Jan 1-2-Trip Home-Summary Recommendation

The trip home has been long but not difficult.  The weather had moderated by our return to BsAs-high 80’s so there were no more protests or energy outages.  In fact is rained heavily with pretty spectacular lightning and thunder beginning at 5am (I am used to thunderstorms in the afternoon).  An interesting phenomenon is that in South America it is the tradition to clap when the airline lands, even if it is a smooth ride.  That is quite nice-applauding the expertise of the pilot.  Perhaps it says something about the appreciative nature of the folks here.

So how would I rate the trip?  In one sense it was disappointing.  We really did not see anything new.  We had seen glaciers in Alaska, beautiful mountains and lakes in the Alps of Switzerland and Italy and native cultures more interesting in northern South America (especially Peru).  It is also a long and expensive flight-15 hours from DC to El Calafate and around $2,000.  You can get to Adu Dhabi in that time and for that money!  Also, as noted the food was disappointing.  So I would not compare it favorably to our expeditions to other parts of the world (China, India, Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam, Australia).  However, it was a great trip in many other ways.  It was a time for Karen and me to spend extended time together and in our 45^th year of marriage there is still romance in that.  I also was relaxed and did not think much of work; it clears the mind and I am ready to get back to work. 

I wish you all a New Year filled with only good health and happiness.

Mark