Triumph over mortal danger is a rebirth in true sense, this I experienced during my extreme adventures. I realized that true value of life not apparent until I risked losing it.
And now another extreme, though not of physical endurance. This was my journey to the farthest continent, the mighty Antarctica
I was euphoric. My heart pounding. Lifetime travel dream to land in Antarctica, which appeared illusive to me, was going to be realized soon. I was about to embark on my ship to my epic journey to Antarctica. I was emotional, considered me fortunate to have that moment. There are so many who dream to make a journey to Antarctica. Only few are able to fulfil their dream. I lovingly glanced at my expedition ship M/V Plancius which will sail me from Ushuaia port to seventh continent. Sturdy ice breaker meant for polar expeditions and equipped with all comforts, that was my ship from Oceanwide Expeditions.
I acquired my cozy room with my roommate Katrina from UK. Warm welcome on board with champagne celebration and introduction of ship captain along with whole crew. Some basic information on seasickness. Useful tips and expert advice from physician. Then the safety instructions. Live alarm drill on evacuation, all passengers with their life jackets on, boarding life boats. Two sturdy life boats, one on each side of the ship, with capacity of 59 each boat, were ready to be used in emergency situation.
My Antarctic expedition was to Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. These islands are home to many species of Antarctic penguins, seals and birds. From high mountains, to flats grounds, to volcanic peaks, all could be experienced in South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. And many scientific research stations, too. I was going to explore all, very soon.
Continent Antarctica is regulated by Antarctic Treaty, in force since year 1959. No visa is required to visit Antarctica. Visa norms are required for the country from which expedition takes place. All permits for visitors to Antarctica are secured by the expedition ship. In Antarctica, only expedition ships with capacity between 50 to 200 passengers are permitted to sail. These expedition ships are well suited to navigate in narrow passages and pack ice in the continent. And well insulated to retain heat inside, keeping interiors warm. Moreover, these ships let explorers get up close with wildlife and serene nature of Antarctica, with minimal impact on continent’s local environment.
I have portrayed my Antarctica expedition in a series of blog post. All posts are covered under Expedition category. Enjoy reading.
This is amazing. I would love to be able to visit! It looks like you had a wonderful trip.
Absolutely wonderful trip.
Its wonderful you were able to visit Antartica. Must come back to read the other blogs of adventure.
Thank you Bindu.
Wow! What an amazing adventure you went on. Life likes to remind us to exercise gratitude and it seems it did you (in a scary kind of way). Thank you for sharing!
Most amazing adventure I would say.
I can only admire and praise your wonderful adventure. It seems you had fun and thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you Marjie. Yes I had immense fun and thrill.
Nice write up and guess quite an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Tanushree.
Omg wow! Congrats that is so awesome! Glad you had a great time!
Thank you. I had great time and treasure great memories.
You are so lucky to be able to experience Antarctica. It has been a dream of mine.
I wish your dream comes true. As did mine.
It is so great to accomplish your goals! This is great success
Perfectly said Pooja. Thank you.
Wow….what an awesome adventure! It is not illusive at all, it’s absolutely attainable since you have made it! I would love to experience this one too. 🙂
Thanks Quin. Antarctica travel is certainly attainable. As much for you as was for me.
WOW, this is awesome.
Now I’m jelly that you visited these places. It looks like you had a wonderful trip.
This was awesome trip for me.
That’s so cool! I can’t even imagine
You can imagine and accomplish surely.
Looks like you had a great time! Solo trips are always amazing.
You are so right. Solo trips are indeed amazing.
Oh wow what an amazing place to visit and experience. It’s one of those places I dream of but wonder if I’ll ever get there x
Dream does come true.
Wow what an amazing experience! I would love to do something like this one day. Thank you for sharing about this wonderful time.
Thank you Elizabeth.
It is good to know that you don’t have to have a Visa to go to Antartica. I’m sure it’s a once in a lifetime experience to visit.
Lifetime experience indeed.
Ohh wowo….so proud of you to achieve what you’ve planned for. It’s inspiring & I’m gonna do the same for my new year 2o23 now. Saved this for my to travel list. Cheers Siennylovesdrawing
Thank you so much.
oh wow!!! This is the trip of a lifetime! I would love to experience a trip like that at least once in my lifetime.
Treasure for life.