Still Alone

I wake up feeling drained and thinking of someone I shouldn't. I hunt down a hostel on Av 25 de Mayo (25th May - an Argentinean Independence Day). The weather is cold, wet and crap - it suits my mood. I check into Refugio Del Mochilero Backpackers Hostel for 30 pesos (£5) a night. It is very warm inside and reminds me of dorms on cosy school trips. David, the man behind the desk is very kind and helpful. It cheers me up some. He directs me to a courier on the sea front who may be able to deliver the parcel of holiday goods I have addressed to my Mum. I try them but unfortunately they only deliver internally to Argentina.

I walk on, around the estuary to the little airport. As the weather had cleared up I thought I'd grab a light aircraft flight to the mountain glaciers. The walk took a lot longer than expected. As I approached the airport gates the sky turned black, the wind picked up and the mountains became obscured by cloud. Even if the plane could take off, in this I wouldn't be able to see anything. So I turned round and walked back. As I approached the town centre, the sky brightened up, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. With the amount of heavy black rain clouds that dominated the sky just moments ago, it was some supernatural change! The airport seemed too far away for a second attempt. I walked on.

Craving for a pizza I visit the restaurant up a hill on a side street that Isi, Michelle and I went to on our first night in Ushuaia. A small group of 3 students sat on a table opposite. I was immediately attracted to one of them. I think I must have a thing for dark hair and red glasses! My thoughts are disturbed as I hear screaming kids fused with prolonged thunder, followed by a colourful blur whizzing by the window. I wait for it happen again and dash to the window for a look. It's kids, 3 up on a large skateboard, tearing down the hill! Brilliant!

I spend the night in the Internet cafe.

Posted by Steve Eynon