I've been published!

I've been meaning to share this for a while now, but an article that I wrote for Wayfaring Media has been published.

I'd love for you to check it out!
Antarctica: Tips to Travel to the White Continent

My trip to Antarctica was amazing, and it had a lot to do with Antarpply Expeditions and the people I met along the way.

Go Twins!

Today Dan, Jess, and I went to the Twins vs. Blue Jays game.

We had a nice breakfast at Coras, and it was apparently pretty amazing that we didn't have to wait.  When we were leaving the line was down the sidewalk.

Today was bobblehead day, and I'm now the (proud?) owner of a JP Arencibia bobblehead. 

We had great seats, just off first base. Sadly, Justin Morneau wasn't playing first.  But Joe Mauer was.

We had it tied up for just a bit, but ended up losing 11-5. We still had a great time though.

Made it back to the airport and through customs but am now waiting to see if I can get out on my flight with no problems. They seem to be moving gates around a lot and I don't have a seat assigned on my boarding pass because it could be "overbooked".

Let's see how this goes, or I'll see you back home!

Update, my flight is apparently not leaving until 9...about an hour later.

Niagara Falls

I was too tired and didn't get this posted last night.

Dan and I made a morning trip out to Niagara Falls. I was pretty excited!

We had a beautiful day and walked all up and down the sidewalk enjoying the view.

The mist is still so strong that you were still getting sprayed just walking by it.  At the far end of the Horseshoe Falls we were basically right on top of the water  before it went over.

The Maid of the Mist was awesome and I enjoyed acting like a weirdo with the big bright blue poncho they provided. They brought us right under the falls and it was like it was raining out, the mist was so strong.

We had a great time and sat out on the patio of the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch before heading back.

We did a little relaxing at the pool before meeting Jess and going to the CN Tower.

The CN Tower was cool, the views were great since it was such a nice day. A part of the tower has a glass floor and it was fun to stand over it and look down below. We were up there for sunset and it was really beautiful.

Afterwards we walked out to get some dinner and drinks.

It was a very fun and busy day.

Toronto

I made it to Toronto with no problems.  Luckily no one was seated next to me on my flight out of Chicago so I was able to sleep a little better.

Dan had suggested I take the airport shuttle into the city and it was so easy. So much better than taking a taxi!

I really only ate and napped while waiting for Dan to get in after finishing his shift at work. But the nap felt great and we were ready to go have a nice rest of the day!

It was so nice to see Dan! We are hoping Jess can make it into the city later this weekend, but it just depends a little on her new work schedule! 

Dan and I walked around the city, over by the CN Tower and the Steam Whistle Brewery / Roundhouse area and down by the water. There were a lot of people out as they were making their way to the ball game (but we didn't see any twins fans- well not until the end of the night)!  And unfortunately Dan kept refreshing the score and pointing out that we -the Twins- were losing.

It would sprinkle for a bit but later became quite nice.  We went out for sushi before meeting up with some of his friends at the bar.

Everyone was really nice, and even said that I DIDN'T have a strong Minnesotan accent. :)

It was a really great day! Can't wait for tomorrow!

Oh Canada

I'm off to Toronto for the weekend to visit a friend from Antarctica.  So excited!

Leaving for the airport at 4:30am is never easy, but it is even more difficult when it's the morning after the 4th of July!

Here's hoping I can sleep on the plane.

I have a connection in Chicago (worst airport ever)!

Thanks Bryan for the ride here and goodluck working today!

Adios Argentina

So I'm sitting in the airport waiting to catch my flight back home.

It was a pretty uneventful day so this post will probably be short.

After breakfast I went back to my room to pack up my things.  My pack has never looked so full! But I guess that's what happens when you have a bunch of winter clothes and a big jacket.  Or maybe that's just me justifying why my bag is so full when it's really because I bought a *few* things!

I had to check out of my room by noon. But I was ready a little earlier so I just checked out and had the lobby hold my bags.  I walked back down to Santa Fe and got the last of my purchases but at least this wasn't only for me, I got something for my sisters (and me).

I decided that I should stop walking around or I will just end up spending more money, so I went back to my hotel to journal in the lobby and kill time online.

My taxi came around 4 and I was at the airport with plenty of time to checkin, eat and get to my gate. Now it's back to journaling and killing time online.

The picture of the building below is in Buenos Aires right by the Obelisk. There are 2 large portrits of Evita (one on each side) and they were just put up 2 years ago. My one tour guide told us that it cost more to have both portraits put up than it did to build the entire building. 

Ok, that's it from me. Next stop Newark, then home.

