Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, it was a busy afternoon, and obviously in the morning I didn’t really have anything to write about by then.
After a leisurely morning at the hotel we made our way to the airport, and ended up meeting 9/10 members of our team before we arrived in Punta Arenas! Everyone seems lovely so far, a really diverse group from all over the world and all sorts of different characters. We met our guides too, a great reunion with Vern, who hasn’t changed at all, and it was brilliant to finally meet Garrett, who we’ll be with on Everest with in just over three months time.
Punta Arenas is pretty port town, with some run down areas, but colourful houses and lots of little shops with big characters. We have a beautiful sea view from our window, and a mass of birds that look like cormorants and act like them, but with white bellies – if anyone knows what they are please let me know!
After meeting and arriving at the hotel  we went out for dinner and were told about how the team would work: we’re to be split into pretty much two entirely separate teams, 5 clients with one guide, and then split into two rope teams for moving around. We’re with Garrett and the three other UAE clients, which should be a real laugh. I didn’t realise how late it had become as the evening went on, as the sun only sets at about 11.
Today we were up early for a thorough kit check and an Antarctica orientation, and the rest of the day was spent finding our way through the town looking for any book in English that I could take with me, and trying to find some specific spare batteries. I’ve ended up with “South” by Ernest Shackleton, appropriate really. Although, unless I wanted to read about the history of Patagonia there really wasn’t any choice.
We finished the day by going out to eat, where I had the most amazing meal, and have returned just now – at almost 11, which is how I can tell you exactly what time the sun sets.
 If you’ve read this far then thank you for the dedication! We are now waiting on a weather window to fly out, the bags are packed on the plane and we have to be ready any time tomorrow or maybe even the day after to be there and prepared when they say.
I hope that everyone travelling at the moment has safe trips. Ttfn.