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Day 13 – Ushuaia and Back to Buenos Aires!

12/20/2014

9 Comments

 
The morning, as usual, began with every too early “Good morning, Good morning.”  However, this time, it was a little different.  It was our last morning wakeup call from the Expedition Leader.  She was gentle in stirring the boat to get everybody up, to the kitchen and off the boat to begin the last parts of our expedition. 

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After breakfast, we all scurried about getting our bags in place to be picked up.  Boarding the buses, we all began to realize this was all coming to an end.  It was a very bittersweet moment.  We were so proud of the things that we had done, seen and feats conquered that we never thought we could begin.  There was a planned tour at the Ushuaia Jail and Military Prison.  This was a very somber experience.  The jail was originally started in 1896.  Argentine prisoners and political “offenders” were brought there to actually build their own prison.  It was thought of as the “Siberia of Argentina.”  Walking into the complex, it became clear that it was a place that no one ever wanted to set foot in.  Cells were so very small – 4 foot by 4 foot square.  Originally, there were supposed to be two men to a cell.  Capacity in the prison was twice the original plan; four men to a small cell does not seem humane. 

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The lighting dark and you could imagine the dread that a former inmate would have walking down the dark, tile floor.  There was a putrid smell that seeped through the air creating staleness with every breath.  Heaters that were in place clearly could not do the work needed to provide basic heating conditions.  Jail it just depressing.  It is a good thing that the Argentine government made this facility a museum and no longer uses it.

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After finishing up the tour, the group made its way to a coffee shop in a nearby hotel as we waited to make our way to the airport.  There was a jewelry store attached to the hotel that was handing out cards where we could get a free penguin charm.  Many of the people of our group were collecting their free token when I saw a couple looking at a beautiful gold necklace that had a sophisticated, artisan craftsmanship to it.  I admired it and could not hold myself back.  Most of you don’t know that I formerly worked in the jewelry business, and admire quality pieces when I see it.  I, of course, butted my nose into their private viewing and gave them my thumbs up – it was just spectacular!  I was beside myself when the wife approached me when we were boarding the bus.  She said, “Tom, every time I wear this piece I will always, always think of you.  Your voice helped us make the decision to purchase the piece.  It will be something that I wear, my daughter wears and the children beyond.”  It was a touching moment to accidentally be a part of someone’s surprise commemorating our triumphs over the white continent.  


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Mr. Sanders and I had a relatively calm flight back to Buenos Aires.  Tonight, we are staying in a hotel that is the former residential site of Eva Peron – a very famous political and social figure in Argentina.  I am so excited to begin the tropical portion of our adventure and share those experiences with you!  Rio is next on our list.  It promised to be full of new experiences and cultural learning!   

9 Comments
The Philbins
12/20/2014 11:21:58 pm

Wow the jail pictures are unexpected - the picture of you is funny though! Didn't know you were in the jewelry business what a neat story! We will be listening to songs from the Evita soundtrack in your honor this weekend! :) Miss you!

Reply
Mr. S.
12/21/2014 11:21:18 pm

Love the Evita Soundtrack! Sing for me nice and loud! Miss you all so much!

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Mr. S.
12/21/2014 12:13:58 am

Hello Philbins!!! We are in Buenos Aires now - we leave for Rio in the afternoon. I think listening to Evita and talking about Eva Peron's influence on the Argentines is a great idea! We visited her grave when we landed in Buenos Aires. She is buried in the cemetery that I posted pictures of from the first or second day. Her crypt is a family tomb that has been in place long before her. So, it isn't such a prominent display of "Evita." However, it is still, by far, the most visited grave in Argentina!!! I hope Livy enjoys Mr. Popper's Penguins. I read it the first three days of our trip! OXOX Mr. S.

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Nancy Jones
12/21/2014 02:43:52 am

Your journey has been amazing and a testament to living life to the fullest and always challenging yourself. I am inspired by reading and seeing the beauty of a part of the world few people have the privilege to explore. Enjoy the rest of your trip and thank you for sharing your expedition with all of us.

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Mr. S.
12/21/2014 11:22:23 pm

I am glad you have been on my journey with me. You and TX should explore, NOW!!! Book it NOW! :) I wish you were here! Mr. S.

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Gregory
12/21/2014 01:13:53 pm

Hi,Mr.Szymanski! They're must've been Some DIRTY HALLS! It is almost Christmas! I like the prison. How Many feet do you think from on the bottom of the bars to the top? I think it is 10 feet. Have A Jolly Christmas and A Jolly Adventure!

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Mr. S.
12/21/2014 11:23:34 pm

Hi Gregory,
Yes, it smelled. IT SMELLED! :) I don't know why you would like prison. From my perspective, it is not a place you would not want to hang out. They did not have WIFI there! No games. No clean laundry. Have a wonderful holiday! Mr. S.

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Kiya N Kru
12/21/2014 03:28:58 pm

Three cheers for you Mr. S! This expedition has been amazing - most certainly for you but also for all your students, their family and all your friends. You have experienced nature as very few people ever will...truly exceptional! We cannot thank you enough for your diligence and elaborate blog! You are likely to be THE FIRST MAJOR inspiration for all your students wanting to travel and explore!
Enjoy the warmer climate on this leg of your journey!
Hugs,
The Mattinglys

PS-sweet new photo...that should be a canvas in your classroom!

Reply
Mr. S.
12/21/2014 11:25:58 pm

Hi Mattingly Klan!
I hope you felt like you are here with me. Don't worry, I will be posting from Rio and Iguazu, etc. I will take in some sun today just for you guys! It is so hot here - humid but LOVELY. I hope my journey inspires the kids (and you) to travel. The world is so much beyond what we see every day - and we get lost in it. I will be making a book of my journey once I figure out how to edit and crop the photos on my computer! You guys have all seen non-editied/enhanced photos! Have a wonderful holiday! Mr. S.

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    Mr. Szymanski is a 7th Grade Math, Reading and Writing Teacher at Gary Elementary school in Chicago, IL He is bringing the world to his classroom with the help of National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Here, he chronicles his adventures to Antarctica and South America in December 2014. 

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  • Home
  • 7th Grade Reading
  • 7TH GRADE GO MATH
  • Parents
  • Online Resources
  • Antarctica Travel Blog
  • Iceland Blog - In search of trolls, fairies and geysers!
  • Antarctica - National Geographic
  • Blood on the River
  • Chapter 1 The Number System
  • 8th Chapter 1: The Number System
  • Antarctica Travel Blog