A Journey to the End of the World
A Journey to the End of the World
Images & Text by Marta Tucci
For a restless traveler as myself, when an editor sends you on assignment to the End of the World, it’s quite difficult to refuse—no matter what exciting plans had already been confirmed. Shortly after accepting the job, I was on my way to Ushuaia, Argentina, on the southern tip of the American continent.
At this point, Ushuaia remained an abstract idea upon which I couldn't help but project my wildest imaginations. The popular nickname also didn’t help demystify it; as the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia is commonly referred to as the ‘End of the World’. An almost apocalyptic image comes to mind, where the roaring sea meets fierce polar winds, ravaging a vast and empty land hostile to any and all human settlement. Did I mention I have an all-too vivid imagination? But so did Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famed aviator and author of The Little Prince, who first traveled to Ushuaia in the early 1900s and found inspiration in this land for some of his most beautiful tales.
Soon after arriving, I realised my imagination had betrayed me—yes, it was freezing—but it wasn’t ominous nor apocalyptic. The chilling cold temperatures and punished landscape didn't reflect the warm hospitality and soft, kind nature of Fueguinos, who live in beautiful synergy with their surroundings. As I wandered around and became acquainted with Ushuaia, I started to regain awareness of this powerful bond between man and nature, something we all too often neglect living in the fast-paced cities of today.
