The Man We Met on the First Day of Spring

After a brief couple of days in Buenos Aires, some clever accountanting and some good luck with booking flights, we were able to accurately schedule our time till we leave South America. We figured we could get the ferry across the River Plate to Uruguay for a few days, get another passport stamp and still be back in good time for other events. So off we went. Popped on a ferry and away we sailed.

First stop in Uruguay was Colonia. A little coastal town with some good history - it´s where anyone who wanted to invade Buenos Aires normally started - and a lighthouse with view. Wonderful. Not much was really happening here, or so we thought.

The view from the already legendary lighthouse. We watched a man from the top painting the roof of his house for about 20 minutes. It was all about to kick off, I can tell you!

Half way through the afternoon there was a big parade as it was the first day of spring and there was a carnival type atmosphere as the town came alive. We got involved and joined in the festivities nicely and I got to fulfill one of my live-long dreams; to meet the Bananas in Pyjamas. A magical moment as you can see.

Can´t believe my luck! Note Emma "grinning" with jealousy in the background.

Then something very bizarre and surreal happened - I bumped into someone from school. He just knocked on our door and said "Alright mate". It was a Mr. David Southern. Here´s physical proof for the Doubting Thomas´ amoungst you:

Myself and Mr. Southern. He´s a big Colin Jackson fan.

I was aware that Southern was vaguley about in South America at the time, but never thought I´d bump into him, especially not on the same day as the Bananas in Pyjamas fiasco! What are the chances!? Anyway, he only had about a week left until he was shooting off back to Ryton (the glamour of it all, I know) so we decided to join forces. To the capital!