Thanks for following and for all of your support.

Now, where to next????

Buenas Noches, Buenos Aires

What an exhausting day!

After grabbing some breakfast at my hotel I took a taxi to Calle Florida and San Martin Plaza where I was to meet for my full day tour to Tigre Delta.

Again I was with a small group: just one lady from Rome, and a young couple from Germany.  Our guide took us first through San Martin Plaza.

You really only need to be in Argentina for like 5 minutes to know that José de San Martin is kind of a big deal. He's the Argentine libererator with monuments just about everywhere. Oh, and you can't forget being on money!

We walked down to the train station to take us to San Isidro where we walked around the cobbled streets to see some of the old colonial houses and the San Isidro Cathedral. The whole area was beautiful and you could definitely feel that things were more relaxed here compared to Buenos Aires city.

We took one more train that took us into Tigre where we would tour the delta's waterways. 

We first stopped at the Puerto de Frutos where there is a large handicrafts market and a bunch of places to eat. We ate as a group and the food was good but the portions are so large. 

The time on the boat was probably my favorite.  It was a beautiful sunny day and it is so nice and relaxing to be on the water.  We cruised along the water catching glimpses of the houses built up on stilts. We also saw (but didn't stop at) the Museo Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. Which is this little yellow house, protected under glass, that was the island getaway of the former president who built it out of fruit boxes.

After arriving at the port back in Buenos Aires, we each went our own way. I walked back to Calle Florida and did the *last* of my shopping before heading back towards Ave. Santa Fe and my hotel. 

My feet are exhausted and now I need to shower and pack.
Tomorrow probably won't be very exciting, but my flight doesn't leave until 8pm, so you never know.

Best part of the day, ok so maybe not the best part but it was pretty funny, was when I saw three separate people with the mullet hairstyle with dreadlocks in the back.  Not a good look.

Buenos Aires, good air

So I think I am feeling a little worn down from my last few late nights.  I took the opportunity this morning to sleep in and see if I can get feeling a little better before I come home.  It's not that I feel terribly sick, I just don't want to feel worse.

After breakfast I coordinated a city tour.  It was a really good tour even though we stopped at some of the places I've been already.

The group I was with was small and the guide was great.  I was most looking forward to going to La Boca because I haven't yet been to that neighborhood.

We stopped to walk around Caminito, which is named for the Tango song that was written by Filiberto. The block-long road shows a bunch of different murals of him and soccer star Maradona (I'm sad to say for my soccer loving friends that I didn't know who he was).  The bright bold colors on the buildings and the street side tango dancing complete the whole Caminito identity. 

I think for everyone else in the world La Boca is known for their Boca Juniors soccer team and we didn't miss a drive by their stadium La Bombonera.

The tour was a great way to spend the day because it was so nice outside. I loved soaking up the sunshine!  I capped the night off with a little shopping and some dinner!

Back in BA

Well I'm a little bummed because I had this whole draft saved and it's gone now...and it's 1:35 am.

Anyway, I clearly made it out of Ushuaia.

I'm back in the same hotel in Buenos Aires that I stayed in before and it's nice to have some comfort with my surroundings.

Nishat came to stay with me yesterday and since it was her last night in town we went out for dinner and then out for some drinks and dancing.

Her flight was early this morning and it was sad to say goodbye.  She was the last of my Antarctica goodbyes.

This morning the hotel moved me to a different room because they had a big group coming in and they needed the beds.  So now I have a huge room with a king sized bed and a beautiful balcony.

I spent the day shopping in the Palermo SoHo area and found some good stuff.

I also had organized a dinner and tango show at Señor Tango.  The show was great. They came out with two big horses and continued to mix in Cirque Du Soleil acrobatics with the tango.  The best part for me though was the music (not much of a surprise coming from a band geek).  They ended the show with a performance of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and they showed an Evita slideshow in the background.  It was good.

Of course I was the last one dropped off and I'm sooo tired.

Goodnight!

My last day in Ushuaia

Today was my last day in Ushuaia. My flight back to Buenos Aires is tomorrow morning. I know I still have a little bit of my vacation left, but today sort of put the cap on my entire Antarctica experience. 

Even though the ship is gone, I can still see the port, and the town really is at the bottom of the world.  When I leave tomorrow I'm going back to a big city and closer and closer to Minnesota.

