Blackout in Ushuaia

An essay about a journey to Ushuaia, Argentina, the town at the end of the world. Originally published by Lonely Planet and performed for Austrlian National Radio's First Person series.

"At first glance it may seem that Ushuaia is sleeping, but in truth the city is fully awake, groping in the dark. It is 7:30 on a Friday evening, rather early by the standards of this South American ski town, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost town in the world. Located at the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia borders the frigid Beagle Channel and is backed by the awesome Andes. In the dead of winter, the town supposedly becomes a haven for serious ski bunnies from around the globe. By day, the steep mountains behind the city are dotted with veteran skiers. By night, the discos along San Martin serve overpriced alcoholic drinks geared toward a young, disorderly crowd and pump out dance music so loudly one can feel the thunder in the floor, and one fears an avalanche..."