Home > Still Traveling > Archives > 2007 > January
January 2007
Coffee, tea or meth?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A friend of mine forwarded me an email that suggests you might get more than coffee or tea if you make coffee or heat water in a hotel room’s pot. Seems that methamphetamine users might be using the pots to heat the drug.
The report was aired on WAFF 48 News in Alabama. Here is a link to the [story] (http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=5980064&nav=menu6215). It does appear to be legit, even to my skeptical mind. Do any of you know about this? What do you think? Do you use hotel room coffee pots regularly? I do, and it never occurred to me to do anything more than rinse them out.
Here’s the email that was forwarded to me: Ask just about anyone in law enforcement, and they will tell you to be careful if you ever brew coffee in a hotel room. Marshall County (Alabama) District Attorney Steve Marshall was quoted as saying, “I know enough now that whenever I go to a hotel, regardless of how nice it is, I’ll never use a coffee pot. The story explains that coffee pots are sometimes used to brew methamphetamine. And since meth labs in hotels aren’t anything new, Rick Phillips of the Marshall County Drug Enforcement Unit was cited as saying there’s definitely a risk, adding, “The coffee makers that you find in every motel room is an ideal heat source. They mix it up in the coffee pot, put it on a heat source and let it sit there and cook.” The story says that the problem is residue from chemicals such as red phosphorus and iodine. “Typical sickness and issues that would come with any chemical exposure, simple nausea, vomiting to maybe a hospital visit,” said Phillips. Phillips says it’s pretty easy to tell if a coffee pot has been used to cook meth. It will have a dark reddish-orange stain. You should also be skeptical if there’s a chemical odor when you walk in the room.
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Throw the family from the plane?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AirTran Airways has landed in the middle of a controversy after flight attendants last week escorted a family from a plane headed for Boston.
The couple and child, a 3-year-old girl, were asked to leave after the child threw a tantrum and wouldn’t get in her seat, as flight regulations require, for takeoff. The plane was delayed 15 minutes while the little girl balked. Read the story …
What do you think? Were the flight attendants in the right to ask the family to get off when they couldn’t get the child in her seat and buckled up? As a parent, do you side with the family’s dilemma? Have you been on a flight or in a restaurant with children who were misbehaving? Would you say anything to the family? The airline also refunded the family’s tickets and gave them three free tickets to fly anywhere AirTran flies. What do you think of that?
I personally side with AirTran on this one, and think the free tickets were a good PR move.
Do you think the airline acted appropriately?
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Valentines Day, so soon?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Valentine’s Day is a month away, but I’ve already been overwhelmed by hotels and resorts promoting their package deals for the big day.
Given that it’s on a Wednesday this year, I’m wondering how many of us will actually try to get away? (Actually, a lot of the package deals acknowledge that, with specials the weekend before Feb. 14) Are you planning a trip to celebrate? Can you recommend a great getaway nearby or an overnight trip?
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Have you seen Clara’s deal today?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spirit Airlines is offering rates from Atlanta that are unbelievable — very much like RyanAir in Europe — on limited travel dates. For instance, pay 1 cent airfare to Orlando on Jan. 16, 19, 23, 30. There also are some 5 cent deals and some $17 deals.
Clara is Clara Bosonetto Maerz is a retired travel agent who is a freelancer for us. She posts deals daily on ajc.com/travel; you can find her deals by clicking on “deals” on this page.
If Spirit Airlines is looking to catch the public’s attention, this looks like a sure bet. Have you tried to book, and did you succeed? I’m awaiting word from a travel companion about dates — which probably means I’ll miss the deal.
What if you were the travel police?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia’s Gov. Sonny Perdue wants to crack down on speeders. An Atlanta police officer hauled a jaywalker to jail. These two news reports in Atlanta this week got me to thinking about what I’d do if I were the travel police. Oh, the list is long.
What would you do if you could crack down on annoying fellow travelers? What’s your pet peeve?
Here are a few of mine: A cell phone free zone in the waiting areas for planes — if you need to talk urgently to your business associate, sweetie or doctor, I don’t want to hear it when I’m trying to read or work. You need to be arrested unless you go to a private area and talk in a low voice. I don’t care if you’re upside down on a deal, about to get a divorce so you can move in with her, or you’re plastic surgeon botched the job and you’re suing. Announcing these things in the waiting area is just too much information.
