On the recommendation of a nice Italian gal we met in Puerto Natales we headed straight to the Hospedaje Independencia when we arrived in Punto Arenas. It was a good choice. Eduardo was very friendly and the hostel was full of interesting people. On the way there we walked right by the LM Gould, the ship Suzy was going to see, and the offices of the US Antarctic Support program. Suzy worked for the program prior to this trip as a buyer and had to send many things to Punta Arenas to load on the Gould for transfer to the Palmer station. It was fun for her to see the port and the ship and visit with old friends. Also very interesting for me.
Saturday we slept in and went for a run along the waterfront to the Zona Franca, the duty free area where you can buy fancy American and European cars, ship motors and other goods. We had been told it was the cheapest and best place to shop but we found it quite the opposite. We also found a fun little coffee shop with a leftist bent on the beach. Saturday night was the big Christmas party where Eduardo roasted a lamb and much other meat. We spent the evening with fellow travelers from all over the world and came away rejuvenated, inspired, and encouraged. Also I discovered the power of Pisco : )
Sunday was spent recovering and I attempted to go on a tour to visit the Penguinos. Turns out they didn't run on Sunday but I had a nice two hour walk through town. We enjoyed Punta Arenas very much. It seemed like a very livable town, with greenways, public exercise equipment, a couple skateparks, etc. Also lots of strip clubs and we suspect prostitution, but it IS a port city after all.
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