070306 - At the end of the world

Ushuaia, ARG - Back in my favorite country I hooked up with Allistair, an English guy I had met in Calafate and Torres del Paine. Travelling on more or less the same route you kinda meet the same people over and over again. Same with Al; I had first seen him in Refugio Piedras del Fraile. But back then we barely exchanged words as he was travelling with a girl.

I cannot really explain it, but Ushuaia had been on my favorite-destination-list for more than four years. And here I am. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. So far, the whole trip has been amazing. Everything has been so great. I am still healthy (except for my knees *smile*). My family back home is doing great. I couldn't possibly ask for more. I just stand there, enjoy being able to travel and appreciate every second.

I wanted to do some scubadiving here. But turned out it was too expensive. And they required experience of diving with dry-suites. The sea is kinda cold... ;o) Still I was able to see some of the amazing countryside as Al and I did a few hike in the region.

We also did a boat tour. Yet another one. Down by the docks all the tour operators have a little hut. And you see their salesman running around trying to get you on their excursion. Well, we also listened to a few of them. We didn't want to go on one of the big catemarans and opted instead for a trip on a small sail boat. As the guy was explaining us the itinary I could away squeezing out a smile or two. He was really trying to make an effort selling this tour. First going on about having sold it already to "five beautiful french girls" (to boat can host up to 8 people), then he kept on talking about how the first hour of the trip is very, very important because "this is the longest part of the tour; it is here where we form a group." What?? To what do you want me to sign up here?!? As I couldn't hold my smile he stopped talking and kicked us out. "You are not welcome here! No!" Okay. Tired of wandering around we finally booked a tour with the Tres Marias. I had read an article about the captain of the boat. The guy who discovered the Titanic of Southamerica, the Monte Cervantes, which sank close to Ushuaia. The tour was en route, time winding down, and me and Al wondering wether we'd ever make it to the famous lighthouse. It was then, when El Capitan said: "Lighthouse? We are anti-lighthouse!!" So, this is why we never got to see the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. ;o)