End of the World

March 8, 2024 · by Dano · in Ushuaia

If you thought the 3.5hr bus ride was a killer, how about 8hrs! We had to bus it back to Punta Arenas to catch the bus to Ushuaia, Argentina to catch our ship to Antarctica. Yep, we’re finally going to Antarctica! After a quick overnight in Punta Arenas, back on the bus for Ushuaia (pronounced, “You schwie uh”)and an all day ride. Collette packed sandwiches, chips, water and most importantly, a bottle of wine for the long journey.

Time just flew by, before we knew it, we only had 7hrs 30 minutes to go. This is going to be a long day! The only excitement was clearing customs at the Argentine border. The process took every bit of 30 minutes. Smooth operation the bus guys have. They collect everyone’s passport, take them inside to the Chilean border patrol, get them cleared to leave and off we go. Didn’t even have to get off the bus!

Remember I said earlier that there were two border control gates, well this was just the first one, now we have about a mile before we get to the second one, the Argentine border. Apparently the Chileans and Argentines keep a mile or so of no-mans-land between them just because. Now it’s time to get through the second border crossing.

Everyone off the bus, line up and start the process. We had a nice young lady ask us a couple of questions, looked up to see if there were in fact two of us, handed back our passports and said goodbye. That process took less than 30 minutes. Back on the bus and off to Ushuaia.

Almost there, only 6hrs to go. Wow, time is just flying. I’ve already eaten my sandwich and half of Collette’s, the chips are gone, the cookies she had stashed are gone, and the wine is running low. Had to occupy myself. Did you know I can put my finger within 1/8” from Collette’s ear before she swats me. The woman in front of me is pretty rude. She actually doesn’t like me drumming on the back of the seat, go figure. Guy across the aisle doesn’t want to play guess the number, and everyone seems to be irritated by someone singing with earbuds on. Not me, I’m using my inside voice!

Finally, we make it Ushuaia. Pile out of the bus and head for our hotel. We had some problem finding our hotel but it all worked out. Got to our room, dropped our stuff off, and headed for the Hard Rock Café (yes, there’s an HRC in Ushuaia) for dinner.