cabin section.

It turns out that Rowena Vignolo actually has a grandmother from Aberdeen whose surname is McClough. I have a really nice time chatting with the girls and getting a locals view on Argentina.

Before we take our seats for landing the girls give me a large bottle of Argentinian wine as a welcome gift to their country...I think I´m going to like it here!!

My taxi ride from the airport is a treat. Walter, my driver is a really nice young chap and he is keen to chat the whole way from the airport. As we near the city he wants me to see the Presidential Palace. I have no cash and so cannot afford to take a city tour...but he means that if I am willing to go off my route he just wants me to see a little of his city...so off we go.

After checking into the Art Deco Hotel I decide to explore the immediate area. I also need to find a cashpoint.

Buenos Aires has a very strong European air. The city just feels safe with all its blend of history and modernity and its cafe society of pavement cafes.

Tonight I get my first sight of the Obelisco, which dominates the Avenue 9 de Julio.

Although the city is very beautiful, poverty is a major problem. Two children approach me near McDonald´s (just after I have come from the cashpoint). They ask for food. They look so dirty and so hungry. I can´t help myself. I take them inside and buy them both a meal which brings huge smiles to their faces as I head out the door leaving them to enjoy their supper.

I find out later that my postcard from the Galapagos arrived in Scotland today. That is to say, the postcard I left in the post office barrel. The card was collected by a lady from Glasgow and delivered home to my parents before the card that I actually posted in the regular mail, which still has not arrived!