An entry in the TFS Travel Journal.
Another morning, comfortably settled into our routine: A bike ride through artificial reality followed by the glorious Alvear breakfast buffet. We then received more largess by the Palace as they granted us a late check-out of 2:00. This was much appreciated, as the day was dreary and raining, and it gave us time to email back and forth while dealing with the news about the untimely death of our friend, Dr. Geoffrey.
We put our luggage into storage, checked out, then set off for the 3:00 english-language tour of the Teatro Colon. When we got there, we ran into Kelly and Bob and enjoyed touring and talking with them, marvelling over the freaky similarities between the two couples. The building is indeed fascinating, on a par with the Paris Opera House and La Scala (although neither of us have been to either of those). It was built over an 18-year period and was completed in 1910. A tremendous assemblage of different types of marble, stained glass, and fabrics. Although we couldn’t get to see the workshops - which comprise three levels of basements - where the sets are constructed, there were models of several sets, as well as many old costumes, on display. Also notable were the original seats on the floor of the auditorium, as well as the original curtains used in all the boxes.
We then set off walking through the rain to an Italian recommendation of K & B, but it wasn’t serving yet, so as we had to leave for the airport in an hour, we went back to, where else, El Sanjuanina our local empanada diner. We feasted on empanadas and more grilled chicken. Then it was off to the airport to sit in the stuffy humidity while waiting for yet another flight back to Santiago.
Not only was the flight pleasantly uneventful, but we got our bags, a taxi and to the hotel in record time. We were even given our rightful suite, and unpacked as minimally as possible before our early departure tomorrow morning.