Last week I showed off a boat tour in Bariloche that you can take to explore the lakes  in the area.  One of the stops on the trip shows off this innocuous cabin in the woods. Does it look familiar? It might. Apparently Walt Disney traveled to Bariloche. Upon seeing this cabin, the locals claim that he was inspired to write Bambi. I’m not sure if it’s true or not. But, it makes for a great local legend and gives you something memorable to tell your friends when you get home. Whether or not we can thank the Argentines for inspiring Bambi is unclear. But, I can thank them for inspiring today’s Suh-Weet shot.

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The Cabin That Inspired Bambi is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Bariloche is a favorite spot in Argentina whether it’s in the summer or winter. Blessed with mountains and lakes, it’s an adventure lovers paradise. I spent a month here during my break skiing, one of my goals during my career break. On one of my days off, I took a long boat trip on the lakes around Bariloche. It was a cold, clear day. But, it was beautiful. During our trip I managed to capture this Suh-Weet Shot of our boat returning to pick us up. After spending several active days in Bariloche, you will need a day of relative rest. Be sure to take a boat tour ont he lakes to see another side of the area.

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Boating the Lakes Near Bariloche is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

One of my goals on my career break was to learn how to ski. Given that I was going to spend a lot of time in Argentina, I headed to Bariloche to ski for about three weeks. I signed up for week-long lessons and then I was on my own. Almost every day for 3 weeks, this welcomed me in the morning when I arrived and waited for me when I came down from the mountain. Inside the building with the bright green roofs on the left was a coffee shop where I enjoyed a hot beverage and read the paper after my runs. One day while out walking around the ski village, I got this Suh-Weet shot.

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Bariloche Ski Village is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

So, I recently found out that Eva Peron and I share a birthday. And oddly, the day of her death falls on my mom’s birthday. As an icon in Argentina who is still remembered and revered, I wanted to put this Suh-Weet Shot up of her mausoleum entrance around a significant date in her life. Well, I couldn’t very well put it up on mom’s birthday now could I? Born on May 7, she became a global icon whose image was shaped and solidified (for better or worse) by Andrew Lloyd Webber. When you visit Buenos Aires, the Recoleta Cemetery is typically part of the tourist’s route. Just follow the crowds and you’ll wind up at her resting place. If you really want to learn more about her, take a cab or a longer leisurely stroll to the Evita Museum from Recoleta (I’ve walked it. It is possible). There’s a good deal about her early life, time as the first lady of Argentina as well as information about the whole sordid affair of her body being stolen and missing for years. Tonight I won’t cry for you Eva, but I just might raise a glass of Malbec to you.

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Evita’s Mausoleum in the Recoleta Cemetery is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

I spent a lot of time traveling in Argentina on my career break and a big part of that was in Buenos Aires. Most of my Spanish studies was in this city and when I wasn’t in class or doing homework, I was out exploring on foot. Bordering Recoleta, this big steel flower whose proper name is the Floralis Genérica sits in a large park perfect for reading or having a picnic. It’s mechanized and opens during the day and closes at night. But, I just read that it’s no longer closing its bud at night. I’m not sure if there’s a mechanical problem that hasn’t been fixed yet or is indicative of broader financial problems of the country. Regardless, you can get a good view of the city from the park and this one that I captured is worthy of today’s Suh-Weet Shot.

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The Big Steel Flower of Buenos Aires is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Time to tango? Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

This clock tower has an interesting history in Buenos Aires. It sits opposite the Malvinas War Memorial, commemorating the Falklands War against the British in the 1980s. Before the war, it was known as the Tower of the English. But, when war broke out, its name was changed to Torre Monumental, or Monument Tower, despite the fact that it was a gift from the local English community to the city in 1910 celebrating Argentina’s independence from Spain. But, politics is a full contact sport as you’ll discover while traveling in Argentina.  I like this shot because it captures the flag that actually flies on the grounds of the Malvinas War Memorial. Enjoy this week’s Suh-Weet shot from Buenos Aires.

