It is so weird to see so many people again. I got used to hanging out with the same 102 passengers and the 30 or so crew I interacted with. It feels like we just broke up a band or something. We all got to know each other so well in the last 2 weeks- taking pictures for each other, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, sharing unbelievable experiences…and now we all go our separate ways.
We started the morning with our last wake up call at 6:30. After eating breakfast, we disembarked and went to explore Ushuaia. E we went to the Maritime Museum, which is actually 5 museums in one building (that used to be the prison). It was fun to wander around and learn about Argentine military, prisons, and art.
After that, we were dropped off at a local hotel that had a hospitality room for us to enjoy food, chat with our friends, and serve as a base camp for those who wanted to explore Ushuaia on foot. Knowing I was going to spend 18 hours on a plane, not counting layover time, I opted to walk around. I loved strolling the streets of Ushuaia, with its beautiful mountains and cute buildings. Some of the travelers in our group thought it looked like Switzerland, but I compared it to the town of Banff in Canada (mainly because I’ve never been to Switzerland)!
I went back to the hospitality room for food, as I’m now programmed to need to eat every two hours it seems. As I was finishing up, one of my new friends asked if I was interested in going for a walk with her. Again thinking of the hours I’d be in that tiny plane seat, I decided I didn’t mind another walking excursion. This time, I went in search of the “End of the World” sign, and then we walked along the water. We found a very cool convention center, and what we think was an emergency services station. We also stopped in the Hard Rock Cafe, as this town seemed like an interesting spot for that restaurant.
And then, before we knew it, it was time to board the bus to the airport. The takeoff (and landing) in Ushuaia is so gorgeous- flying between mountains in the lowest section of the Andes. It is always a bit turbulent, though, because of the heavy winds in this area, and I’m sure the mountains create some interesting air flow as well.
Once we landed in Buenos Aires, we had to collect our checked bag and check it with our homeward bound airline. Then we scanned our ticket for entry into the security area. Security happened next- Argentina requires you to remove jewelry, belts, and anything metal. They also require you to pull out your phone, computer, and tablet. Shoes stay on, however. After that, it was time for immigration. I stood in the line for quite awhile and met a woman from Michigan who had been on a ship bound for Antarctica, but it had trouble so they never made it to Antarctica. She left from Cape Town, South Africa and spent 20 days on the ship that limped along to Ushuaia. She said they were all pretty grumpy for most of the trip. She also said this was the 4th time that she had tried to get to Antarctica. The first time she had to back out because of a medical situation. The second time Covid shutdowns prevented her trip. The third time her trip got canceled because the crew of the ship she was going on got Covid. And now a broken engine. Talk about a lot of disappointment. I felt so bad for her.
After we had been in line for about 15 minutes, an Argentine officer came and told us that Americans can go scan their passports at the kiosks on the side for an easier and quicker time. We were in and out of there in a breeze. It was a simple scan of the passport, scan the boarding pass, take a picture, and scan your thumb. Then you proceed to the exit of the security area where a camera takes your picture again. I’ve also observed that there is additional bag screening at the gate when the airplane is boarding!
I am now awaiting my flight to Dallas/Fort Worth. It looks like it is about 10 hours, so I’m going to start making laps around the gate to stretch my legs. Hopefully next time I blog, I’ll be back on American soil!
Car Full of Harmony 
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