Antarctica

There’s a sound to Antarctica, even when it seems like there shouldn’t be. Before I went, I imagined the continent as a place of pure silence—nothing but wind and white. And there is silence, but it’s layered. Antarctica doesn’t give up its sounds easily. You have to slow down and let your ears adjust the way your […]

Kayaking in Antarctica was never something I had even thought of when I put Antarctica on my bucket list. In hindsight, no one should go to Antarctica and NOT kayak if given the opportunity. But even once I was onboard, there was no guarantee I’d get the chance—only a few groups were selected each day,

Although it had been on my bucket list for about 15 years, Antarctica had always seemed like this mysterious, unreachable place—something you read about in textbooks or see on documentaries. But one morning in February, bundled in layers and grinning like an idiot, I stepped foot on the seventh continent and thought: I’m really here.

I knew I would see penguins in Antarctica—I mean, how could you not? But nothing could have prepared me for the absolute joy of watching them waddle, slide, and hop around in their icy world. My heart didn’t stand a chance. The First Penguin Sighting Our first real penguin encounter happened just after landing at

If you’ve ever talked to someone who’s been to Antarctica, they will bring up the Drake Passage. Some people swear it was a nightmare; others call it smooth sailing. I’d heard about the “Drake Shake” and the “Drake Lake,” and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wanted the drama—the wild ride, the full oceanic chaos—just