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Clock Tower in Buenos Aires is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Photo Credit: Diego3336

But after living and traveling in Argentina for over 6 months in 2007, I came to realize a couple of things about the myth that Argentinean steak is ¨the best.¨

1. The range of Argentinean cuisine isn’t very broad. Steak, pizza, milanesa and pasta. These four dishes probably account for what the vast majority of Argentines are eating today. As a result, steak gains a prominent place in a small menu of options.
2. You can get fabulous steaks in Argentina. But, I found that the “average” middle-of-the-road steak in Argentina could be beat in Chile or Brazil. Sure, for the right price, you can get any level of quality. I prefer to base my judgements on something more accessible to the average person.

But, there’s more to the story…The deck is stacked…

I grew up in a house with a national champion BBQer. In 1982, my dad won the National Pork Cookoff Championship sponsored by the National Pork Board. While pork may have won that day, his grilling “chops” extend to steak, chicken, turkey, goat. You name it, dad can make BBQ out of it. So, he sort of ruined me for eating steak and other grilled meats out in restaurants.

Of course, having all that meat basted with his award-winning sauce doesn’t hurt. Here’s a summary of why I find dad’s grilled meats superior, why my palate is ruined for other qualified meat suitors meat and why I’m a steak snob.

Low Heat-Long Grill Times

Slow cookin' on a big pit is the name of the game. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

BBQing days are marked by an early start. 6AM, maybe even 5AM, depending on when the BBQ is to be served. The fire is lit using large chunks of mesquite wood harvested from the area. Ones the flames die down, the fire-red and orange coals are spread below a huge pit. As the burn away, they are topped off with more embers throughout the day. Those hot embers produce a warm, constant heat that slowly roasts your meat of choice. It’s what locks in the moisture, the smoky flavor and keeps the meat tender.

Sauce

Basted turkey thighs. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

You can’t have a BBQ in the south without sauce. Dad’s is a vinegar, tomato-based sauce with just a touch of sugar, not enough to make it sweet like sauces from the Carolinas. Rather, it’s just enough to balance out the tang from the vinegar and tomatoes. After the meat’s been on the pit for a couple of hours, it’s time to baste it. And, of course, there’s always a pourable gravy server filled with extra sauce on the table to top it off once you’re served.

Quality Cuts

Gotta Start With Good Meat. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

You can’t make good BBQ without a good cut of meat. Growing up in a small town, fresh meat was never a problem. This is the single biggest problem eating steak out, you are never sure where you’re meat comes from. Back home, you often know the farmer and ranch your meat came from.

It’s Always an Event

Ribs. 'Nuff said. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

There’s just something about a BBQ. People go friggin’ nuts. It almost doesn’t even matter how often you eat BBQ or grilled meats. There’s something about cooking meat on a pit that drives people crazy. A typical BBQ back in Texas is usually served potluck. So, people will bring over every kind of salad and side dish you can imagine, including my least favorite: golden glow jello salad. Honestly, who the hell decided that putting carrots in orange jello was a good idea? And yet people keep making it. It’s like the fruitcake of Texas BBQs. Anyway, I digress. There’s always a pastry chef in the crowd who will bring pies, cakes, cookies…´cuz who doesn’t need some sugar after all that meat and side dishes?

A small spread by Texas standards. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

So, sorry Argentina. I love you. But you just can’t compete for my palate with your steaks. Now your ice cream, coffee, medialunas, empanadas and malbec on the other hand…

I do bring a little bit of Argentinean spirit to the table...even if the wine's from California. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Today my dad turns 70. This post is dedicated to him. Happy birthday dad. See you soon!

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Why I’m a Steak Snob and Not In Love With Argentinean Steak is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

At the Perito Moreno Glacier on coooold day. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Saturday, February 16th, I said goodbye to Puerto Natales and temporarily, Chile.  I boarded the bus for El Calafate, Argentina, site of one of the most impressive glaciers around.  After a more than 6 hour bus ride, I arrived at the bus station to find my friend Matt waiting.  After dumping my bags at the hostel, we headed out for a steak dinner in town.  The town was larger than I expected, very touristy, and upscale.

We awoke to a cold Sunday morning which soon warmed up around noon.  We found a tourist agency that could take us to the Perito Moreno glacier later that day and take us up to El Chaltén, our next stop further north, up Route 40.  At 3, we boarded our bus to head to Los Glaciers National Park, home of the Perito Moreno glacier, among others.

