The Americas

A 149-day adventure by Greg & Daniel Read more

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Day 92
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1:14 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Argentina Matheu -32.991741, -60.6418732°59’30” S 60°38’31” W
Club El Campito
May 22, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Messi's first boyhood club, situated at the end of his road. A small facility with a terrible pitch but he made do! The back wall also covered in murals if you look closely.
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Day 92
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1:23 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Argentina Matheu -32.993252, -60.64533532°59’36” S 60°38’43” W
Escuela No 66 Las Heras
May 22, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Our final stop on the Messi tour was to his first school. Across the road from the school is the 'out of this world' mural towering over the school block. This mural reads, like many others in the area: "De otra galaxia y de mi barrio" which translates to "From another galaxy and from my neighborhood".

At first we thought the school was closed but as we made our way around to the far side we realised it was in fact still functional.Read more
TravelerYOUR SPANISH IS CERTAINLY IMPROVING 🙂
5/23/24Reply
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Day 92
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 3:54 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Argentina Liniers -32.948889, -60.65892432°56’56” S 60°39’32” W
Final Evening in Rosario
May 22, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
After arriving back from Messi world we had some pastries from the local bakery, collected our laundry and headed out to watch the Europa League final. On the way home we picked up the ingredients (some of them wrong) for a creamy pasta. I then introduced Dan to Clarkson's Farm which he seemed to enjoy as he said to put another episode on!Read more
TravelerJust read A year on the farm Diddley Squat, he can be an acqired taste but really funny writer
5/23/24Reply
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Day 93
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:29 AM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Argentina Terminal de Omnibus Rosario -32.939751, -60.67187832°56’23” S 60°40’19” W
Leaving Rosario
May 23, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
It's official, we survived South America's second most dangerous city (outside of Brazil). Despite all of the warnings we'd had about Rosario we didn't really see what all the hysteria was about. We boarded the 10:30am bus headed to Rosario! Once again securing the back row so that we could take advantage of the full reclineation.Read more
TravelerThank Goodness I didn't know that until now! 😬
5/24/24Reply
TravelerMessi box ticked and safely too 😳. Glad it was interesting for you xx
5/24/24Reply
TravelerIs that a blood stain on the roof of the bus, where you sure it was to be a safe journey? 🤔
5/25/24Reply
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Day 93
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2:39 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Argentina Puerto Nuevo -34.587893, -58.37233534°35’16” S 58°22’20” W
Arriving in Buenos Aires
May 23, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
After 4 hours on the road we arrived at Buenos Aires bus terminal. Evidently giving off very touristy vibes, we were warned numerous times by people in the station to be careful as apparently the bus terminal is in a dangerous area. We ordered an Uber and safely made it to our hostel. We'd be staying in a central hostel for one night before moving to an Airbnb tomorrow for our long football filled stint in Buenos Aires.Read more
TravelerI'm not sure I'm liking Argentina. Can't you home back to Roatan? 🤔☺️
5/24/24Reply
TravelerGlad you arrived safely 😳. Sleep well 😴. I’m opening the wine 🍷 after reading that so I will sleep well too.
5/24/24Reply
TravelerEnjoy your footie stint. 👍⚽️ SWAM
5/25/24Reply
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Day 93
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 4:02 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Argentina San Nicolas -34.604659, -58.38159134°36’17” S 58°22’54” W
Av 9 De Julio & the Obelisk
May 23, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
After dropping our bags at our hostel we headed immediately to see Buenos Aires centrepiece, the obelisk.

The obelisk stands at the centre of Av 9 De Julio which runs right through the centre of Buenos Aires. Its also one of the widest roads in the world with numerous car lines, bus lanes, cycle paths and tram lines.

