Ushuaia is located in a wide bay on the southern coast of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and is the capital city of Argentinean Tierra del Fuego. Looming over the town to the north are the beautiful Martial mountain range, while to the south is the Beagle channel. Ushuaia is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world (fin del mundo), although Puerto Williams, which lies on the southern shore of the Beagle channel (on the Chilean island of Navarino), disputes this claim.
Internet access at the hostel Antarctica is virtually impossible, but I sit patiently and wait my turn. There does not appear to be a time limit, more of a guilt limit. Having been away from the news and gossip for the last few days, we check our e-mails to see whether anyone is missing us and the news feeds to catch up with the latest disasters, coups, and sporting events. Surprisingly all appears well with the world, so Christi and I spend a lazy morning at the hostel updating the never-ending diary. Later we explore Ushuaia, while alternately being snowed upon and feeling a waxing sun on our faces. Luckily there is no wind or rain. Clearly visible on a hill out of town in the green-roofed majestic hotel del glaciar. This luxurious abode is where Christi and I wish we were staying. We backpack out of necessity, not for pleasure! Ushuaia is full of tourist shops (with tempting last-minute offers on cruises to the Antarctic continent [US$3,500 for 11 days]) and restaurants that range from sushi to pasta and the by now familiar parillas. Christi chooses a parilla called La Estancia where we enjoy sumptuous succulent spit-roasted lamb. It’s one of the best meals of the journey so far.
Blog post by Roderick Phillips, author of Weary Heart – a gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching, laugh-wrenching story
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