Ushuaia, Ushuaia, so good they named it...

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Located at the extreme southern end of the American Continent, Ushuaia might rightly lay claim to being the last resort. It´s something of a wild frontier town, though given its location you might wonder a frontier to where? Well, the Antarctic for one. It´s a major staging post for visitors hopping onto or off of cruises to view the Southern Ice Cap. This is probably what gives the ´city´ it´s slightly surreal feel: it seems that the town doesn´t really come to life until around 9pm, which at this time of the year is still a good two(+) hours before sunset. That´s when all the visitors seem to descend from the ships / arrive at the airport to take in the delights of the town. This largely consists of hostels/hotels, banks, jewellery and other souvenir stores, travel agencies and restaurants each roasting racks of whole pigs over open fires in the window (that´s each of the restaurants - not all the other shops. That´d be toooooo bizarre.)

But despite it´s unreal vibe, it offers a magnificent descent into the airport (assuming, as we were, you´re lucky enough to have clear skies). Coming from Buenos Aires, the jagged mountain peaks and wide (windy) straits of the beagle channel that are the backdrop to the town are a spectacle for outdoorsy types. And the cold after 40 degrees in BA. Brilliant to feel a chill and to have to pull on a beanie😊

Also, where else can you buy dinner (OK empanadas and breadsticks) for 6 pesos. But they were damn tasty, even eaten in the drizzle standing under the eaves of a run down bus shelter (we didn´t venture inside the shelter to avoid the smell of wee and so as not to disturb the gentleman sleeping there).

What else... Very interesting if small museum. Apparently some great walks nearby and some excellent day cruises along the channel too, although we didn´t get to sample these as we had to hastily hop on a bus to Punta Arenas so as not to curtail our plans for Torres del Paine. Maybe next time...

I´m giving this a quirky 6/10. What are you giving this one Margaret, er Madeline? I´m giving it a 5 David. (Sorry only our Oz mates will understand that)

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Photos

Third Class Cruise Ship
Ushuaia Harbour

For Kristin
Aparently in Downtown Ushuaia they have entire businesses dedicated to the supply and repair of Kristin Gomez dolls. We´ve since spotted a few in other towns. Que Cosa!

Comments

[Dano]

cool
Missing you guys muchly, when do you come back again? Is Paul in India? xx