The Obelisk and avenue were recently the site of the cities famous 2022 World Cup win celebrations as the celebrating Argentinians stretched along the avenue as far as the eye could see. Naturally therefore there is a huge Messi mural overlooking the avenue!Read more
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Day 93
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 4:20 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Argentina Plaza San Martín -34.594886, -58.37694834°35’42” S 58°22’37” W
Quick Explore of Buenos Aires
May 23, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
From the Obelisk we just followed the crowd towards the shopping district with some great architecture on display. We then had dinner at a lovely local restaurant. There were only 5 things on the menu and thankfully one of those options was vegetarian!Read more
TravelerTHAT LOOKS LIKE A PROPER LOCALS RESTAURANT 👌
5/24/24Reply
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Day 93
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 9:09 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Argentina Buenos Aires -34.61547, -58.37603734°36’56” S 58°22’34” W
Hostel Bar Crawl
May 23, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Tonight we signed up for the hostel bar crawl! Our host took us to a number of local spots which ranged from craft beer (my favourite (not)) to a local street bar where it was less than a pound for a pint of beer or large glass of wine! We will be back.

The night ended in a nightclub in Palermo. The residents of Buenos Aires are in no way morning birds, with the parties going long into the night. We left earlier than most and crawled into bed at 4am, easing ourselves into the BA way of life.

Our first afternoon here was a good one, we think we're going to like it here!Read more
TravelerEnjoy !!!
5/24/24Reply
TravelerA GREAT START TO YOUR TIME THERE 🍻
5/24/24Reply
TravelerIt sounds great. Enjoy x
5/25/24Reply
TravelerHave you not seen anyone doing the tango yet??
5/25/24Reply
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Day 94
Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:10 AM
☁️ 9 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Argentina Montserrat -34.612301, -58.38068734°36’44” S 58°22’50” W
Milling Around Buenos Aires
May 24, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
After a late night last night we were forced to be up at 10:30am to check out of our hostel at 11am. Slightly hungover, we went for a lovely breakfast and then to play some pool. 51 minutes of pool set us back £1.77! I won this set to take the aggregate to 10-4 to Dan.

At around 1pm we were given the all clear to go and check into our Airbnb. Pics in the next post...

We then did our first big shop in BA which included cereal and finally we found brocoli in Argentina!!!Read more
Traveler🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦
5/26/24Reply
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Day 94
Friday, May 24, 2024 at 4:12 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 32 m
Argentina Colegiales -34.576525, -58.43820634°34’35” S 58°26’18” W
Apartment in Palermo
May 24, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
We arrived at our apartment in Palermo and were very happy with what we found! Over two floors we have two smart TV's, two bathrooms, two beds and a fully functioning kitchen.

We (Dan) made dinner here and enjoyed a relaxing night watching Clarksons Farm.

A nice first afternoon in our home for the next 11 nights!Read more
TravelerDon't be drinking and tackling them stairs! 😫
5/26/24Reply
TravelerLOOKS TO BE A GREAT APARTMENT 👌
5/26/24Reply
TravelerThat’s very posh for you two and how great to be there for a while. Yeah !!
5/26/24Reply
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 3:23 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Argentina Palermo -34.578003, -58.42648834°34’41” S 58°25’35” W
Exploring Palermo
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
This morning we had a lie in (in true BA style) and watched the FA Cup final from bed. Yes, our apartment TV's have all the sports channels!

We then tried to take some cash out but this proved to be impossible as the most we were able to withdraw anywhere was 30,000 pesos (£20) and they wanted to charge us 9,000 pesos (£6) for the convenience of doing so.

We needed cash to pay the balance for this evenings Boca Juniors game, so instead we went back to our apartment to pick up some handy USD.

The meeting point for the match was in central Palermo so we wandered around the quirky streets and stopped for a drink.Read more
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 6:19 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 48 m
Argentina San Nicolas -34.597877, -58.38510634°35’52” S 58°23’6” W
Pre-Match Boca Juniors
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
We met up with our tour group at 5pm at the corner of a square in Palermo. Sat nearby where two 'injured' Boca players whom our guide asked for a picture. There names were Javier Garcia and Jorge Figal. You can see them in the centre of picture 1, although not as central as me who plonked myself in the middle of the two of them. Dan went for more of an Ashley Cole vibe on the end.

