Day 2: Santiago-Punta Arenas-Falklands

We departed Santiago early on the 16^th and where treated to a spectacular overhead view of the Southern Andes and High Patagonia. From Punta, we flew on to Mount Pleasant Airport and were bused to Port Stanley. First impressions where of a rugged bleak place. Not a tree in sight with grass, rocks and the odd sheep scattering the landscape. Derelict shacks and a strong military give an apocalyptic air about the place.

Photo: the view from the plain from Santiago to Punta.

 

Less than a week ago the Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory. Argentina, who call the Islands Las Malvinas still lay a claim. Considering they would need to displace the 1500 or so inhabitants and get past a British military establishment, still reeling from the 1982 war, the conflict is likely to go little further than chest beating in the foreseeable future.

Photo: Rusty containers and landmines scatter the Falklands landscape.

 

We arrive at the ship, struggling to stand up straight after 2-days in the air but excited to think the journey has only just begun.