The glacier is impressive. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

From seeing pictures of the glacier, I knew it would be impressive, but being next to it in person was even more awe-inspiring. It is 30km/19mi long and 4.5km/3mi wide. The glacier is moving and still growing.  I was surprised since many of the glaciers I have seen are in retreat from global warming.  As the glacier approaches the land, pieces small and large break off with thunderous sounds hinting at the impending break.  We stood and watched the glacier for about and hour waiting patiently for the next piece to crack and fall.

Loved it when the glacier calved. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Monday, we boarded our early bus for the long bus ride to El Chaltén, Argentina’s youngest town with only 22 years in existence.  It borders a mountain range that includes the stunning Fitz Roy mountain.  It was just as impressive as the mountain range of Torres Del Paine.  The entire town sits in the northern zone of Los Glaciers National Park and before entering, everyone gets an orientation session with the park ranger.

Mount Fitz Roy. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

Matt and I found a cheap hostel where we could dump most of our stuff.  We were here to trek and camp so other than a little bit of clothing, food, our tent and sleeping bags, we didn’t need much.  After a quick stop at the grocery store, we headed north on foot to the trailhead leading into the mountains.  The skies were mostly clear but the area was marked by a strong wind coming off the mountains.  After a beautiful 2.5 hour march, we arrived at the Poincenot campsite.  My legs were still good to go, but my back was definitely ready for the stop.  We were prevented from hiking out another hour to see a glacier beyond the camp due to bad weather on the mountains.

Proof I really did the hike. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

That night, it rained and we awoke to cloudy skies and intermittent rain still falling.  Our option for a hike out to mountain lake region was stifled.  So, the only decision became, do we continue on to the next camp site where the skies looked better?  Frustrated by the prospect of having to stay at the same campsite for a second night, we marched on.  The first hour we walked in the rain, but then we walked out of the affected area.  By, the time we reached the De Agostini campsite, the sun was out.  We got our tent up quickly and the rains came again.  We were mostly protected and they passed and did not return.  Near the campsite was a large mountain glacier, whose runoff fed the river nearby.  Out of water and with the recommendation of the park ranger, I went to the river to refill my water bottle with the fresh glacial water.  It was cold and clear with a grayish blue hue signaling the potential for a strong mineral taste.  But, there was none, only the taste of pure water.

This river that sprung from the melting glacier was our water source. It was pretty yummy. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Wednesday morning we awoke to a sunny day.  I went out to take some pictures of the glacier which shined brilliantly on the mountain.  We headed out of the camp toward El Chaltén.  I enjoyed the trip and the camping and was glad that I finally had completed my first true trek.  Granted, it was easy as far as treks go.  But, I didn’t care.  I had wanted to do a trek for a while and with Matt as my trekking sensei, I was prepared and in good hands.  I also felt vindicated for not having trekked the trail in Torres Del Paine.  After getting back to the hostel, we showered, bought a few groceries for dinner.  After dinner we went to bed.  The hostel had 12 people per room situated on 3-stacked high bunks.  The room that night featured a snoring orquestra between 2 snorers and a Belgian woman who sang and yelled in her sleep.  I finally fell asleep and for all I know, I may have joined in the orquestra.

One of the many rivers we came across while hiking. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Thursday, we boarded the bus for the long trip up to our next stop, the town of Perito Moreno (not the glacier).  From there we would be able to cross back into Chile to start up the famed Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway.  On the map, it doesn’t look that far between El Chaltén and Perito Moreno, but with a gravel road most of the way, speed was limited and it was a 12 hour drive – 13 for us since we had to stop to change a blow-out suffered on the road.  The landscape on the east side of the Andes is barren and dry.  It extends all the way to the Atlantic Coast and was almost the same I had seen near Puerto Madryn, except this was even drier with even less vegetation.  One stop was at the Estancia Siberia; I thought it was appropriately named.  Tired and haggard, we checked into our hostel and got some much needed sleep.  The next day we would be crossing back into Chile and with no information yet on how we would do it, we would need the sleep.