We then went for pizza and drinks at El Cuartito, one of BA's most famous pizza parlours. It was very nice!

We then transformed our identities into Melisa and Guido, whilst our tour guide gave us step-by-step guidance on how to have a smooth experience in the stadium.Read more
Traveler🤣🤣🤣
5/26/24Reply
TravelerGreat group photo 😀
5/26/24Reply
TravelerNOT HEARD OF BEING TAKEN TO A FOOTBALL MATCH BY A TOUR GUIDE BEFORE ⚽️
5/26/24Reply
TravelerFab pic and write up !
5/26/24Reply
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 7:27 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Argentina La Boca -34.634356, -58.36783234°38’4” S 58°22’4” W
Outside La Bombonera
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
We'd arrived outside one of the world's most iconic stadiums, La Bombonera, home to Boca Juniors. The first thing that immediately stood out is how immaculately it is kept with its famous blue and yellow stripes. We passed the police and ticketing checkpoints as instructed as we drew closer to our entrance at door 15.Read more
TravelerSounds exciting. What’s next ??
5/26/24Reply
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 7:41 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Argentina Estación Casa Amarilla -34.635016, -58.36549534°38’6” S 58°21’56” W
Inside La Bombonera
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Once inside we made our way up many sets of stairs to the back of the stand. We were in the section above the Boca ultras with a great view of Boca's totally unique 'flat' stand to our left.

As the players entered the field the lights were dimmed for a firework display as 3 murals were also unveiled. Spectacular!Read more
TravelerFANTASTIC 🔥
5/26/24Reply
TravelerFabulous !!!
5/26/24Reply
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 8:39 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Argentina Estación Casa Amarilla -34.635104, -58.36537834°38’6” S 58°21’55” W
Boca Juniors v Talleres
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
The game itself left a lot to be desired. Talleres were very poor yet despite this Boca struggled to string more than 5 passes together to break them down.

We did however get to celebrate an Edison Cavani goal for Boca after 21 minutes although it ended up getting ruled out by VAR. The ex-Man Utd theme was strong for Boca with Sergio Romero in goal and Marcos Rojo coming off the bench.

Talleres also had the ball in the net in the first half but this was immediately ruled out for offside. The breakthrough never came for either side which resulted in our first goalless game of the trip, although we are still yet to see our side lose!

On a number of occasions the stadium was literally visibly and physically shaking from the people jumping up and down. A great experience and item ticked off the bucket list!Read more
TravelerWOW BOCA JUNIORS. What a wonderful experience ❤️
5/26/24Reply
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Day 95
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 11:12 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Argentina Plaza Serrano -34.588761, -58.42579634°35’20” S 58°25’33” W
The Hole - Alcatraz Speakeasy
May 25, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
We were dropped off by our tour guides in the centre of Palermo where we took a short walk to an Alcatraz themed bar we had found on YouTube.

We paid for our drinks on arrival and were then locked in a small room whilst an American man swore at us on a TV in a very American fashion (he called us assholes 3 or 4 times).

Once inside we perched ourselves at the bar and redeemed our tokens on some very strong cocktails, the Most Wanted and the Al Capone.

On the way home we had one more in an Irish bar and ending up not making it in until almost 2am, still early by BA standards. A nice end to a very enjoyable day!Read more
TravelerVery memorable night out !!
5/26/24Reply
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Day 96
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 2:55 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Argentina Parque Patricios -34.641423, -58.39661334°38’29” S 58°23’48” W
Estadio Tomas Adolfo Duco
May 26, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
After a late night last night we had a lie in and watched the Championship play off final from bed with breakfast. Commiserations to Leeds United!

We then headed to our local Western Union branch to collect the cash we'd ordered, only to discover that they didn't have any cash. The man suggested another store 40 minutes walk away but we had no time for this. So we had to make do with the 6,300 pesos (about £4.50) that we had left. Thankfully you can pay for almost everything in BA on card!

