12/23

We are relaxing and enjoying our six days here in Ushuaia before our flight to New Zealand. The weather is generally cold and wet. This morning the ground was dry – so we rode the bike to Tierra del Fuego National Park and around, taking pictures of the sign with the mileage from Alaska to the end of the earth. We passed the cute train and horse riding stables with waiting tourists on our way into the park.

On our wander back, we walked narrative trails describing the creation of peat bogs, passed dozens of big soft bunnies (originally introduced from Europe), and enjoyed the very different flora. Lush conditions support small low growing ferns and bushes hugging the earth under gnarled Lenga trees infested with a variety of semi-parasitic plants and lichen, including Indian Bread that causes the tree to create burls. The forests reminded me of the Hanzel and Gretel story: deep, dark, frightening, with moss hung branches growing all the way to the ground, crooked and deformed by wind and disease.

The rain softly began to fall and the wind rose as we started to make our way out of the park. We stopped briefly for a lunch at a campground restaurant in the park next to a rushing river watched over by a number of local species of Austral Hawk - eight at first count, outside the window. It was refreshing to be on the bike, to feel the air, wind and rain and give our old muscles a workout. It has been several days since we rode and we thrive on the exercise and outdoor activity.

1.End of the earth sign 2.Peat bog 3.Tree fungus

 

After returning, the La Posta Hostel had a BarBQ (Argentine Paddrilla) for staff and guests. We joined the other drooling guests to watch Hector begin the cook fire by igniting a whole large bag of briquettes in the indoor grill. Pounds and pounds of beef, chicken, sausage were cooked to perfection, served at about 10:30pm. Bottles of wine and accompanied by salad and grilled sweet potatoes were readily consumed by a hungry crowd of 19 people who live or work at La Posta. What a feast we enjoyed plus the wonderful feeling of belonging to a family!

 

4.La Posta Hostel 5.Hector cooking on the barbie [note that A & J are already adopting Oz and Kiwi slang--gary] 6.BBQ Party

 

We awoke this morning to horrible winds shaking the roof and slamming the shutters and rain! But we donned our rain gear and warm clothes, heading downtown to shop for Christmas presents. We are going to be part of the La Posta Christmas dinner and gift exchange – another inclusive activity. I love Argentina!! Since we have been here we have been included in many festivities and family events as if we truly belonged. Far from home this kindness means so much.

Lucas, the owner’s son, asked if we would like a job. Several of the girls living here work at a 5 star hotel and they need an American to aid their food servers in making the American visitors feel more at home. So, we were offered the job of teaching the wait staff what Americans expected, plus pertinent English phrases. We were picked up, given a lovely lunch, worked with the staff and then turned loose in the spa to swim in a warm water pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, etc. all inside panoramic windows over-looking the Beagle Channel! We are scheduled for a role-playing session tomorrow, followed by a massage in the spa. Tough life, but someone has to do it!

7.Five star hotel 8.Teachers dresses to SPA! 9.Judee & Beagle Channel

 

12/24

We had little time in the morning before work, so we rode around the bay enjoying the port, seeing the Navy vessels, private sailboats, tour catamarans, and the huge cruise ships coming and going.

The evening Christmas party was anxiously awaited, so after work and massage, we headed back to La Posta for the big event. Everyone helped with preparations for dinner, danced around to Credence Clearwater (very Christmassy) and sat down to feast with 15 others at about 11 pm – opened gifts and toasted with champagne. We shared maté (the national drink of herbs) and played with a new radio controlled car. Several of the girls worked as wait staff and didn’t get to the party until almost 3am. Unfortunately, I was sound asleep before 2am and missed their arrival. (Judee)

12/25

Today we hopped on Bici in warmish, sunny weather! Is this really Ushuaia? We rode the steep incline to the chair lift where we chose to walk than ride to the Glacier Martial. The glacier was rather unexciting, but the view through the U-shaped valley cut by it and the view below was breathtaking. Our last session with the hotel was today, December 25, since we leave tomorrow. We’ve had a Merry Christmas and hope all you have, too!

1.Ushuaia from the harbor 2.Looking down from the glacier 3.Merry Christmas