This trip is fantastic. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Alan and I went for a swim, followed by a spectacular lunch in one of their finest restaurants. That evening, we attended a very sensual tango performance. The Argentinians take their tango very seriously, and we saw several different (but equally sexy) styles during the dinner show. As a city, BA is a cross between Paris and NY...filled with style and well dressed people. It's also a bit dirty, and the pollution is bad, but I'd like to return to explore it further.
The following morning, we traveled by charter to Ushuai, located in Patagonia. It's a small but thriving city and has benefited greatly from the extensive tourism opportunities that have arisen from interest in visiting Antarctica. Alan and I rented a car, and spent the afternoon hiking in the mountainous region that abuts right against Chile. Alan went for a plunge in the icy lake water but I was happy enough to take pictures.
We boarded the Nordnorge in the afternoon, got settled in our cabin and more or less hit the hay right after dinner. For an expedition boat, the Nordnorge is very well appointed and comfortable. We've been at sea now for two days, crossing the Drake Passage. According to the Captain, the 600 mile section separating S. America and Antarctica is usually much more tumultuous, but we're having a very gentle crossing. When it is like this, they call the passage "Drake Lake." I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the calm, as I am just getting my sea legs under me now.
This afternoon, we'll be landing on Half Moon Island, home to some ungodly number of Chinstrap penguins. The briefing this morning was enough to scare the bejesus out of you, what with fur seals that bite and baby penguins too curious for their own good. Nonetheless, there is a boat full of people that are anxious to view these wonderful creatures "up close and persona" as they say.
More later, but we're off to a good start!
Kimberley. So much fun. I'm glad to hear you sounding relaxed and having a good time. You deserve it. Oh, and Emily is having a boy. We just found out today. Everyone's excited. Yoda!
Posted by: Kick Shoe | February 27, 2006 at 06:19 PM
Your descriptions of where you will be and what you do and think bring pleasant feelings to me. And the fact that you write as if we were with you in the flesh and not only with our heats elicits feelings of intimacy that are dear to me.
But also, as I realize that you are thousands of miles away as you write astounds me with the realization that the world has changed from when I was a young child. I feel shocked upon recognizing the technological innovation that effects my life in ways that are only recently possible.
But I don't feel old, perhaps feeling old upon discovering that times change is a phenomenon of the past. Today change comes quickly, and instead of asking if something is possible, the question to ask is how something is done at present.
So Buenos Aires will probably resemble a more modern city, and by the time I visit, will sit at the cutting edge of technology as well as culture, if it does not already. It sounds wonderful; would you recommend it as a place for me to consider retiring?
Posted by: David Stephen Ball-Romney | March 07, 2006 at 09:53 AM
It's always been my dream to travle through Patagonia. Enjoy every minute of it and let us know how everything goes!
Posted by: GC Philo | March 10, 2006 at 03:31 PM