But I still managed to make the best of today! I'm sort of losing my voice, so I slept in and had breakfast at the hotel. I walked around town this morning and noticed that there was some sort of event going on at the government office across the street. While I had nothing to do with that, there were lots of people everwhere and police regulating traffic. I wanted to go to the bank to get some more money but there were lines at all of them. I don't know if it was a Monday morning thing or not but I eventually walked past one that I could see into a little better and the people luckily  weren't waiting for the atm.

After I had some money, I took a cab to the Martial Glacier. There's a chair lift you can take only about halfway and then the rest was a steep one hour climb. It was a little windy, but the views were worth it. I was able to see across the Beagle Channel to Chile's Isla Navarino. The hike back down took fairly long too. There are parts of the trail that you have to cross water and with it being so steep - I had to take it slower.

Back in town I was able to do some shopping and also then met Mauricio at his home for dinner.  He made a meal that was a family recipe that was sort of like a casserole.  It had onions and peppers and pumpkin and spices. It was really good. It's been so great spending time with him these last few days when I've been by myself. It helped me feel like my Antarctica trip lasted a little bit longer.

I have an early flight tomorrow so I'm headed to bed!

Enjoying Ushuaia

Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions.

It was VERY hard for me to get off our ship. I wanted to stow away and go back to Antarctica.

It was too early for any of us to check in at our accommodations so we went and grabbed a coffee in town. It was like we were from Ushuaia - we knew everyone walking past us.  We saw our fellow passengers and the staff.

Those of us that were staying another night met up again at The Dublin Pub for a few St. Patrick's Day drinks and even one of our expedition leaders, Mauricio, joined us.

Last night and again this morning I had to say goodbye to the last of my new friends. I made my plans to stay in Ushuaia a little longer so I could do a few things around here, but I was a little sad to be on my own again.  I think coming alone was easier because now that I had such a great time with these people, I know what fun company I'm missing.

Today I had a tour of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. This is the southernmost National Park in the world that only just became a national park in 1960.

I entered the park on the End of the World Train. The railway was originally built as a freight line, to serve the prison of Ushuaia and transport timber along the Pipo River Valley.

The park was beautiful and you really are at the last bit of earth. The road ends and after that you should either turn around or go to Antarctica (which I would recommend of course).

I was feeling pretty sad to be here by myself but I had dinner with Mauricio tonight and it helps make the time more enjoyable.

Drake Passage - return crossing

Apparently our group has been extremely lucky when it comes to the weather we've been having.

This crossing was not a Drake Lake but it isn't a bad Drake Shake either.  I wasn't feeling well right away but I stayed in bed for a little while to get it under control.

When I started feeling a little better I joined in the party we had in the bar area.  I'm sure our crew thinks we are crazy because we had a full fledged dance party.  I can't imagine that many people party when they cross the Drake Passage, but it was a great night. 

I sat in on our last lecture that was about whales and dolphins and it was great.  I feel like I'm going to come back home and be an expert on identifying whales and penguins.

We were given a dvd at our last recap and it's so awesome that I want to watch it again! It highlights our entire route, our daily itineraries, all of the lectures, and has a bunch of photos that the staff took.

We even had a wonderful certificate ceremony and a champagne toast!

Dinner and a final party to follow!
Don't want to leave but I have to.

The people I met in this group are amazing! It's going to be different this last week.

Last few landings and SWIMMING!

Our last few landings were bitter sweet. No one wants the trip to end.

We stopped on Danco Island and our landing site was full of big ice chunks stable enough for us to stand on them in the water. The beach was pretty open and we were able to explore a good portion of it. 

On the walk back to the zodiacs I turned back just in time to see an iceberg roll! It was awesome. When the bottom part gets so heavy from the water it flips.

When we got back to the boat we had a few dance parties.  We may have made a Harlem Shake video and we also did the Penguin Shuffle dance.  This one is pretty cute and I think I could teach it to people back home because it's very kid friendly.

We have also visited Foyn Harbour that was named by whalers after the whaling factory ship was moored there in 1921-22. We could see a lot of remains from the whaling time but the most impressive part was the half sunken Norwegian whaling ship - the Governoren. It accidentally caught fire and sunk almost 100 years ago but you could see the explosive harpoons through the holes.

The weather has been great and a few of us put on our swimsuits and soaked up the sun on the back deck of the boat.
Our last day of landings were located in Deception Island that was formed by a big collapse after a volcanic erruption. The island rises 1600 feet from the seabed and the actual caldera is about 6 miles in diameter.

We visited Whalers Bay and saw more of Antarctica's whaling history from the beginning of the 20th century.

This is also where we went SWIMMING!

I think it's safe to say that this qualifies as a true Polar Plunge. The shore felt nice and warm because of the volcano below but the water was unreal cold. I have a bunch of pictures but the video is the best because you can hear me saying I can't feel my toes!

