Argentina and Antarctica 2008/2009:
Day 4 - Drake Passage

	Wednesday, December 31: At 12:30 AM, we entered the Drake Passage. It was obvious from the sudden increased rocking of the ship compared to the calm waters of the Beagle Channel. Debbie got up and dispensed motion sickness tablets as a precaution. When we got up for the day, it really didn't look very bad out.
	We got up for a buffet breakfast, then Debbie went back to sleep. We went out for a buffet lunch, then Debbie went back to sleep.
	She got up in the late afternoon in time to look out our window and spot three or four dolphins near the ship, but this was the best photo we got.
	We dressed for dinner -- a sit-down affair with assigned tables. We were scheduled for the second seating at 8:15 PM, which is hours past our feeding time, but we managed. This was another one of those little things that we didn't know about so we weren't able to request first seating. Fortunately, most nights were open seating buffet dinners, so we were able to dine at 6:00 instead.
	After dinner, we joined our tablemates Don and Chuck from Ohio for good Norwegian Ringnes beers in the observation lounge where the rest of the New Year's Eve festivities would occur. Skol!
	A group of German passengers who love to travel together and dance Argentine-style tango danced for us. We were not brave enough to give it a try ourselves but we enjoyed their efforts.
	As midnight approached, we sampled the various hats Hurtigruten provided for the festivities. Don and Chuck opted for the Indiana Jones look, ...
	... while we opted for the fairy princess look. Tom later opted out of that look.
	We were also joined by hatless Noren from Wisconsin ...
	... and Randi and Ted from Florida.
	Sunset was beautiful just before midnight.
	There was free champagne for our midnight toast. The ship's horn blasted at midnight and we got a poorly-centered photo of the revelry at our table.
	There was much toasting everywhere in the observation lounge. Check out the fantastic Winnie the Pooh hats on some of the guests.
	Happy New Year! Let's go to Antarctica! Day 5 >