I did it! Finally, I made my dream of sailing to Antarctica on the Bark Europa come true. I first learned about this trip when I was browsing the internet back on 2012. It was such a unique way to visit Antarctica, so the Bark Europa was cemented in my mind. After working multiple jobs, overtime, etc, this dream became a reality in Jan 2022. Now that I’m back and have some free time, I’d love to share my adventure and pictures with you all.
Ushuaia — Before sailing to Antarctica
My vacation has barely started and it’s already more adventurous than I’d anticipated. The week that I’m here, I experience a lot of firsts in my travel experience: first time losing a bag at the airport, first time sitting on the tarmac for mechanical issues, my debit card stops working at the local atms, etc.
Although the trip is continuing as planned, little mishaps keep popping up and making for a slightly stressful vacation. I do my best to navigate around them all, and eventually find a solution to each problem.
Yes, I retrieve my lost checked bag back. A nice 6 mile round trip walk to the Ushuaia airport and back, and I have brought it back home. The hike out there is on a paved sidewalk, but beautiful. I learn how useful vpns are when trying to do anything website related back home with Verizon (blegh). Also, I find stores/restaurants where credit cards are readily accepted, and a money exchange place to change my US dollars to pesos. I get a way better rate there anyways. 
My week eventually settles down and I enjoy walking around town a bit (outside only) and along the bay/harbour. I try to check out a few local parks, but the real hiking trails are almost a 2 hour plus walk away, and I don’t have the energy to head out there. There are buses, but remember, we’re trying to avoid people and catching Covid.
