Today we took a day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, which was one of the most unique experiences of the trip so far. We woke up very early and took a ferry across the Río de la Plata to Uruguay. Even though everyone was tired, it was exciting to travel to another country by boat and go through customs for both Argentina and Uruguay. One interesting thing I learned today was why the water in the Río de la Plata has such a reddish-brown color. I originally assumed it was because the river was dirty, but we learned that the color actually comes from clay, sediment, and iron carried down through erosion from Brazil. It was interesting because the river is so massive that I expected it to look more like the ocean, yet the color makes it look completely different.

Once we arrived in Colonia, we spent the day exploring the historic part of the city. The cobblestone streets, old buildings, and lighthouse made the town feel very different from Buenos Aires. It had a much quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. We also spent time shopping, eating lunch, and walking along the water. Something else that stood out to me was how much cheaper many things were compared to Buenos Aires, which led to conversations about inflation and economic differences between the two countries. I found it interesting seeing how economic conditions can directly affect tourism, pricing, and even day-to-day spending habits.

Another memorable part of the day was seeing the large number of dogs throughout the city. Many of them wandered freely around town, but local residents clearly cared for them and treated them well. It added to the welcoming and relaxed feeling of the city. I also want to give a huge shoutout to Jason for helping make this experience so meaningful. One thing I really admire about him is how much he embraces traveling and learning from other cultures. It’s clear that he genuinely loves exploring the world, learning new languages, and experiencing life in different countries rather than just visiting as a tourist. Hearing about his experiences abroad and the way he connects with different cultures has made me think differently about global experiences and what it means to fully immerse yourself in another place.