Embarking on the Akademik Ioffe

Today, we woke up and went to the Albatross Hotel where we enjoyed a lecture from Sabrina Kizman about life and tourism in Ushuaia.  She discussed contemporary life and social issues, positive and negative impacts of tourism in Tierra del Fuego, and the impact of Antarctic tourism in Ushuaia.  Ushuaia has an interesting history.  Its inhabitants have included native population, penal colony, navy base, and workers in the electronics industry.  Uniquely, Ushuaian businesses are exempt from the 21% tax that the rest of Argentina must pay.  The Argentinian government has also promised good benefits and pensions.

            Unfortunately, Ushuaian infrastructure is having trouble keeping up with the population increase and growing tourism industry.  For example, the sewage and water system in place is not fit to sustainably support the human activity in the region.  The city implemented can-recycling just this year, well behind the United States.

            After the lecture we had some free time before meeting to go to the ship, the Akademik Ioffe.  A few of us went to the Ushuaia prison museum.

Finally, we were transported from the Albatross to the ship!  We were shown to our rooms where our bags were waiting as we boarded the ship.  I am in a triple with Shannon and Alli who are both Virginia Tech students. We then were invited to the dining room for mimosas and caviar.  Maritime rules to remember: Do not clink your glasses because it will make a sailor die and do not whistle because you will be whistling the wind to come.

            We did a drill for ship safety where we all put on life vests and got to look inside the lifeboats.  Then, we had dinner, which was delicious, and we were joined by the ship’s photographer, Ira.  He has photographed things all over the world but primarily in the Polar Regions.  When asked what his favorite thing to photograph is, his eyes lit up and he immediately responded with, “ice”.  After dinner, we explored the ship a little and returned to our room around 10pm. It was still so light out!

            Just as we were getting into bed, the expedition coordinator's voice came on the intercom and announced that there were peal dolphins swimming on the port side of the ship.  I looked out my window and there they were!  There were about eight of them and they were swimming together right next to the ship.  The crew said that seeing these dolphins before we hit open waters is a really good omen!  Such an amazing treat right before bed.  I can’t wait to see more wildlife!!