Originally Published February 23, 2008

Camping Amongst the Glaciers and Mountains is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

Punta Cuevas, Caves Point near Puerto Madryn. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

I arrived in Puerto Madryn late on December 22.  After checking in, I got online and had a quick chat with mom, dad and my friends Tim and Robin who were up in Fredericksburg for some of dad’s BBQ.  I got up on the 23rd and headed into town to check into tours and to find out about renting a car to get around.  The points of interest are far outside of Puerto Madryn and the thought of an organized tour repulsed me after the one I had through the national park in Ushuaia.  I didn’t want to be led and forced into a timeframe.  I wanted to enjoy the sites at my own pace.

There are 2 big attractions in the vicinity. The first is the large penguin colony in Punto Tombo – 70,000 penguins in the largest Magellan penguin colony in the Americas.  It is baby season so it was perfect for viewing the penguins with their newborns.  The second is the national park of Peninsula Valdez.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its bay is where the whales come to breed and have their babies.  Only, I arrived at the end of the season and wasn’t sure if I would still be able to see anything. The best option seemed to be to rent a car and try to find others in the hostel interested in sharing the cost.

Penguins at Punto Tumbo, one of the largest colonies in the world. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On the 24th, I headed for the beach.  The beaches were long and wide with a dark brown sand that turned the water a darker color close to the shore.  But, as the ocean depth deepened, the water turned a beautiful aqua blue eventually morphing into a deep ocean blue further out.  The beach curved further down and I decided to head to see the point of the curve.  That point was called Punta Cuevas, or Caves Point.  The tide was low exposing several caves under the cliff above.  I continued walking until I found a place to sit and enjoy the day.  When I was ready to head back, the tide came in and closed off my walking trail back to town.  So, I had to do a little creative trekking to get back around Punta Cuevas and eventually back to town.  That night we had a potluck dinner at the hostel and got the chance to meet the other travelers.  I found 3 others interested in going with me in the car to sightsee, Mary Lou from Oz, and Laura and Clare from England.

Feeding time on Punto Tumbo. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

The 25th was a laid-back day with everyone hanging out at the hostel reading or heading to the beach.  On the 26th, we got the car at 9AM and headed off to Punto Tombo, the site of the penguins.  We arrived and spent 2.5 hours walking around the park.  The setup and access to the penguins reminded me of the Galapagos where we were able to walk through the animals.  The deeper in we went, the more penguins we saw.  I have this image of penguins only living in cold, snowy climates. But, these guys were happy in their holes typically dugout under a small shrub or tree for added protection from the elements.  We saw babies of all sizes from the newest of newborns to some that we almost matured into adults.  We saw a couple of feedings which were entertaining.  As the mom regurgitates the fish she ate while in the ocean earlier that day, the babies (usually 2) were positioned behind her fighting each other for as much food as possible.  I guess sibling rivalry is not limited to humans.

Heading out to get food from the sea. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

After a quick lunch, we headed up the coast to Playa Union (Union Beach) to try to see the dolphins.  There is a species here that are black and white like small orcas called toninas.  Unfortunately, the excursions only go in the morning so we left empty-handed.  We then headed off to a small town inland called Gaiman.  The town was settled originally by a group of Welsh immigrants and is known for the high teas it serves at a few tea houses.  We found one that had been visited by Princess Di in 1995. Laura, Clare and Mary Lou gave me an education on the history of tea in British society which led into a discussion on class and royalty.  I broke the social rules by not taking sugar and milk with my tea.  They then broke the rules by asking for a doggy bag for the remaining cakes (not that I objected).

On the 27th, we got up early and left for Peninsula Valdez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to a large whale breeding site in its Golfo Nuevo, New Gulf.  We headed for Puerto Pirámides (Port Pyramids) to check out the whaling excursions.  We missed the morning one so we booked for the afternoon trip leaving us about 5 hours to explore the peninsula.  As it turned out, that was probably about 4.5 hours too long.

Coastline off the eastern coast of Peninsula Valdez. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

To say that there is nothing to see on the land in this part of Patagonia is an understatement.  All of the action (and I do mean ALL) happens on the shores.  The marinelife is rich, wonderful and dynamic – whales (in season), penguins, elephant seals and sea lions.  The situation on land is diametrically opposed.  The landscape is a virtual wasteland with a few farm animals and the occasional guanaco (like a llama). Seriously, the landscape is mind-numbing.

