The Other side of the World

4:21 on Thursday the 9th November, 2006

The Other side of the World!

Well here we are, Rosemarie and I are finally in Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world, and what a place! There are 55000 inhabitants here who live in an interesting variety of houses mostly with corrugated roofs as it apparently is better for the temperatures and wind! Today it was about 18ºC (plus) and we were amazed at how warm it was, that was until the rain came..........

The landing at the airport yesterday was spectacular, hovering and circling in, being surrounded by lightly snowed capped mountains onto a runway on an island. No problem for the pilot despite the wind from all directions. As we waited for our luggage, we were surprised by the rest of the group who arrived in behind us and weren´t expecting to see us there. A very warm reception by all and a joy to be reunited after the weekend in Kerry. That was a practice week-end, now the real “thing” is around the corner.

It is unbelieveable to realise that we are really at the “other side of the world”, in this town where the people are extraordinarly charming and friendly whilst being very professional. Rosemarie, Elaine and I had a superb dinner in Kaupé, which overlooks the harbour and city, and enjoyed the pampering of Ernesto, Santiago, and of course Cecilia, thanks for your hearty welcome which gave us so much.

Today we went to the Terre del Fuego National Park, which is 63000 hectare in size we only saw a speckle of it but it was most enjoyable and Maria Lauria imparted a load of information to us during the trip. I was delighted that Eva, Tim, Jack and their Mum and Dad were on our excursion today as they give it an added flavour.

Tonight is the last night on Terre Firma for the next few weeks and as I observed the arrival of our ship coming down the Beagle Channel this morning I thought it looked quite small and fragile, however, after seeing it close-up this afternoon, I think it may be deceptive regarding space.

Now I am getting impatient to get on board and feel the sea beneath me.

Love to all, from us