Departure
Tuesday 4 December
Train and tram down to Edinburgh airport, plane to Paris. Approx 4 hrs to wait at CDG (though not far to walk through the terminal to the gate). DorlingKindersley guide to French cheese on sale in one of the shops. Plane for BA left at 23:45 (local time), very long flight (13 hrs 30 mins).
Wednesday 5 December
Arrive Buenos Aires approx 9:30, swiftly through Immigration (photo and thumb scan) and customs (luggage x-rayed on departure). Tiendaleon bus to Retiro (lots of police with riot shields waiting at road junctions on the way in). Arrived station, caught train to Tigre (many bike racks in the train, which were well used). Train very slow – massive engineering work going on, with a new elevated line being constructed. Walked to B&B (right opposite the ferry) – lovely family house with swimming pool (small) and lovely garden. Fell asleep for a couple of hours. Went for a walk around Tigre, tried (and failed) to buy ferry tickets. Ate at McDonalds.
Thursday 6 December
Leisurely start – lovely breakfast (fresh orange juice, tea, coffee, bread, cheese, pecan nuts (from the delta), fruit, homemade cake.
Had a little walk around Tigre – booked ferry tickets! – back to B&B, collected bags and walked to station. Train to Retiro – very busy, lots of bikes, people and two excellent violinists busking. Walked up Avienda de Libertador to hotel – small demo taking place, fortunately just beyond the hotel. Went to Hurtigruten briefing, had lunch (in hotel). Went out for a stroll, visited ATM (with over-sensitive touch screen) and supermarket, bought bread, tomatoes, brie (in a tin) and picniced in our room. Left bags outside door (for collection and delivery straight to the plane) and went to bed.
Friday 7 December
Breakfast at 7 (buffet), then waited in the lobby to be collected and taken to the airport (domestic), which was not far from the hotel – and right next to the river. Boarding passes had been handed out at the hotel, so we went straight to security and the gate. 3hr 40min flight to Ushuaia – views of wonderful scenery as we came in to land. Bus from the airport stopped at Aeroclub for our first view of Fram (docked along with several other cruise ships) and the town, then drove through town to the docks. Very windy and sunny, not cold. Boarded boat, checked in, gave medical cert. to the doctor, collected jacket. Found cabin, explored ship. Departure delayed by a couple of hours because the harbour was closed due to the strong winds. Buffet dinner, with a wide choice, all very good. Had boat safety drill (including donning a thermal survival suit). Finally left Ushuaia, and sailed along the Beagle Channel, which was reasonably calm.