We passed a couple of respectable salt flats that were too far off the road to explore.  I have no idea why these aren’t opened up to the public.  The park really could use more attractions.  We made it to the windy southeastern coast at Punta Delgada.  Below we saw several elephant seals on the shore.  We couldn’t get too close, but we has a nice view.  We then headed up the shore towards the middle of the peninsula toward Punta Cantor.  Here we were able to see a spectacular coastline filled with more elephant seals which we could get much closer to.  After a quick windy lunch, we headed back to Puerto Pirámides.  We really had to work hard that morning to arrive somewhere with something worthwhile to see.

Lots of scrub brush and nothing on Peninsula Valdez. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On the way back, I tried to stop our cynicism which had built up all morning about the peninsula.  So, I said, “Well, the one good thing about the peninsula is that I bet the sunrises are stunning.”  Clare fell into laughter and it started a banter between us about what the one good thing was about the peninsula.  We laughed the entire ride back to Puerto Pirámides with our biting sarcastic humor.

We headed out into the gulf and, unfortunately, we saw no whales.  The outfit was very upfront that we probably wouldn’t see whales.  But, it didn’t help that the boat went the worst possible way away from the migratory patterns of the whales.  So, it was a self-fulling prophesy.  I’m not convinced that they really tried.  Next time, I know to ask.  We headed back to the hostel where I returned the car.  Clare and I said goodbye to Mary Lou and Laura who were leaving for Bariloche.  We then headed off to have a great seafood meal – fish, calamari, mussels, oysters all grilled or sauteed – which we complemented with a nice bottle of wine.  It was a nice way to end my stay in Puerto Madryn.

Seals chilling on the beach of Peninsula Valdez. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On the 28th I got up and caught a flight to BA.  I ran a couple of quick errands in the city and then headed off to the international airport to catch my flight to Santiago.  The car went the long way through the city which bugged me a little even though I was charged a fixed price.  As we went through the city, I relaxed. We passed through Avenida 9 de Julio, site of the Obelisk.  It was a nice farewell tour and I felt sad for leaving Argentina again.  I spent so much time here this year that even though I didn’t make a ton of friends here, I did feel like I made it my own.  And, not only BA, I also really saw a large chunk of Argentina from the Andean northwest to the tropical northeast down to Tierra del Fuego with many places in between like the ski country in Bariloche, the wine country of Mendoza and Manu’s hometown of Bahia Blanca.

Now I head off to Chile where I will be until May (at least).  In Santiago I have a good friend base to start and anticipate an active social life in the city.  I also plan to take a photography class in January and travel the country fully in February.  So, while I’m sad to leave Argentina, I am really looking forward to being back in Chile and making it my own too.

Originally Published December 29, 2007

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Playing with Penguins and Whales (Almost) is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures

City of Ushuaia from the Beagle Channel. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

My last couple of weeks in BA were fairly laid back.  I kept up at the gym and added some spinning to my regimen.  So, I had 5 workouts a week with my trainer, 5 cardio sessions and the occasional spin session.  I’ve been really good about the gym and eating well so I’ve been taking off a lot of weight.  The plan is to continue in Santiago and see how far I can get.  I’ve been good about keeping control over the weight I have.  I just need some dedicated gym time to take off what’s still left.

Southernmost train in the world going to the end of the Panamericana Highway. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

I had some friends out from Chile the first weekend in December.  So, I played tour guide again – maybe I can should stay here and do city tours.  I’m getting quite good at it.  The best was going out with my friends.  BA has such an incredible nightlife and I’ve hardly taken as much advantage as I should have.  But, school and gym kept me fairly busy and tired!  Friday night we went out to Amerika.  Saturday, after a dinner at a tango show bar, Mariela and I went to Pachá, regarded as one of the best clubs in the city.  We hated it though – everyone was more interested in how they looked and who was looking at them rather than kicking back and enjoying themselves.  So, we would up at The Living Room where we danced to music from the 90s…until 5ish (typical of BA).  So, after seeing the sun come up on my walk back home, I went to bed.

Lago Roca in the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Saturday, December 15, I grabbed my 5:30AM flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.  I had quite a shock when I ran into two Spaniards I met in Iguazu back in October, Carmen and Paolo.  It turned out that they were headed to Ushuaia and that we were staying at the same hostel.  This stuff never happens to me.

