Hola! amigos, from our new home in Buenos Aires. (I pray I don't lose this internet connection...) Five days ago when we arrived here, I came down with a bad infection on my left foot. After 2 series of antibiotics & finally another series via an IV, I am happy to report that I am finally on the mend. All this leads up to saying that I had to cancel our trip with the Penguin Poopers 12 hours before we were to leave Buenos Aires for Ushuaia and on to the ship.

I encountered this infection from a blister caused by wearing my WET hiking shoes for 6 hours+ at Iguacu Falls. I spent the next day walking around the Florida shopping district in B.A. with Don, Anne & Gary, having a terrific fun day with the blister exposed to the air. By evening my foot had swelled into a huge problema. Doctor was called to the hotel and told me "The ci-ty has many BAD BUGS - BAD germs in the hot summertime. Must be very careful!!." ICK!!!! MAJOR ICK!!

Anne spent many hours holed up with me in the hotel room (of course, Annie pulls out the vino and we started our own party. That woman is amaZing!) Don and Gary ran off and went shopping to their heart's content. I was very pleased with their purchases = all of the uber-rodent material. Don may make a return visit to that store...We appreciated Anne & Gary's company a great deal.

We had a wonderful evening with the Poopers the evening prior to their departure. (Ngaire, Ken and the whole gang) It was terrific seeing everyone & meeting others for the first time. Peggy & Jerry brought Ngaire a toy penguin that "poops" - you will see it from Ken's photos.

But, don't cry for me (Argentina!)! It hasn't all been bad. I have a lovely hotel suite at the Park Tower Hotel and am waited on hand and FOOT by a mayordomo (butler) every hour or so with new ice and who carefully fills the bag and gently places it on my foot. Don has photos of this extravagence so I can remember the GOOD parts of this experience! (only wish we had a card reader to upload some photos...)

Don't want to forget that I have a lovely latin doctora who is just to die for. Yes, he is one handsome fellow. AND, Don wants me to tell you that the first hospital visit was only $ 52 pesos (US $20 approximately!) Ladies, I think I am on to something with our medical needs.....I think we should fly here once a year for our annual medical check ups. Afterall, the PRICE is right AND the doctoras are certainly worth the price of the flight in looks!!

Better stop - the internet has already hicupped. I've added part of this via an edit so hopefully this will come through. Thanks to so many of you for your help with insurance, advice, and just plain caring. You ALL are the best.
- Michele - ita