Our very last landing was at Telfon Bay, still in Deception Island. This was mostly a hiking visit but we could see some Black Ice and also a few surrounding craters.

It's hard to believe we are already making our way back to Ushuaia.

New experiences!

While we typically try to keep the same schedule, for meals and landing times, things can change quickly.

This morning we woke up early to go outside as we crossed through the narrow Lamaire Channel. It was quite beautiful especially as the sun rose but it was very difficult to stand outside at 6:45 in the cold with the wind.

The best thing today was the unexpected announcement that there were two Orca Whales right next to our boat. We all ran up to the front and I got a great spot at the top where I could see them swimming and coming up through the water. It was amazing! One of the expedition leaders said that in the last 7 trips they've only seen Orcas one other time.  You really knew it was exciting when the kitchen staff runs outside with their aprons on and their cameras in their hands.

In addition to that excitement, we also did a landing at the Ukrainian station - Vernadsky. This is where I mailed my postcards because Port Lockroy is already closed for the season. I sent out a lot of them but they may take a long time to get to people because the will probably go through Kiev. Let me know when they show up!

We also made a landing on Peterman Island where we searched for the elusive Adelie Penguins.  These were the only species left in Antarctica that we could possibly see and their breeding season ends earlier than the others so we weren't sure if we'd see them. We stuggled to find them at first but we did find them. They are smaller than all of the other species we have seen.

The whole day was another amazing experience. I still can't believe I'm really here.  Tonight we started heading back North but I don't ever want it to end. 

2 more landings! Best Day Ever!

Today was probably the best day ever. I think I can finally answer the question "what has been your favorite travel destination"?

Antarctica had exceeded my expectations, and I keep feeling like this isn't real.

The other day we made landings on two more islands on the Gerlache Straight. The first was known for having more seals. They were mainly Fur Seals but we also saw a large Wedell Seal laying in the snow near one of the beaches.

The other landing was at the largest Gentoo Penguin colony. There were so many penguin chicks and it is impossible to not keep taking picture after picture.

BUT, the best part of the trip was today  at Paradise Bay. We had stopped at Brown Station where we hiked up to an amazing view point and then slid back down on our butts. That was so much fun that we ran backup and did it again. The second part of this landing was when we went out in the zodiacs and saw 5 Minke Whales near our zodiacs. It was so magestic. They kept poking their heads straight out of the water and also their flippers. But it wasn't until our zodiac was right next to a large Humpback Whale that I felt like it wasn't real.  We were about 6 feet away and he even put his tail in the air for us. I got some really great shots and as I write this, I still can't believe it was real.
Back on the ship everyone was on such a high! We had a great day and Paradise Bay definitely lived up to it's name.

The crew made a big bbq for us today with Choripan, which was delicious and
I ended the night with a view of the sunset from the Bridge. I seriously don't know how any day could get better than this. But I'm sure it will.

First landing!!

There is no other way to describe today: it was Spectacular!

Because we lucked out with getting a "Drake Lake", we had made such good time that we could make our first landing today.

As we approached the Shetland Islands we spotted whales (so close to the boat it didn't seem real), seals and penguins jumping in the water, and icebergs that were so picturesque that I wish I would have spent the $800 on a wide angled lense.  My pictures are still pretty good but it doesn't encompass all of the beauty.

We made our first landing on Aitcho Island. There were THOUSANDS of penguins. We were so close it was amazing. If you sat still long enough they would come right up to you.  We also spotted a leopard seal that was just swimming up and down the shoreline waiting for his chance at one of the penguin chicks who, for this time of year, needed to get in the water, or they wouldn't survive the winter.  But thr Leopard Seal knows that the chicks are not experienced. At one point there was a group of us right along the shore and the Leopard Seal made a charge for one of the penguins.  As much as I would have hated to see it, we would have had a front row seat to witness the circle of life.

The whole day was amazing!

Crossing the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is known for it's rough open waters.  It was the part of my trip that I was the most nervous about.

After we left port we had a nice welcome toast with champagne and light snacks.  The crew introduced themselves and most of our expedition leaders are biologists or geologists.

We had a saftey video and training where we had to put on our life jackets and go to our designated meeting place.

At dinner they recommended we take any seasickness medications because we would be hitting open water around midnight.  After dinner they showed the movie Earth, which is a disney movie but it was more like the planet earth series.

I never felt sick overnight but you could really feel the boat moving.  At breakfast though I was struggling. I only grabbed a bowl of cereal which I almost finished before rushing to my room to throw it right back up. 

