To put into words my time in Antarctica and South Georgia is nearly impossible. I had always described it as a once in a lifetime experience, but as soon as I stepped foot on the continent, I immediately knew I needed to return.
About 50% of the passengers of our expedition (远征) had been to Antarctica at least once before. This goes to show just how magical of a destination it is.
All your senses will be stimulated..is the best way I can describe the time on the white continent. How tiny you feel next to towering glaciers and icebergs. The icy water moving through your body as you take the infamous Polar Plunge. The learning of heart-touching stories of survival from explorers of the past.
Antarctica makes you feel so small and insignificant, in the best way. You get front row seats to witness the most incredible show: nature. It is as much beautiful as is it cruel. Like seeing a brown skua (贼鸥) attacking a penguin chick. Your heart aches. Then your expedition guide regretfully tells you that a chick that is small in March would have very slim chances of surviving the upcoming winter. The cycle continues, and you're left wondering who to root for.
Things move fast in Antarctica, and every month offers something really unique and special to see. In March, the weather is a bit more unpredictable, and the sea ice is beginning to form again. In two more weeks, expedition ships would not be able to break through the ice.
The penguins are completing their yearly feather-changing process. The expedition team made sure we kept our distance and did not scare them into hiding under freezing water.
These animals, arguably the cutest you will ever see, survive such unfavorable environments. It's absolutely incredible to witness the challenges, the skill, the efforts, all of it. I am forever grateful to have been a visitor.
A. The list goes on.
B. But this is not always the case.
C. Our voyage was the last of the season.
D. I was not the only one who felt this way.
E. I, years later, did return to this fascinating place.
F. They are really weak during this time, and cannot dive.
G. Everything has a purpose, and the cycle of life is evident.
