Punta Arenas and my penguinos

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  Punta Arenas, Chile
Friday, February 22, 2008

(written by steph)

First, let me start by saying that it takes a very strong  person to admit when they are wrong.... right? I mean, many people (my husband included) don`t have that capability..... but I am happy to say, that I, on the other hand, do have that capability..... So,..... here goes..... Ok, maybe the penguins weren`t QUITE worth it......

As Derek mentioned, we decided to take the bus down to Punta Arenas instead of driving. Seemed like a great idea - early bus ride, reclining seats, little nap before we get down there. But the reclining seats is where the problem occurs. Let me explain that down here, most travellers get around by bus, and we`re talking 10-30 hour bus rides, no joke. So they make the seats very comfy, and extra "recline'y". That is great theoretically, except when the 2 argentinian kids in front of you decide to take FULL advantage of their recline...

Derek and his Pizza

. I`m not kidding here folks, my little 5`4" legs had zero room, so Derek`s situation was really just comical.

Anyway, when we got to Punta Arenas, poor Derek was pretty wired off no sleep but we walked around the city regardless. It was much larger than we anticipated, and it was gorgeous out so we just walked in and out of the streets wandering around soaking it all in. Found a little pizza place for lunch (Derek claims it was one of the best pizzas he has ever had), then we got on yet another bus to go see my little penguinos.

60 minute bus drive in, then a 15 minute walk along the boardwalk, and we get to the lookout spot to see the penguins. They were cute and all, but still about 50 feet away. (this is just about when the constant apologizing started on my part). There were a few other lookout points that gave a closer look, but nothing fantastic....until....we saw these 2 guys laying down on the little walkway. they said there was a baby penguin just off the walkway hiding in the buses. we lay down, and there he was just looking at us. We got a great pic, and that was the highlight of the penguin tour (all i can thank thank GOODNESS for that hiding baby penguin....)

Back in Punta Arenas we went for great dinner, and a great bottle of chilean vino. Then were dying to get back to our hostel room because, get this, we had a tv!!! with an english movie channel!!! we grabbed a bucket of ice cream and headed back to watch Twister... hee hee... the little luxuries of home that one misses on the road.

Day 2 in Punta Arenas was great- beautiful sunny day once again

Derek`s painful bus trip

. We hit a few very interesting museums that gave the history of the area, spent some time chilling in the main square, went BACK to the same restaurant for Pizza (a Derek request obviously) and then got the bus that evening back to Puerto Natales to sleep 1 night before going to Iguazu.

This marks the end of Patagonia for us. It has been an amazing 2 weeks and we`ve seen some absolutely amazing things!

Talk soon and we miss you all!

xxxx

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Our baby penguin who saved the day

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