Wednesday 21 November 2012
Highlights: Business class flight to Miami

With my flight out of Buenos Aires now confirmed at 9.15 pm tonight I was more optimistic that everything will work and I’ll be in Washington late tomorrow night after 4 flights. This meant today I could actually have the included breakfast. During the morning I tried to recharge my iPad after running it down to about 26% last night. The iPad is quickly becoming essential for idol time on the road.

I used most of the morning finalising all my Antarctica photos. I got to say goodbye to Ben once again as he made a guest appearance at the Albatross after moving to a hostel today. The transfer actually worked today on the third attempt, having not picked me up when arriving or for yesterday scheduled departure. But this worked for me today as the guide helped me at the airport which was chaotic with some desperate people trying to get out. My visit yesterday to secure the better flight paid off today.

The flight was delayed from leaving by about 50 minutes cutting my connection time in Buenos Aires down to 3 hours. I believe the flight I was on today was a special extra to get people to cruise ships and others out if Ushuaia. On board I was willing plane to not lose any more time. There was a lot of turbulence, so much that on landing there was long applause from most passengers.

A dash from Terminal A to Terminal C and I was checked into my Miami flight.  The temperature of arrival was 32 which is very different from Antarctica zeros and Ushuaia 4-7 degrees. I was sweating at one point.

Made my flight after a very short visit to temporary lounge. Had a small baby located in the same row as me but he/she was well behaved. In the business class semi flat bed seat I managed to get a fees hours sleep before we landed around 4.45 am. Miami border protection officers are friendlier than Los Angeles and in short order I was in the USA!

Only two more flights and I’m in Washington and ready for the 5th leg of this trip.