We have the TICKETS!

Last night we bought our plane tickets to Argentina.  Granted, we had a change of our initial plans, but this was a good deal.  Originally our intention was to spend a couple of days in Buenos Aires before heading to Ushuaia to catch the boat.  The idea was to let our luggage catch up with us in case it didn't make the flight (being without clothes or dive gear for the 23 day trip would be a disaster!).  I have to admit I was looking forward to exploring Buenos Aires and had done a decent amount of investigation into day tours and tango show possibilities.  And then Michael found a really good flight deal which only had a layover in B.A.  Turns out, it was too good of a deal to pass up. By choosing an international flight to Ushuaia we eliminated domestic baggage fees and the addition of a $500 per person round trip flight from B.A. to Ushuaia!  By flying from JFK vs Boston, we saved an additional $2400 total.  It all makes a difference.  Turns out, several of our other friends who will be on this trip discovered the same "deal" and will be with us on the flight to Argentina.

So instead of exploring Buenos Aires for a day or so, we will have extra time in Ushuaia at Tierra del Fuego National Park which doesn't sound like a bad deal. I have been researching local trips / excursions / adventures in Ushuaia.  So far we are considering a hiking / canoeing day in Tierra del Fuego National Park and a day of horseback riding before the rest of the gang joins us on February 12. There is also quite a bit of "in town" sightseeing to do as well:  Falklands War memorial, Maritime museum, and the Presidio museum.  Getting excited.

And then we tried booking hotels, only to find that most of them START at $250 a night and won't accommodate three adults.  Ugh.  The thought of Michael and me cramming into a twin for two nights was a bit....claustrophobic since I am a restless sleeper. Then I remembered my niece Marissa's high recommendations of the Airbnb services.  Voila!  We booked an apartment for 2 nights that will comfortably sleep 4 adults for less than the price of one night in a hotel!  SWEET!  We were able to book our own "cabin" for a one night stay at the end of the trip since the apartments aren't available for one night.  Let the adventures begin!  Everything is falling into place.