On Wednesday morning our ship docked in Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is on the little dislocated piece of Argentina in the very south, on the main island of Tierra del Fuego. The islands of Patagonia known as "Tierra del Fuego" (Land of Fire) were so named by the first European explorers because when they sailed through the channels, the land was engulfed in smoke from the fires of the natives. Today, nothing remains of the native culture, having been entirely wiped out by the Europeans in a matter of years.
A note about the Mare Australis before we leave her: I can't recommend it enough for anyone interested in Patagonia. The rooms were comfortable and extremely clean and well-maintained, the staff was knowledgeable and helpful, and the food - ah, the food. I have never willingly eaten so much steak, but they really had the best of the entire journey, cooked perfectly - kind of melt-in-your-mouth. There was also king crab night, where I finished 3 plates of those who didn't want theirs (weird!), a Chilean specialty buffet lunch.... and scrumptious desserts. I think we all gained a few pounds aboard.
After a early departure from the ship and a short walk through Tierra del Fuego National Park, we boarded a plane headed north for El Calafate, Argentina. Between the lush coastal forests of Southern Patagonia and El Calafate (which is located at the foot of the Argentinian / East side of the Andes), we crossed the dusty brown expanse of the Patagonian Steppe, another one of the 4 distinct areas of Patagonia. On this flight I could really see how Patagonia is one of the least populated places on earth.
Above photo: Ushuaia looks a lot like Alaska, doesn't it? The comparisons were everywhere, and I am sure the guides get tired of hearing it!
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