Stinky food and travelers with stinky breath from eating stinky food — if you bring it on the plane, you need to be escorted off to cool your heels overnight and brush your teeth.
Rude travelers who blame the messenger — no, the concourse agent is not responsible for the plane being late or canceled, and no amount of screaming at him or her will help the situation. The airline employee is trying to fix the problem and you are just making it worse. Yelling about a missed meeting does not make you look important. What we have here is a failure to communicate and you need a ticket to the road gang.
UGA Study Abroad: Saying farewell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor and the UGA group say goodbye to Antarctica. To catch up on the story, click here.
After hiking mountains, photographing penguins and throwing snowballs for the past nine days, today concludes our Antarctic journey.
The Captain gave a farewell speech and everyone expressed gratitude to the staff. During our wrap-up meeting, our professors received feedback to improve next year’s voyage.
At the end, I facilitated a discussion in which our participants named their favorite part of the trip. We all had difficulty picking just one favorite and agreed that the whole trip was a highlight. Here is what some of my colleagues listed as highlights:
Seeing and experiencing Antarctica firsthand
Watching and listening to the penguins
Standing on the boat’s bow when we squeezed through icebergs
Polar plunge
Riding the rough waves on the ship´s bow
Diving down the snow slope and pretending to be a penguin paddling downhill
Stepping onto the continent for the first time
Lying next to a Weddell seal
I keep looking back through the hundreds of pictures I took and can’t believe I was just in Antarctica. I don’t think the reality of what I experienced has hit me yet. Each day seemed to top the previous one and add another favorite memory.
My trip highlight was stepping onto the continent for the first time, although I have dozens more events that run a close race for that top spot. I highly recommend a trip to the Antarctic.
Check out www.uga.edu/oie/southpacific for more information about our trip or e-mail pacific@uga.edu. And feel free to post questions or comments on this blog, and our group will happily respond.
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UGA Study Abroad: An icy dip
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor and the UGA group have some icy fun in Antarctica. Check back tomorrow for their explorations. To catch up on the story, click here.
We visited the Antarctic continent for the second time, only following our first day’s landing at Brown Bluff. A step hill rose above the Argentine station at the shore. We climbed the hill to have vast views of the glaciers, icebergs and snow-covered mountains.
After a brief photo shoot of the 360-degree landscape, we headed for the human-toboggan sledding hill. Leaving our cameras and other breakables at the top, we lined up for the descent. The safety-conscious people went down on their butts, while thrill-seekers went headfirst. For those needing momentum, we yelled, “Paddle like a penguin.”
Once it was my turn, I gained a running start and dove headfirst down the slope. The slope wasn’t smooth or flat in the least, so when I hit humps, I’d gain air before smacking against the slope again. As I flew down, I grabbed a pair of sunglasses passing to my right. At the bottom, my oh-so-sweet friends greeted me by chunking snowballs at my face. I found yet another use for sunglasses: snowball protectors.
On my second slide, I followed a colleague’s lead and descended part of the way headfirst on my back. We also performed some impressive 360’s to show off.
After everyone finished a second slide, a huge snowball fight began. With 20 people pelting snowballs, you never knew who threw the bullet. Some of the snow had frozen into ice, and those ice balls hurt upon contact. People would tackle others from behind. By the end of the fight, we were all sopping wet despite our waterproof outer layers.
Throughout the day, our entire group bugged Damon, the expedition leader, about organizing a polar plunge. Since hearing about the opportunity to jump into the freezing-cold Southern Ocean, we were determined to do so.
Back on our ship, Damon said anyone wanting to do a polar plunge had 20 minutes to be in and out of the water. And so the insanity began. Having a snowball fight was extremely cold and yet we still wanted to strip off all clothes to jump in the water that is colder than the air.
Twenty-five people put on bathing suits and lifejackets, and stood on the third floor’s port walkway. The crew lowered the gangplank. One by one, people walked down the gangplank. Two crewmen stood at the bottom to dip people in and then immediatley jerk them up. As my turn approached, I questioned what the heck I was doing. I figured I wouldn’t be back to Antarctica any time soon, so I might as well make the best of it.
I ran down the gangplank. I held the forearms of the crewmen and then stepped off into the freezing-cold water.