I got checked into the hostel, dropped my stuff off and headed into Ushuaia.  It’s a cute little town that’s apparently grown significantly over the past couple of years – aided by the government designating it as a tax-free zone.  After lunch, I headed to a travel agency to book my tours in Ushuaia, one to the National Park and the other was a boat cruise on the Beagle Channel.  I also got information on a last minute deal to Antarctica that I wanted to think about.

Lago Verde in the Tieera Del Fuego National Park. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

I met up with the Spaniards and the rest of their crew and we hung out the rest of the day.  The hostel was a total social and party place.  It was great meeting up with people from all over, Spain, Brazil, the US, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand.  Every night was a party; I think I may remember Ushuaia as much for that as for the scenery.

On Sunday, I got up and went to my tour through the National Park.  Our first stop was to take the “End of the World Train” which passes through the park on the last few kilometers of the Pan American highway whose other end is in Alaska.  After seeing some amazing scenery, we boarded our bus again to pass through other parts of the park.  I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to walk more.  But, the scenery was amazing nonetheless.  Afterwards, I treated myself to a king crab lunch – the area’s specialty.

Penguins in the Beagle Channel. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Monday, I got up to go sailing on the Beagle Channel.  The weather was quite cold and windy, but the views were spectacular.  I went out on a double decker catamaran with only about 20 people.  As we sailed away from Ushuaia, we had an incredible view of the town against the mountains that border it to the north.  Our first stop was Isla de los Aves, or the bird island to see the Cormorans.  Our next stop was Isla Lobos, Sea Lion Island.  I’m a little sea-lioned-out after the Galapagos.  But, it’s always fun to see them playing around.  We then headed further out the channel to pass the old historic lighthouse.  It was smaller than I expected but I got some great shots of it.  Our final stop of the day was to the Estancia Harberton one of the first farms in the region.  It no longer is a working farm, but it has been maintained as it was back in the 1800s.

Me by the sign in Ushuaia. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

After returning to Ushuaia, I headed to the travel agency to book the Antarctica trip.  I figured that I was so close that I should take the opportunity to see the unspoiled continent.  After completing the paperwork, I returned to the hostel, got online and started canceling my trips to other parts of Patagonia that I had booked since the trip would be leaving on Wednesday.  On Tuesday, I returned to the travel agency to learn that by the time my information reached the boat company, the “last minute” spots had been sold.  I was disappointed, but didn’t regret giving it a shot.  All it means is that I wasn’t meant to go right now.  I decided to stay in Ushuaia a few more days and go directly to Puerto Madryn from Ushuaia.

The rest of the week was fairly laid back during the day.  But, at night, the hostel really hummed.  We had a big blow out the night before the Spaniards left on Wednesday.  Then, on Thursday, we had a big BBQ with lamb, beef, beer, caipirinhas and wine.  This week I saw 3 sunsets – granted the sun rises much earlier here, but still, I am so not used to this.

Ushuaia at 11PM on the Equinox, December 22, 2007. Copyright CareerBreakSecrets.com

On Thursday, Gustavo (Brazilian) and I took a 10km walk to Playa Larga (Long beach).  It followed the channel and we got some great shots of the channel and of Ushuaia from afar.  We also came upon some Germans traveling in a Winnebago they had imported into the Americas from Europe.  Friday was the equinox, here the longest day of the year.  So, I wanted to see the sunset at the southernmost city in the world on the longest day of the year.  Unfortunately, mother nature didn’t provide a spectacular sunset as others had been during the week, but I still got some nice pics of the city at night.

The weather here is completely crazy.  I’ve been to a lot of places where the weather changes quickly.  But, here is the place where it’s the most noticeable of them all.  One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s windy and overcast.  The next it might be raining and then be back to sunny.  It’s crazy.  The topography of the area and its geographic proximity (54° 48′ 0″ South, 68° 18′ 0″ West) make the weather completely unpredictable while at the same time offering multiple micro-climates.

I had a great week although I probably could’ve spent a day or two less here given the activities available.  But, the social aspect was excellent having met some great people who were all intent on having a good time.  Now it’s off to Puerto Madryn to see the penguins and if I’m lucky, a whale or two.

Originally Published December 22, 2007

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Leaving BA for the Bottom of the World is a post from: Career Break Secrets: Travel show, independent travel blog and advice for career breaks and around the world travel adventures