Rosaslovian

Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ya...H is silent in Spanish) is the most southern city in the world. Met fellow shipmate "Blue," 27 year old Brit at the BA Jorge Newberry Airport and we went thru security together as we were on the same plane. We flew to Ushuaia from BA 2 days ago. Breathtaking vistas of the Andes Mountains. Had the local delicacy fresh King Crab and toured the old prison turned into boat/art museum. Yesterday, 5 of us fellow shipmates went on a thrilling hiking tour of the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park with Emilio as our driver and guide. Just awesome beyond words. Got up and personal with the Andes. I am at the Hotel Tierra Leyendas (Land of Legends) writing this blog in a rush to get some photos published. Will write ... read more

It was with mixed feelings that I left home for more than 2 months. It was sad to drop my standard poodle Roman off at Frankie & Bab's Winter Camp (Thank you F&B!!). And after a tearful departure with Mark at the airport, I lugged my now 110 pounds of no-wheel luggage to the check-in counter, checked the 2 duffel bags, and proceeded to the security check point. The guard asked if I had any food products and I said the I had a box of Godiva chocolates. He made me take it out of my backpack and put it on a tray to be X-rayed. He exclaimed, "A box of chocolates!" I explained that, "My flight attendant friend Michele told me to take a box of chocolates and give it to the first flight attendant ... read more

The countdown clock keeps ticking. Now only 41 days until flying to Buenos Aires and I am still as excited as the first day I got accepted! This trip is causing major planning, organizing and purchasing. All of my flights and hotels have been reserved. My voyage has been paid for. I purchased extensive travel insurance for trip, luggage, medical, emergency medical evacuation and life. I got my required immunizations for typhoid fever and flu. My previous immunizations for yellow fever, et al are still good. I have been busy buying Antarctica waterproof/windproof sailing gear, clothes, cameras/cases/batteries/memory cards, water resistant duffel bags & backpack, seasickness meds, goggles, you name it. As the saying goes, "You can do anything with gloves on!" Purchased 4 pairs of waterproof gloves with varying degrees of warmth & dexterity for ... read more