As soon as my head went under, the crewmen yanked me out of the water. All I could do was scream. My whole body was covered in chill bumps instantaneously. My bright red fingers and toes couldn’t move.
Who cares about those minor details. I have done a polar plunge in Antarctica!
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UGA Study Abroad: A narrow passage
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor and the UGA group spend the day exploring Antarctica. Check back tomorrow for their explorations. To catch up on the story, click here.
We began our day at Snow Hill Island, the southernmost position east of the Antarctic Peninsula that we’ll visit. The highest point on the island reaches 300 feet and presents a wide plateau at the top.
Arriving at Devil Island in the afternoon, I braced myself for another climb. Devil Island has 10,000 pairs of Adelie penguins, but also two knobs, or horns, to ascend for views. After seeing a plethora of Adelies yesterday, I decided to choose the hiking option. The right horn has a summit with better views than Snow Hill.
I sat atop the summit for nearly 45 minutes gazing south to Vega Island and north to Trinity Peninsula, the northeasternmost part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The snow-covered mountains of Vega blended into the sky and I barely could determine where the snow ended and the clouds began. I can imagine that in the winter you can’t tell the boundaries of oceans, islands or clouds since they’re all stark white.
Back on the ship, our expedition leader said we were approaching the Fridtjof Sound. Everyone flocked to the outside decks to see the enormous icebergs within Fridtjof, some within rock-throwing distance of the ship.
The Captain had one particularly tight squeeze that worried many passengers. I knew the Captain wouldn’t take the ship anywhere he wasn’t comfortable, but still, my heart skipped. Two bergs formed a skinny gap only wide enough for our ship to pass between. At maximum, a few meters extra space existed on each side of the ship. Even without zooming my camera, the viewfinder showed pure white as a berg passed starboard side.
As soon as the stern cleared the squeeze, the boat burst into applause for the Captain*s remarkable navigation skills.
Penguin watching consumed yesterday while scenery and icebergs took the spotlight today. To my surprise, the scenery challenged the penguins for my trip favorite. I can*t think of any other place in the world where I’ve witnessed such serenity and untouched beauty.
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Delta frequent flier program changes again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Do the changes in Delta SkyMiles program seem reasonable to you? Will it have any effect on you? Having trouble keeping up with all the changes?
Here are two new ones:
Starting this month, accounts that show no activity —either from flying, SkyMiles credit card charges, buying miles — for two years will expire, the airline said Wednesday. Miles used to last three years.
The carrier also announced a new award option. Instead of traveling coach, business class or first class on round-trips, SkyMiles passengers will now be allowed to travel coach on one leg of the trip and business class or first class on another.
UGA study abroad: Stepping ashore Antarctica
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor and the UGA finally make it to Antarctica. Check back tomorrow as they begin their serious studies on the continent. To catch up on the story, click here.
“Okay, I’m really going to bed this time,” I told fellow passenger Fraser Maddigan multiple times in the wee hours of this morning. “Oh, but look at that iceberg. I’ll stay until it passes and then go to bed.”
Needless to say, I never kept my word and stayed up iceberg watching until 2 a.m. I visited Alaska this summer and thought the icebergs there were amazing, until now.
The largest one we’ve seen yet was tabular, or table-shaped, berg measuring 1.25 miles long. One this big can last for 10 years before completely melting, according to one of our crewmembers Joe.
After sunset, they are picturesque with the pink and blue sky as a backdrop. Antarctica’s sky is never completely dark during the summer, so all hours of the day provide different lighting on the bergs.
My extended berg watching was even more worthwhile when we spotted the Antarctic Peninsula on the horizon. Despite my energy deprivation, I literally jumped around the bridge with excitement.
Mark it in the logbook: at 9 a.m., I touched the continent of Antarctica. I ensured that I traveled on the first Zodiac, or rubber raft that took us to land, to have the first interaction with the penguins and seals before hundreds of cameras snapped at them.
Landing on Brown Bluff, at the northeast end of the Peninsula, I marveled at the ice-capped, flat-topped mountains soaring above the Adelie penguin colony. The 20,000 pairs of Adelies that breed there annually have the prettiest delivery room I’ve ever seen.
I walked far away from the other passengers, leaned against a boulder and let the penguins carry on their day. The penguins were not disturbed by my presence and waddled within a foot of me. We would stare eye-to-eye for a moment before they would carry on with whatever they were doing.
