This roport seems too long, so for the "rest of the story" (RIP Paul Harvey) you will find
"Argentina and Chile, Part 2: Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Fin del Mundo"
and
"Argentina and Chile, Part 3: El Calafate, Perito Moreno, All Glacier Tour"
Coming soon for those still interested.

I forgot to wish you Happy Birthday in my other reply, sounds like you had a nice one.

We had also flown between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas (the other way), we had a clear day and the scenery was amazing!

Muchas gracias! I, too, enjoyed your read!

Yes, the Lake Country to Chile from Argentina and vice versa is indeed quite,quite marvelous. Although I took Grand Circle Travel's tour of South America (Peru (additional) Chile, Argentina, Brasil) in 2007, this entire experience was phenomenal for me.

After the tour ended, I spent an additional two weeks in Buenos Aires, living in an apartment in Recoleta and having my own independent guide when I was not doing things alone or with my friend who'd joined me three days after I was on my own.

Because I love this culture and its people, I plan to return in 2009 October. This time I hope to enhance my travel and living here by doing similar as well as different things in all respects!