I arrived in Punta Arenas on Sunday afternoon, and had time to clean up before meeting the rest of the group for a welcome dinner at the beautiful restaurant, La Pergola. We gathered in a sun-dappled, vine-covered room, and it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve had since coming to Chile. NatHab has a knack for finding the best restaurants in town, from quirky neighborhood joints to elegant dining, like La Pergola. I immediately had a great feeling about our group. I know I’m going to leave here with some great new friends.
My roommate is fabulous. She doesn’t snore. She’s quick-witted, and laughs at my jokes. An unknown roommate is always a crapshoot, and I won the lottery.
We also won the lottery with our expedition leader, John Mittan, who is a staff naturalist with NatHab. He and Olaf Malver, CEO of NatHab, created this trip, and this will be his twentieth journey. He is an expert on the area, and knows exactly where we should go to see the best scenery and wildlife possible. And, he is exceptional with his guests. I think he might have some kind of hearing superpower. Someone will quietly mutter, “it’s hot”, and the air is suddenly circulating. He’ll notice a camera setting that may not be the best choice, and he will offer to help you change it. An expedition leader has the ability to make or break a trip, and I am confident he is going to make this trip one of my best.
We toured Punta Arenas yesterday, and saw some terrific scenery and learned some history of the area. I am in awe of the courage and tenacity of the explorers that discovered so much of the area we have seen, and are about to see. They were bad ass. We saw reproductions of some historical ships (Magellan, Darwin’s Beagle), saw ship skeletons that lined the coastline, and admired spectacular views. I wish I had time to write more, but I need to go now. To Antarctica!
One more thing before I go. When you get a chance, google Lyle Lovett singing “Penguins (Are So Sensitive to My Needs)”. My roommate, Joan, and I have already choreographed a song and dance routine for it, which is sure to be performed on the ice of Antarctica.
Bon Voyage!