The Argentinian Situation and Safety
As you may have heard, today there was civil unrest, looting, and problems in many areas in Argentina in response to the increasing debt crisis, which is expected to possibly increase in the next few days, as Argentina is likely to default on its latest debt restrucuring plan in the next 30 days, a move which would automatically cut off IMF bailout funding, deepening the crisis. As you may also know, the plan was for Emma and I to spend New Years Eve in Usuhaia, Argentina, and also spend time at the Petito Moreno Glacier, here in Patagonia, but also just over the border in Argentina. After Emma left, I was going to make my way overland through Argentina for about 2 weeks, heading back to Rio via Uruguay and Foz de Iguacu, and flying out from Rio. Obviously, these plans are currently under potential severe revision. I am keeping an eye on the situation, both via the internet and by my shortwave radio to get BBC World Service broadcasts. Luckily, with spending the next week in the Falklands, there is the opportunity to see whether the situation stabilizes or worsens. This time in the Falklands also handily gives the opportunity to wait it out slightly to see whether there is contagation of the situation here into Chile, which is unlikely, but you never know. Rest assured that I do not plan on doing anything risky or stupid, and will be checking the news, the UK foreign office recommendations and the US State Department websites with great frequency.

Sleep well, be safe, and enjoy the holidays,

Love,

Anne