Antarctica

The seventh continent. The one that belongs to no country but to those adventurers and scientists who the are brave enough to set foot on it - and to the tourists, who pay good money to experience the thrill and the awesome landscapes. Obviously, we belonged to the less gamourous third type. But even before our ship, the "Expedition", left the harbour of Ushuaia, you could feel the excitement amongst the 120 passengers, all secretly convinced that they were in fact true explorers, and on the trip of their lifetime. Of course we felt the same. For those of you who rather see the real thing than to read it, here a small movie (cut on the iphone, so don't expect tv quality. Also, and this really makes me angry, I failed with my attempt to put music underneath it.) about our trip:

We could tell you so much about those 10 days, that we might bore you. To make it short but sweet, here the highlites:

the people!

We've met so many nice folks, that it made this incredible trip even better. On deck, at dinner or at the polar bear bar, there always was much laughter and even more drinks. Eliane, Bettina, Scott, Guy, Bryce, Vanessa, Michelle, Anjli, Dhruve, Desmond, Shaun, Dylon, Laurent, any many more inculding the wonderful crew: thanks again for your great company!









Dhruve, Anjli, Vanessa, Bettina








Eliane and Laurent








Flow and Desmond








Dylon, Bettina, Guy and Bryce

the landscapes!

Icebergs, like floating buildings from Salvatore Dali, the sun that almost never sets, we were jaw-dropping all the time. When the weather was on our side, we had landings twice a day, using zodiacs to get to the shore. You'd have to see it with your own eyes, but here some picture to make up for it.



















the wildlife!

If you find penguins charming (and who doesn't?) you'be thrilled to see how many you encounter in Antarctica. They do not fear men, but they are much to busy fishing, building nests and protecting their eggs from other birds to care a lot about us. But if you sit very still, trying to look like a penguine yourself, they might come and pay you a short visit.





























We did also see some seals, even the rare leopard seal (the one penguins fear the most), but don't expect some action here. They can lay on shore for days, not moving more then a fin. Fins and tails from a far was all we saw from the wales. Luckily, we saw them up close before, at the Pensinsula Valdes.










the food!

I guess everybody left the ship after ten days with some pounds more on their hips! Three times a day, we heard the voice of the hotel manager: it is bon appetit time!!! It became some kind of running joke, but we never missed the call, because the food was so exquisit. We've even seen some vegetariens turn their back on their philosophie. (Sorry Bettina!)










One day, we even had a barbecue, at 65* south! On another, the Swiss amongst us were happy to be served a delicious Züri Gschnetzlets the most famous dish from Zurich.










the crew!

The crew of the Expedition was just awesome and gave us many insights on the wildlife, the history and geology of the seventh continent. And always with a smile. You guys are really worth your money!











So would we do it again? Sure we would! But as we've been told at embarking: this is the trip of your lifetime. So one time will probably have to do the trick.