This morning started at 5 am. We jumped out of bed at the alarm, packed our pjs into our carry-ons, and headed down to breakfast. At breakfast, we met a few people (Nick and Lauren from Virginia, and Mary and Jim from Houston) Then it was time to board the bus to the airport and the plane to Ushuaia.
All is fine for us. We do not know if there were any midnight knocks on any doors last night. That would have been the awful news that “we’re sorry to inform you, but you tested positive and will be returning to the US immediately”— or maybe worse. Maybe they would not be allowed to return to the US, but would have to quarantine at this lovely Hilton, miss everything, and then return home. Maybe another solution would be to stay at the Hilton until they were clear, then book passages on another ship. We know that all ships have vacancies right now. The struggle to get here is only for strong, determined, daring, and healthy. While some might pass all the tests, they might see too much risk, while others just might not be fit enough to pass all the medical examinations. We may never know if anyone was positive and what was done about it— we can only guess.
After a lovely plane ride from BA, we arrived at the small beach town of Ushuaia. Surrounded by mountains and fairly cold and rainy— 50 degrees is a normal summer day here. Winter is deep in snow which is why everyone loves this place. No troubles. No reason to ever leave because the world comes here to either push off to Antarctica or ski!!
Boarding the ship was not as easy as stepping aboard, however. Before leaving the bus, we had to have our pictures taken and have a personal briefing. We learned that we will be wearing our masks for the whole trip, except while eating. We will be able to socialize, but only in groups of 6 or fewer—all fine. Onboard, we were welcomed warmly by lots of very cheerful crew members. I think we’re all happy we’re here. The ship is only a little over half full because of the situation—without all of us, there would be no cruise at all! We were ushered from station to station. First to have our temperatures taken, then to prepare us for the submarine rides (lots of focus here)—weight taken for ballast purposes and lots of paperwork. John is happy to be down many pounds—reward ahead for that. We also learned that cameras any bigger than a cell phone are not allowed on the submarine. Sad face since he just bought all new equipment for this trip.
We also had to deliver saliva samples. Since I was extremely thirsty, it took three times as long for me as for John. The ship’s doctor (a very nice Croatian man) finally took pity on me after my twenty small spits and only halfway to the mark— he took it as is. Now we go to our rooms and wait five hours for the results!
More on the submersible submarines: We have had to sign affidavits for boarding them acknowledging that we understand that there is an unlikely risk of suffocation, drowning, and other torturous ways to die aboard. We’ve had to declare that we are not claustrophobic and do not require aids to walk and that we understand that the opening is only 24 inches wide. Knowing all that, we happily signed away! Looking forward to giant squid and other swimmy creatures in the great deep—think “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”—oooo. (I’m a little sad that the likelihood of seeing a sperm whale is very—unlikely. Sigh.)
And I’ve been shopping already! My one and only chance to make a purchase in Ushuaia was at the airport, so I bought a penguin! John named her Maggie because she is a Magellanic penguin, one will see again in the flesh soon—we hope!
Our room is lovely, a bit smaller than on the Paul Gaugin, but fine. We were greeted with both champagne and wine, sandwiches, desserts, and lots of fruit. Knowing that we will probably be weighed again before boarding the submarine, we held back on the champagne and desserts!
Five hours in our room is going to be tough. I think the weekend in the hotel was just practice for the new reality, but no matter how rough the conditions, we are so happy to be here! Antarctica, here we come!