During lunch we motored to the circular Paulet Island, which was named for American chemist Linus Pauling. Paulet’s colony put Brown Bluff to shame. With 100,000 breeding pairs, nearly the entire 1-mile diameter island was covered. The approximately three-week-old Adelie chicks looked like the brown pompoms I used in kindergarten art class.
The 41 degrees Fahrenheit weather displeased the chicks as they panted and sprawled out on rocks to cool down. They napped perfectly still and we worried that they were dead. Not to worry. As soon as they were hungry, the screeching began.
Too much had been perfect today and the rough was yet to come. When the Zodiacs arrived to retrieve us, 30-40 knot winds began. The wind brought frigid air too, which froze my nose and cheeks, my only exposed skin.
“I’m glad we finally got to see some bad Antarctic weather. I enjoyed feeling like I needed more than a T-shirt,” said Sarah Saville, a junior at Virginia Tech.
The wind created serious waves. Loading people in and out of Zodiacs can be difficult enough on a calm day. So we hiked to the island’s protected side where the waves were smaller. There we loaded 10 per boat to conclude our day.
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Beau Rivage up to full speed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A press release across my desk today says the $550 million transformation of Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., is complete. Just before the new year, the resort opened its Beau Rivage Theatre, investing $3 million in lighting and sound equipment. Its championship Fazio-designed golf course opened in November.
Are you a Beau Rivage regular? Have you been since the resort reopened? What do you think of the renovation?
Are you planning to see a show there in the coming weeks? The ecclectic lineup of entertainers looks like something for almost anyone: Bryan Adams (Jan. 5), Willie Nelson (Feb. 8), Howie Mandel (Feb. 16), Blue Man Group (Feb. 17), Julio Iglesias (Feb. 22 and 23), Gladys Knight (March 2), Wayne Newton (March 9), Kenny Rogers (March 16), Paul Anka (March 23), Lord Of The Dance (April 13, 14, 15), Beach Boys (May 26 and 27) and Ron White (June 1). I’d make the drive or hop a plane for Willie, Gladys or Kenny. Who would get you to book?
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UGA study abroad: Whales breathtaking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eleanor and the UGA group are getting closer and closer to Antarctica aboard the Polar Star. Check back tomorrow as the hit the ice on the first expedition to the continent. To catch up on the story, click here.
After a long night of bringing in the New Year, the majority of passengers slept in this morning. Usually I would be in that category, too,but not today with my ever-increasing excitement. Plus, that meant I had the bow’s seventh floor bridge all to myself with the officers. Our ship has an open bridge policy, which means everyone can go there at any time as long as they are quiet and respectful of the officer or officers on duty. I think the bridge is the best vantage point on the ship.
As we motored through the Southern Ocean, I could see endless ocean. Damon, the Polar Star expedition leader, said today was the calmest he has ever seen these waters. Guess I didn’t need the 72-hour motion sickness patch that I’m wearing. The patch has been itching, so the calm water gives me another reason to rip it off.
I spent my morning at the bridge learning how to read the logbook and take all the measurements it records. As one of our assignments we must measure multiple weather-related statistics to compare with the amount of wildlife we see. We are determining which, if any, factors play a role in the abundance of animals in the Antarctic.
The highlight of my day was taking control of the ship’s wheel. After spending a few hours with the officers in the bridge, they decided I could drive for five minutes. An exhilarating rush came over me as I guided our ship through the Southern Ocean. Of course, an officer was directly beside me and I didn’t do much except keep us on course, but who else can say they have steered a ship in Antarctic waters? After my fun, the ship went back onto autopilot for the remainder of our trip.
The officers continually played music in the bridge. What would you guess the entirely Polish bridge crew listened to? Yes, a few Polish songs occasionally, but the majority were American songs ranging from Snoop Dog to the Eagles. Plus they know the words to each American song better than I do.
Just before lunch, a light snow fell. I’ve never seen snow falling on the ocean. The tiny snowflakes glistened against the deep blue ocean and then melted upon contact. As with most weather down here, the snow ended within 20 minutes. Our Wisconsin-born Jeff Ziegeweid, a fellow student, walked the decks in flip-flops, shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. I think he just wanted to show that he could handle the cold, unlike Satish Reddy, another student, who sported three coats.
