Hosteria Linares Ushuaia

... took us to a an active beaver dam where we stopped for some food, but unfortunately we didn't see any beavers.<br><br>After our day walking we had a nice relaxing evening not doing a great deal. We decided to book online a last minute flight to our next destination, El Calafate, for the evening the next day. It wasn't much more expensive than the coach and instead of having to take 2 buses and it being nearly 20 hours, it would be a 90 min flight! Seemed like a good idea.<br>

... went against most human rights so now it´s a pure tourist train (made in Port Shepston, SA). We took a peaceful chug through the mountains and forests and for some strange reason it is simply the most relaxing thing ever, the sounds, the scenes, the cozy heated carriage and hot chocolate inside knowing that its minus something outside - after the 1 hour trip we feel like we've had a massage - thats how relaxing it felt. Quite surprised i didn´t nod off!<br ...

... of cheap cafes), this bulldog of an American had been peddling headlong for 60km through torrential downpours to reach the hostel I was staying at. Approaching his 40's (I guessed) and sporting the weather-beaten appearance of comedian Rich Hall, Cycle Craig was simply a joy to hangout with. Brimming with stories about his saddle-bound adventures, he conveyed his journey in bittersweet animation, simultaneously proud of his near 1500km ride down from Santiago ...

... some laundry done) was also our most expensive...the hunt for the elusive Gentoo Penguin (or Papua, as they´re called here). We hopped on a catamaran for a trip through the Beagle Channel. Named for the boat Darwin was on, the channel is 300 km long and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. I have to admit I got chills about thinking that Darwin himself had gazed upon the very same islands ...

Rio De Janeiro With its lush peaks, breathtaking beaches and urban ambience, It was a treat for the free spirited. Where do i start with this great city. When we arrived in Rio it was the beginning of the huge Rio Carnaval , the biggest party in the world, it lasts a week. When i mean party, i mean they start party´s at 6am, and its done when you can´t ainymore. Every night they have a saaba ( no worrys i will explain what saaba is in a ...

... English.. he took me out to some industrial area with dark streets and many alley ways, pulled a knife on me and mugged me. Needless to say I was freaked out and didn't know what to do. I initially hesitated and tried unlocking the door but he kept locking it on me. I was trying to tell him I'd give him everything if he just let me out.. but there was no understanding. I ended up giving him my purse (I only lost around $75AUD.. so not much, and I didn't have my credit ...

... a cruise. There were last minute deals for 15 day cruises for us$5000 as opposed to us$15,000 if you book through a travel agent. I plan to return one day and do one, but be warned if you get sea sick, there is 500 nauticul miles of huge heaving seas and gale force winds between the cape and Antarctica. We heard reports of people seriously considering killing themselves to make the nausea stop.

We arrive in Southern Patagonia, Ushuaia, apparently the southern most city/town! This is a port where many of the boats to Antarctica leave from. We found a campsite, and put up our tent for the first time! It looks like the it could be a bit cold down here, will be great for testing the sleeping bag. Staying next to us is a cool couple from Netherlands Pim and Ingra ...

... patch of terrain that seems to be scooped out and flattened just enough to put there an airport and few buildings. And that is Ushuaia. Nothing more. The first breath of fresh air was like a shock to our lungs, from the smoggy 100F of Santiago we were suddenly bathing in crystal thin air chilled to the perfect 50F. We were loaded into busses, driven across a national park (not worth to mention) and deposited on a large catamaran boat that took us for a ...

... a few tourists around, but at least 60% of them were Spanish speaking. It seems like Ushuaia is just as much a destination for Argentines as it is for foreigners. The town does give a bit of feeling similar to Darjeeling ( see April 2007 post), as a town that is beautifully located, and has tourists there, but has not proactively invested in infrastructure etc, rather it has spent money after it got here. This leaves a ...