Second Leg: The End of the World

Hola from Ushuaia, the end of the world!

A few hours here before we board the boat en route to Antarctica. Just enough time for postcards, lunch, and a short post on the blog.

Windswept pair. Colder here than Buenos Aires.

Ushuaia, fin del mundo.

Adiós (Almost), Buenos Aires

We're nearing the end of our second and last full day in Buenos Aires. While here, we learned about the history of the ciudad, drank Malbec, and caught a tango show - a local tradition. There was a lot of walking involved so my problematic knee and ankle are both giving me a bit of grief right now, but it's nothing a bit of stretching, room service and a quiet night in can't solve, I'm sure.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore was once a performance theatre.
In 2019, it was named the world's most beautiful bookstore by
National Geographic magazine.

Quark Expeditions' local travel representative was on site at the hotel today to answer any last minute questions and hand out boarding passes for our charter flight to Ushuaia tomorrow - otherwise known as the "city at the end of the world" (recall: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - second leg!). Looking forward to having the tour company take over from this point on.

Sidebar: the other night, I dreamed that I was running through Ushuaia looking for my parka to wear in Antarctica. Can't wait to see if the Ushuaia of my (literal, not even metaphorical) dreams looks anything like reality!

Our access to the connected world will be limited starting tomorrow. Hope to update you from the boat. If not, see you when we get back to civilization!

First Leg: Done

Hello from beautiful Buenos Aires!

It was a little surreal walking around last night - kind of like, "Holy shit. Are we really in South America?" Really though, I blame our dreamlike state on massive jet lag.

The journey so far:

• Vancouver to Toronto = 4.5 hours
• Toronto to Santiago = 9.5 hours
• Santiago to Buenos Aires = 2 hours

Therefore, to get here it only took 16 hours in the air plus all of the time spent in airports! Ain't no thang (yeah right).

Thankfully, we wandered around a little last night and found somewhere to have a big meal, which, combined with our overall lack of sleep, contributed to us sleeping 10 hours straight last night. Bueno.

Side note: Upon landing in Argentina, the flight crew was required to spray some kind of disinfectant on the plane, which kind of stunk. Too bad we didn't have any face masks on us.

In Other News
Woke up to the news that Kobe Bryant and his daughter were killed in a helicopter crash last night. Sad for the basketball community to lose a GOAT. #RIPMamba

Also, there is now one confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Ontario. Scary stuff.

Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

First Leg!

Hello from YVR International Airport!

Legs
I don't know if it's a result of years of running long distance, but I've been thinking about this trip in legs. For example:

• Vancouver to Toronto to Santiago to Buenos Aires - first leg. 
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia - second leg.
• The boat - third leg.

Then everything in reverse, but lumped together because that's "on the way home" which is inherently less exciting.

Treat Yo'self
We chose to treat ourselves and stayed at the Fairmont YVR last night, just to avoid having to get up really early for the mad dash to the airport. And what a joy that decision was. We managed to avoid the deluge that took place yesterday morning/early afternoon and again this morning, and even had the opportunity to sleep in (which for us normally means 7 AM anyway, but we would've had to get up earlier if we hadn't stayed in the airport last night).

Coronavirus Observations
Seeing a lot of people in masks around Vancouver - on the train to the airport last night - and also in the airport today. Hate to break it to these folks, but the masks are going to do nothing (probably). First of all, not enough is known about the transmission of the Coronavirus to be clear on how it is spread. Second, only N95 masks (like the ones worn in surgical environments) protect a wearer from breathing in potentially hazardous materials - but even then, this is usually small particles found in the air and not necessarily germs.

Again, did I mention not enough is known about how the Coronavirus is transmitted??

Perhaps I'm being too harsh, though. If wearing a mask that is technically useless makes these people feel more comfortable, then fine. So what if I think it's pointless and asinine and flies in the face of current science and knowledge. Whatever.

Not to say that I'm not worried about the virus. Of course I am. Just - I'm not going to start wearing a mask simply because I feel the need for a senseless security blanket.

No masks in these bags.
© Matthew Boulton

Gettin' 'er Done

Leaving day is almost here! And I still have so much to do!

Packing is (mostly) done. Devices are charged. Emergency entertainment has been downloaded. Cleaning and laundry still to do. I have to drop off Maple bun at the vet. And - I'd love to get one last workout or yoga class in, if possible. Where does one find the time?

Thankfully, I have today off. I can make it happen!

Will try and post from the "road" although, while this blog is supposed to enable sharing with all of you while we're away, we'll be in a place that is largely cut off from civilization and with very limited connectivity. The irony is not lost on me.

Oh well. I'll update when I can!

Preparing for the "Drake Shake"

© Quark Expeditions

No, this has nothing to do with the way Canadian musician Drake dances (wow, that was terrible, haha - but I apologize for nothing!).

On our travels, we will have to cross the Drake Passage - the body of water between South America's Cape Horn and the northernmost point of the Antarctic Peninsula. This can take anywhere from 36-48 hours depending on conditions. According to Quark Expeditions:

The propensity for high winds in the region can cause rough seas, and conditions sometimes referred to as the “Drake Shake.” Conversely, the “Drake Lake” is occasionally encountered when the passage is calm. Many people consider the Drake Passage a rite of passage on their voyage to the Antarctic.

Drugs, drugs, drugs

In many of their travel materials as well as in the video below, Quark Expeditions warns travellers to prepare for sea sickness - so I loaded up at the pharmacy last week.

I'd also love to hear about other remedies for motion sickness. What has worked for you? Message me or comment below!

Penguin Wallpapers (Alternate Title: I am a Crazy Penguin Lady)

Many years ago, a design-minded friend got me interested in changing my desktop calendars and wallpapers each month.

There are many designers who create wallpapers, but instead of seeking out individual designs, I tend to pick and choose from those compiled each month by Smashing Magazine.

Why do I mention this? Because I purposely downloaded a number of penguin-related wallpapers to get me through January until we leave - which, by the way, is in 9 days! Thought some of you might want to download for your own enjoyment and viewing pleasure. Here are some of my current favourites - so cute, right??

© Melissa Bogemans

© Veronica Valenzuela

© Veronica Valenzuela