Nadines Travel Blog

In the hushed predawn hours, our ship approached the legendary Cape Horn, a place steeped in the ominous history of maritime perils and tales of countless shipwrecks chronicled in the pages of novels. Although we were advised to set our alarms for 6:00 am for a glimpse of this maritime marvel, our eagerness to witness the spectacle was tempered. We were on vacation. A change in motion of the ship stirred me from my slumber at 6:20 am. Intrigued, I jumped out of bed and drew back the drapes, fully expecting a turbulent scene associated with Cape Horn. However, what met my gaze was nothing short of extraordinary. The morning sun bathed the landscape in a soft, ethereal glow. To my surprise, a rare calmness prevailed—absent were the notorious winds that defined this perilous passage. The water, eerily still, mirrored the breathtaking beauty that surrounded us. Unfathomably, the weather was so mild that I found myself comfortably clad in shorts, a stark contrast to the tales of biting cold...

Exploring the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, turned out to be a delightful surprise. Contrary to expectations, the city greeted us with an explosion of colourful flowers, with the envious Lupins stealing the show. Strolling through the streets of this city, home to 80,000 people, we embarked on a quest for unique finds. Lisa's acquisition of a Rose Quartz trinket, exclusive to southern Argentina, and my choice of a T-shirt as a keepsake reflected the charm of this breathtaking place. Why can't I grow Lupins like these? No clue what this tree was? Why can't I grow a Rose Tree? Ushuaia's historical transformation from a penal colony to a thriving tourist destination fascinated us. Once a haven for Argentina's worst criminals, it has evolved into the Gateway to the Antarctic, thanks to the presence of the Argentinian Navy now calling it home. Street Art Cool building depicting a prison breakout. Our visit to a local pub took an unexpected turn when we were po...

Nestled in the heart of Recoleta, the Dazzler Hotel offers a captivating stay in Buenos Aires, surrounded by an array of attractions. A standout feature is its proximity to the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, a must-visit where the iconic Eva Peron rests.  Unfortunately, there are many homeless camped outside of the hotel, but you are most likely going to find this at most of the hotels in the city now.  Things have changed in Buenos Aires since the last time we visited in 2011 and not for the good. Indulge in the local charm just across the street at Rock and Beer, a welcoming but sketchy-looking haven for affordable wine and beer.  Sketchy but safe, the staff made us feel like locals. Loco Futbol, conveniently located on the same block as the hotel, provides a delightful experience. I personally relished a satisfying salad paired with the sparkling Eco, my preferred mineral water.  Close by is an amazing little Gelato shop called Kiosco de Helados, kitty corner to th...