To The Southernmost City In The World – Ushuaia!

After cruising Cape Horn , we arrived in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Started out as a penal colony for Argentina’s worst prisoners, Ushuaia lands a spot as one of the country’s popular summer destinations. It is a pit stop for cruise ships on expedition voyages to the Antarctic.

We knew weeks before that 7 other cruise ships were also scheduled to visit Ushuaia the same day we arrived – 4 ships were to go alongside and 4 others were to stay at anchorage. So, we already imagine what Ushuaia would be like when we get there. We’re one of those to remain at anchor and the only way for passengers and crew to land ashore was through the ship’s tenders.

Our visit in Ushuaia wasn’t one of our best experience. It could have been another one of our bests if not all four ships doing tendering operation share just only one tender platform. I could understand why our guests were so upset on returning back to ship – but that was beyond our control. Apart from that, everything in Ushuaia that day was nothing to complain. The weather, the scenery – just great!

I learned that 7 degrees Celsius or 45 degrees Fahrenheit is considered very warm in Ushuaia. Of course I disagree because that is extremely cold for me but it is what it is!

The weather also changes very fast in Ushuaia. In one day, you’ll have summer, spring, autumn and winter. Of course I am just kidding but what I mean is that in Ushuaia the weather changes CONSTANTLY.

Here are some facts about Ushuaia I read somewhere:

1. The longest day starts with sunrise at 5 AM and ends with sunsits at midnight. The shortest day starts with sunrise at 10 AM and ends with sunsits at 5 PM.

2. This area was named by Magellan. I’m sure everyone knows who Magellan was – the same guy who discovered the Philippines. Here’s the story: In 1520 when Magellan looked out from his ship and saw smoke from the island, he thought the land was burning so he named it “Land of Smoke.” He didn’t realize that the smoke was from the fires of the indigenous people. It was later changed to “Land of Fire.”

3. Most homes in Ushuaia doesn’t have airconditioning units as it doesn’t get hot enough here.

4. Gas is used for heating homes.

5. The city does not have enough doctors, engineers and other professionals, so the government offer enticing incentives (house, car, tax incentives, to name such) just to get professionals to move over here. Am wondering if Ushuaia needs second officers too 🙂 🙂 🙂

Departing Ushuaia on the same day, we’re more than excited to get back into the seas, sail south and to the waiting Antarctic!