Next we jumped in an Uber and headed to Estadio Tomas Adolfo Duco, home of AC Huracan.

The ground is very old and we thought it looked great for just that reason. It's distinctive look has meant that over the years it has been used in many TV shows, films and adverts. We'd bought our tickets online for around £10 and made it into the ground successfully.Read more
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Day 96
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 3:25 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Argentina Parque Patricios -34.643129, -58.39585834°38’35” S 58°23’45” W
Huracan v Instituto
May 26, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
We'd bought tickets for one of the 'popular' areas behind the goal, although the opposite end to the ultras. This meant either standing or sitting on the concrete steps, but we didn't mind.

The game started off without too much to write home about. Instutito had one cleared off the line but on the whole Huracan were probably slightly on top. This wasn't helped however by one of the Huracan midfielders receiving two yellow cards in the space of 7 minutes to be sent off for a pointless tackle in the middle of the pitch a minute before half time.

Just after the hour mark, formed Watford and Udinese man Ignacio Pussetto put Huracan 1-0 ahead. But oh no, after a 6 minute VAR check the goal was ruled out for offside.

We thought we were about to witness our second 0-0 draw in less than 24 hours, but within the first few minutes of injury time, a Huracan man was bundled over in the box. Nothing was given at first and a VAR check awaited. In the meantime there was a big brawl, a sending off for Instituto and a penalty awarded.

Almost 10 minutes after the initial foul, the penalty was finally converted by Pussetto to the delight of the home fans who climbed the fences in celebration.

We'd avoided another goalless draw and continued our unbeaten streak. We really liked the experience Huracan and both agreed they had potential to be our preferred Argentinian team (other than the red in their kid for Dan).Read more
TravelerThat sounded a colourful game x.
5/28/24Reply
TravelerANOTHER GREAT EXPERIENCE 🥳
5/28/24Reply
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Day 96
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 6:55 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Argentina Avellaneda -34.670172, -58.37348334°40’13” S 58°22’25” W
Estadio Libertadores de America
May 26, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Two games in 24 hours wasn't good enough for us, we wanted 2 games in a day and 3 in 24 hours! As soon as we could after the Huracan game had finished we took a 15 minute Uber further sound to Estadio Libertadores de America, the home of AC Independiente.

Independiente are one of BA's big five clubs and nicknamed 'the King of Cups' due to the fact they have won a record breaking 7 Copa Libertadores titles (the South American equivalent of the Champioms League). Although the last one of these was in 1994!

We'd been unable to buy a ticket for this game online, as for some reason the website wouldn't accept any of our cards. We knew however that tickets would be on sale at the stadiums neighbouring tennis club ticket office. It proved to be a tough task getting to the tennis club with police and steward roadblocks everywhere we looked. Helpfully, you could only get through these by showing a ticket, and the ticket office was on the far side of all of these obstacles. Eventually, after a few trips around the block and a police officer who didn't ask to see our ticket, we made it to the ticket office! At 60,000 pesos (£41) the tickets weren't cheap but this was expected as the prices were all online. Overall we were just glad to have a ticket as at times it looked like our mission to see the big 5 was in jeopardy!Read more
TravelerTHAT TICKETING ARRANGEMENT IS CRAZY 😜
5/28/24Reply
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Day 96
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 7:55 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 19 m
Argentina Avellaneda -34.671025, -58.37111334°40’16” S 58°22’16” W
Independiente v Velez
May 26, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
The game at atmosphere here were both pretty good, particularly the atmosphere from the two bustling popular sections behind each goal.

Despite this, the away side went ahead after half an hour due to Independiente giving away a stonewall penalty.

Just after the hour mark, Independiente equalised with a perfect backpost header across the goal, of the post and just about over the line.

Despite Independiente continuing to push for an equaliser, this never came. Overall a very enjoyable experience, albeit pretty cold.