We traveled toward the southwest South Shetland Islands of Livingston, Greenwich, Robert and King George. We still had to traverse 95 nautical miles to reach them, but they appeared much closer.Because of their proximity to Tierra del Fuego, some of the first tourism was in the South Shetlands. The earliest mass tourism voyage to Antarctica occurred in 1973 when Cabo San Roque, a Spanish ship, carried 900 passengers to the South Shetlands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
In late afternoon as we approached the South Shetlands, we spotted humpback whales. All 88 passengers dashed to the decks. Donning binoculars and cameras, passengers edged shoulder to shoulder for a prime location. Five humpbacks came within 250 yards of our ship. Two of them were only half a football field away as they breached and fanned their beautiful flippers at us. I think they were putting on a show for us because they hung around for more than 15 minutes in no hurry to leave.
“It didn’t really hit me that we’re in the middle of the ocean until I saw the whales. They’re such majestic animals. Instead of watching videos and doing work, seeing the whales really made the trip feel real,” said Annabel Filbert, an Oregon State University student’
The first whale sighting is always a huge deal. I’m sure after we’ve seen more, the fight for the perfect shot will diminish. Our 260-foot ship made multiple 360’s for each passenger to have a good look at the massive creatures. I had my camera ready for whales, but I could not help being mesmerized by nearby Livingston Island. Almost completely covered in snow, the island attracted my eye with its highest peak, Mount Friesland, reaching 5,807 feet.
Whale and island watching in only jeans, a T-shirt and a down jacket; I felt plenty warm in the 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit air. Antarctica’s dry cold feels warmer than the same temperature in Atlanta’s wet environment. Continuing on our course, we passed through the Nelson Strait with the islands of Robert and Nelson on either side.
Staring out the Observation Lounge windows, I see six icebergs bigger than our ship. The stark white icebergs are easily visible as they float casually amongst the placid, blue sea. The ship held a competition to see which passenger could record the closest time to when the bridge sighted the first iceberg. UGA student Tom Hamlin was within 10 minutes of the bridge’s time and thus received a free T-shirt. I doubt he’ll wear it tomorrow though since we have our first landing on Antarctica.
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UGA study abroad: Daily task difficult on boat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA student Eleanor Hand, 20, is one of a handful of college students and professors currently traveling on the University of Georgia’s first ever study abroad trip to Antarctica. The group spent a few days in Argentina before boarding a boat to the quietest, coldest continent in the world. The students are now steaming ahead on the Polar Star, a Finnish ship that will take them to through to Antarctic. Hand be filing updates on the group’s travels over the next several days.
My body was desperate for a solid eight hours of sleep last night, but the sun shining in my window at 4:45 a.m. superceeded that wish. Plus in my sleep I didn’t feel the rock of the ship. To roll out of bed, I waited until the boat rocked in the correct direction. I thought going to the bathroom was difficult until I took a shower. One hand is used to hold onto one of the three rails while locking your feet against the sides of the ceramic floor. My one free hand washed my body and hair, and directed the stream of water wanted to spray the whole bathroom when the boat swayed.
Walking is a competitive sport on Antarctic-bound ships. Whoever can make the trek across a room without stumbling might as well be UGA gymnast Courtney Coupets on the balance beam. The boat sways bow-to-stern and port-to-starboard sides all at once. With our arms swinging through the air for balance and our legs bent distinctly at the knees, I think we look like drunks trying to dance. UGA student Tom Hamlin, a fellow traveling companion, said he thinks we look like toddlers learning to walk and clinging to anything nearby for stability.
The captain’s log recorded three-meter, 9-foot, swells, but I’m not sure how much I believe that statistic. The swells sure look and feel bigger than that. We’re currently traveling on the Drake Lake, the staff’s name for calm days in the Drake Passage. A small part of me wants larger swells because who wants to say they traveled through the roughest waters in the world on a calm day? I’m sure once we receive rougher weather, I’ll be taking back these words.
Sitting around in the observation lounge all day listening to lectures doesn’t burn many calories, so I decided to visit the gym this afternoon. Oh, what a mistake! My run on the treadmill was great until a huge swell passed underneath and I went shooting off the treadmill’s side. Well, I thought riding the bike must be easier. Not so. The stationary bike felt like I was riding hills, and that’s not because of the workout setting. When the boat rolled to starboard, I flew downhill as if on an I-75 entry ramp. Likewise, when the boat rolled to port, I peddled faster to scale the Cumberland Parkway hill. Apparently the gym is solely a selling point. After that adventure, I may just add a few pounds and work out once on solid ground.
