Onward Ho(s)!

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We arrived in Patagonia's El Calafate on time -- apparently a miracle when it comes to Aerolineas Argentina's on-time track record -- and checked into the designer boutique hotel Esplendor Calafate. (Hotel lounge pictured above.)

It would have been heaven, if it weren't for two things:

1. The hotel's heating system was out of whack, so our room felt more like a schvitz than a suite.

2. The food at dinner royally sucked. They even screwed up lamb -- Patagonia's most famous carne.

Breakfast was a much better affair, including fresh fruit, sweet medialunas and a special hot herbal treat: Mate.

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It tasted like rotten grass, but I knew it's healing properties would be worth the bizarre bitter aftertaste. We had a lot to accomplish in Patagonia and I wanted to ensure that I'd be in top condition.

From stunning lakeside vistas...

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...to the majesty of mammoth glaciers...

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...to the sight of stupendous icebergs, Karen and I wanted to see it all and more.

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That said, we weren't planning on leaving without an impressive plate of Patagonian lamb. Clearly, once we left the ice behind, we were on a meat mission.

Check back. Carne to come.