We took an Uber back to our apartment and were glad to be back inside after 7+ hours out in the cold.Read more
TravelerThat “bouncing” crowd !!
5/28/24Reply
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Day 97
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 3:08 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Argentina Hipódromo -34.570858, -58.42393634°34’15” S 58°25’26” W
Horse Racing
May 27, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After yet another late night we were in no rush to get up and out today. Once we did, we went to collect our cash from the recommended Western Union shop. Once we got there we discovered that these also had no cash.

3 more Western Union stores later we finally found one with cash! Although I only had my drivers license and picture of my passport, which wasn't good enough for the lady behind the counter. We therefore had to take an Uber back to our apartment and then back to Western Union with my passport in tow. After collecting our cash, we took yet another Uber back to our apartment to store it safely. We then counted it for good measure to ensure everything was as expected.

No football games today sadly, but there was something almost as good on offer, horse racing! We wrapped up by putting every layer we own on and set off on the 20 minute walk from our apartment to the racecourse.

It was free entry which was pretty good considering the first race was at 1:30pm and the last at 8:00pm. We arrived just in time for the 3:30pm and left after the 6:30pm. In that time we picked out 14 horse, none of which won, despite the average field size being about 8/9 horses. We did have a couple of places (although only put bets on to win) and two horses pipped in the last 20 yards, with one being pipped literally on the line.

Either way enjoyed ourselves and together only lost 28,000 pesos (about £18). We then walked back to our apartment via a supermarket to enjoy a well earnt night in in the warmth!Read more
TravelerI can't get over how cold it is over there, when does the Summer season start? Mind you, when does our Summer season start, "rain rain go away, please come back another day". 🌧
5/28/24Reply
TravelerGlad you finally got your cash 💸 you should have rang me for some tips on the horse racing 😆 🐎
5/28/24Reply
TravelerAS YOU KNOW, IF 2 MONKEYS EACH PICKED A HORSE EACH RACE RANDOMLY THEN BETWEEN THEM THEY'D PROBABLY PICK AT LEAST 1 WINNER !!! SAYS IT ALL 🦧🦧
5/28/24Reply
TravelerYou never take my lead by backing the rider wearing a red or pink top or has ginger hair. Always a winner !!! 🏅
5/31/24Reply
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Day 98
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:50 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Argentina San Nicolas -34.600537, -58.38408634°36’2” S 58°23’3” W
Centro > Recoleta Walking Tour
May 28, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
After a number of late nights and lie ins today we became proper tourists! We joined the 10:30am walking tour from the centre of town, through the wealthiest part of Buenos Aires to Recoleta in the north. It was a three hour tour and covered some distance!

Stops included the theatre Colon, a huge synagogue, Avenue 9 de Julio (the widest in the entire world), a number of parks and embassies, the church where Maradona got married (for the first time) and some of the most expensive properties in all of South America.Read more
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Day 98
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1:02 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 30 m
Argentina Plaza Francia -34.586544, -58.39207134°35’12” S 58°23’31” W
Walking Tour Finish
May 28, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Our tour finished in one of the many stunning parks in northern Buenos Aires (Recoleta), especially nice on a day like today!
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Day 98
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1:38 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Argentina Plaza Francia -34.586113, -58.39189534°35’10” S 58°23’31” W
Recoleta Cultural Centre
May 28, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After the conclusion of the walking tour we nipped into the Recoleta Cultural Centre. It had a few dozen different rooms, almost all of which were either a bit bizarre, completely in Spanish or both.
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Day 98
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 2:12 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Argentina Plaza Francia -34.58417, -58.39144734°35’3” S 58°23’29” W
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
May 28, 2024 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Next up we went to have a look at one of Latin America's largest art collections at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. The had every type of art imaginable across the two floors including by the likes of Picasso, Monet and Da Vinci. We very much enjoyed giving our totally uneducated opinion on the artwork and picking out any lookalikes of people we knew.Read more
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