The ship’s food has been surprisingly good. Some of the dishes are even too gourmet for picky eaters. I know my brother wouldn’t touch the asparagus soup or stuffed mushrooms we had as appetizers tonight. The only drawbacks are the lack of seasoning and small portions. UGA student Beau Gilmore must have the metabolism of a racehorse because he is constantly eating.
“If I’m going to the coldest place on Earth, then I expect to have more food in order to build up my fat reserves,” said Gilmore.
I know the chef makes dishes bland to appeal to the majority of passengers, but a little garlic powder and black pepper wouldn’t hurt. Meal times are scheduled for 8 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. However our expedition leader, Damon, said times are highly variable depending on shore landings. Thankfully for snackers, the bar counter always has free cookies, crackers, fruit, juices, coffee and tea available.
Midafternoon we watched a film, “The Frozen Seas,” that discussed the diversity of life in the polar areas, the Artic and Antarctic. I was proud to know much of the information presented. Allyson Read, a graduate assistant at UGA within the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, said she thoroughly enjoyed the video.
“I usually just watch documentaries like that at home and think how exciting it would be to visit the place. This time I’ll actually be seeing the animals and the environment up close. I can’t believe we’ll be there in just another day,” said Read. During tonight’s darkness our ship will be crossing the Antarctic convergence, which is one step closer to the continent.
The observation lounge filled quickly following dinner, as everyone wanted good seats for the night’s karaoke. The 20-person German tour group, another group aboard the Polar Star, came decked out in dresses and suits. Unfortunately none of us, excluding Julie Bruce who looked stunning in a green dress, brought formal outfits.
The two hours leading up to the singing of “Old Lang Syne,” were filled with both talented and terrible voices.
Our entire group gathered on stage to sing “Piano Man” by Billy Joel. At midnight, everyone hugged and wished each other all the best in the coming year. Our Polish captain, Jacek Majer, even made an appearance to kiss all the women on the cheek.
Few people in the world can say they have visited Antarctica, much less have spent New Year’s Eve traveling the Drake Passage. No fireworks or peach drop to watch this year. Passengers, myself included, making fools of themselves singing was a memorable evening though. Happy New Year!
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UGA study abroad: Day 1
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
UGA student Eleanor Hand, 20, is one of a handful of college students and professors currently traveling on the University of Georgia’s first ever study abroad trip to Antarctica. The group is spending a few days in Argentina before boarding a boat to the quietest, coldest continent in the world. She’ll be filing updates on the group’s travels over then next several days. She filed this report from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. To catch up on the story, click here.
My first morning here, Thursday, Dec. 28, my jog was more dangerous than I expected. Not because of crazy drivers, as found in Buenos Aires, but because I looked more at the scenery than the potholes. Monte Olivia (1318m) held my attention for much of my exercise. To the east of town, Monte Olivia is the sharpest mountain peak in the range with a snow-capped pinnacle jutting into the sky.
Ushuaia is Tierra del Fuego’s capital and boasts 60,000 residents, up from 9,000 people 30 years ago, according to our tour guide, Claudio. As one of its 350, 000 tourist-season visitors, I feel completely safe in the easily navigated city. Avenue San Martin is lined with souvenir shops and cafes. The exchange rate benefits Americans tremendously as our dollar is much stronger than their peso. Almost twenty-five minutes worth of phone calls home only cost me $6.
Today’s two-hour bus ride to Estancia Harberton, Tierra del Fuego’s oldest farm, flew by for our eclectic group of twenty-three. A retired teacher, two Kiwis (New-Zealanders), college students from California to Georgia, and a variety of other people compose our group. Lined with Southern Beech trees, the roads were partially paved. With no semblance of road grading and definitely no lane markings, I felt like we were riding a children’s rollercoaster. If you think that South Carolina’s roads are poor, as I do, then visit Tierra del Fuego’s, and you’ll think otherwise.
The weather is highly variable in this region. Locals say you can experience all four seasons in one day. During lunch we witnessed the immediacy of this concept as our sunny, 55 degrees Fahrenheit day changed to a gumball-sized hailstorm. One hour later, the sunny skies reappeared.
Next up for the group - an adventure through the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
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