It really shouldn’t take 31 hours to travel from Stuttgart, Germany to Mendoza, Argentina. And two large pieces of luggage should not be required for a single person. Furthermore, seasoned travelers should not make novice mistakes. So the fact that I sit here with way too much luggage, no storage or early check-in options – thus sitting out my long 7 hour layover in a no-frills local airport rather than cruising around Buenos Aires – is completely irrational. And all too real.

How man times have I vowed to learn (remember Tanzania, Jill?).  And the last trip to Brazil seemed to prove that I had, indeed, conquered the disease of overpacking (one carry-on trolly for a 3 week trip). So what exactly went wrong this time!? It looks like I’m carrying gear for a group. Which makes negotiating the crowded airport and finding reasonable locations to “park” quite a challenge.  Then there’s the small issue of using the restrooms – a definite no-go with the big bags.  And I’m fairly certain that whipping out my funnel and bottle here in the waiting area would cause a bit of consternation if not downright alarm. So I’ll stay away from that.

It’s a beautiful day in Buenos Aires, by the way. We drove right through the center of town to get from the international to the local airport, allowing a glimpse of the Pink House and driving directly past the Obelisk.  Just out the windows from my current seat, the view is of the Rio de la Plata – the river separating Argentina and Uruguay. Whereby it’s hard to comprehend that the bubbling, brewing cauldron is a river – with a width of over to 200km at it’s widest point.  Unable to see the other side, the entire horizon is comprised of roiling brown water, the bank lined with people fishing in the sun. Two more hours until I can check in, then it’s along this waterway I’ll walk to get some sun myself before the final leg of today’s journey. And hopefully those few moments of freedom will also curb the self-berating about undisciplined final packing. At least until I pick up the luggage again in Mendoza!