We left Santiago, Chile on January 18th and flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a few days before we boarded Celebrity Eclipse to sail to Antartica.
This is the scene from the airplane leaving Santiago to fly over the Andes Mountains.We were staying in the lovely new area of Buenos Aires called Puerto Madero.Mixed into this area were gorgeous old buildings with the most intricate architecture.We did a lot of exploring by day and walking in this lovely area.This bridge was very unique and of course had shows from the street tango dancers on it.This is inside Galerias Pacificas a few blocks from our hotel. It’s new modern architecture was a contrast to the craziness of Florida Street outside.
Florida Street is an experience in itself. It’s lined with women and men calling out ‘cambio’ which means change. We checked out the rates with many of them and then chose a woman with a good rate. She took us downstairs to her “shop” where we gave her a $100 American bill and she gave us a huge stack of bills (the equivalent) in Argentinian pesos. We hustled back to the hotel with that. This area is known for people being robbed of their money and jewellery as is much of Buenos Aires.
Arriving into the beautiful port of Ushuaia, Argentina. It is most southerly city in the world.There were many other ships in port in Ushuaia – some of them heading to Antartica as well.We travelled out into the Tierra del Fuego National Park to board The Train to the end of the World.We passed multitudes of wild horses who lived happily on the lush grass in the area.The train stopped so we could do a small hike to some lovely waterfalls in the park.Coming into Cape Horn – the southern most tip of land in South America. This was around 6am and it was a gorgeous morning.Cape Horn is managed by a Chilean lighthouse keeper who lives here with his wife, 2 children and a cat. They have a 2 year posting here.
It was a truly spectacular and unusually wonderful day weather wise and the captain and naturalist on board were enjoying it so much that we spent extra time here taking in the beauty.
After crossing Drake Passage (which was relatively smooth) we arrived in Paradise Bay, Antartica.
The weather had been quite foggy and the crew were uncertain if it would be safe for us to proceed. At the last minute the fog lifted and were were treated to the wonderful sights and sounds of the stillness and beauty of Antartica.
Some of the beauty in Paradise Bay. There were many humpback and killer whales swimming all around the ship putting on a show for us.The ice formations had such beautiful blue colours throughout them.Enjoying the experience of the stillness and majesty of nature in Antartica.
After leaving Paradise Bay, Antartica we sailed through the Gerlache Strait on the way to Elephant Island, Antartica. From there we sailed to the Falkland Islands. We were warned that less than 50% of ships who enter The Falkland Islands are able to get people ashore because of inclement (often foggy) weather. We were thrilled to have a sunny day as we entered the port. We had to use tender boats to get from the ship to shore and because of the nice weather, it was a smooth process.
Walking through the powdery white sand to reach Yorke Bay beach and the penguins!We were so fortunate to be able to see 3 King Penguins! They are about 3 feet tall.Falkland Islands is home to the largest population on earth of the Gentoo Penguins and there were many here!The powdery white sand and crystal clear water along with the backdrop of sand dunes were a spectacular setting to see these awesome creatures.Being so close to the penguins with their calm nature was surreal.
Penguins are expert swimmers. We saw many juveniles who were moulting and were being taught to swim. They dive and frolic in the water similar to dolphins.
This King penguin walked all around us as if to say this is my space.The warm sun, beautiful beach and playful penguins made for an unforgettable experience.Port Stanley is filled with historic British architecture.Ken found 2 police ladies to visit with as they completed their walking rounds in Port Stanley.Our next port was Puerto Madryn, Argentina which is the gateway to Peninsula Valdes and Patagonia.Puerto Madryn has a gorgeous beach with a long Rambla along it to walk on.
This area is interesting as well because there is a large influence from Welsh settlers who came here in the 1800s. It has a small town feel and is very welcoming. We plan to come back to explore the area more fully and all the incredible wildlife that is here.
Police officers in Puerto Madryn cooling their horses.More street tango dancers in Puerto Madryn. This is so prevalent everywhere in Argentina.Enjoying the golden hour sunlight on our ship deck.
We are currently enjoying our last week in Punta del Este, Uruguay before we move on to Montevideo and then over to Mendoza. We will be exploring Northern Argentina after that before heading to Brazil.
Our next blog will highlight our time in Buenos Aires and area as well as Montevideo and Punta del Este in Uruguay.
Nice pictures…keep the adventures going…have fun stay healthy