I think the worst part about it is that everyone keeps saying we are experiencing a "Great Drake" and that it could be much worse.  I really hope that's not the case because I can only imagine how sick I'll be on the way back if it is any worse.

Leaving for Antarctica today!

So today I get on my boat and accomplish my goal to go to every continent before I turn 30.

It doesn't exactly feel real. But I'm so excited.

This morning I woke up and could see that my ship was in the port. I also went back up to the office to get my pre departure voucher that I need along with my passport in order to even get on the port.

I had to check out of my room by 10 am but they were able to store my big pack for the day so I could still do a few things.

I went down along the other side of the port where the half sunk Saint Christopher tugboat lies. In 1953 it went out to help another ship but the Beagle Channel can be a little treacherous and it started to sink.  They got the boat hauled in closer to the port and vertical for just another moment before it started going under again.  Now it remains in the port half under water supposedly as a reminder of how dangerous the waters can be.

In about an hour I'll head down to the port. We have to send our bags through security so they said we could get there a little early and then we start boarding at 4. The boat leaves port at 6pm.

I'll be in touch when I get back!

Ushuaia day 2

I woke up feeling much better today, and I think having a good breakfast at the hotel helped too.

I was hoping to head outside and explore the town but it was pouring out.  I relaxed for a litle bit and caught up on my journaling while I waited for a little break in the rain.

It didn't ever stop completely, but I was able to get out for most of the day.

The town is pretty small and a couple of the main things to do here I have planned for when I get back. So I spent the day walking around town and down by the port.

There was a beautiful rainbow over the water for one of the moments the sun tried to shine through. 

I also made my way to the office for my Antarctica tour.  They were closed for the day but I called the number on my travel documents and made sure everything was all set for tomorrow.

I can't board the boat until 4 pm tomorrow but check out is at 10 am.

I may try and post an update before I get on the boat. I won't be able to send anything while I'm out there because it costs too much but I will keep you all posted when I can.

Ushuaia

The post for today is going to be short because I'm not feeeling well.

I got sick at the hotel back in Buenos Aires. I threw up on the floor of the lobby. Then had to fly for 4 hours to Ushuaia. 

I got checked into my room and tried to go out exploring but gave up when I still didn't feel better.

Took a 3 hour nap and still haven't felt ok enough to do anything.

Hoping I feel better tomorrw.

Buenos Aires Day 2

My legs felt a lot better after I woke up.  I slept until 8am but finally got going around 9.  The breakfast at the hotel is impressive.  So much to eat, fresh fruit, croissants, cereal, pastries, etc. 

I had to hotel send a taxi to bring me to the area of San Telmo.  They have a big Sunday market that I wanted to check out. 

It felt like a big flea market with all of the little stands set up. There was a band and a couple doing the Tango right in the center of the plaza.  The couple dancing was kind of funny. They were a little older and over animated but it was fun to watch for a bit and I'm definitely not one to judge their technique.

I was just kind of roaming around the market and I was approached by a huge camera crew of some people on a travel show teaching foreigners how to tango. I didn't want to do it because they looked a little over the top but I did it anyway and they taught me a basic 8 step Tango.

I did only a little shopping and the relaxed in Starbucks for a while.  There were a lot of people coming to the area as the afternoon came. I decided to walk over to the Plaza de Mayo.  It's impossible not to be impressed with the grandeur of the Casa Rosada. The pink hued presidential palace is on one end of the Plaza and it's balcony was the site of Perón's speeches to his followers below. 

I went on a tour and met a nice Canadian couple.  It was nice to have someone to talk with for a while. I had been feeling like I hadn't spoken with anyone because they all speak spanish.  The tour brought us through some massive rooms and we were able to go out onto one of the balconies.  Not the one actually used by the president or Evita but rather the one Madonna used for the movie Evita.

Around the side of Casa Rosada is the Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas Públicas which still has chipped marble walls on the outside from where navy planes strafed the Casa Rosada in a 1955 coup attempt.

The tour had lasted an hour and then I walked with the Candian couple to Puerto Madero, right along the riverfront. There are a lot of trendy shops, bars and restaurants.  The pedestrian Puente de la Mujer bridge is a beautiful site.

I took the evening pretty easy because I have a 4 am wakeup call for my flight to Ushuaia in the morning.

Buenos Aires

Well I made it to Buenos Aires with no real problems.  The flight from Houston felt long but probably only because I didn't sleep well.

My hotel is really nice compared to some of the hostels I've stayed in. I'm staying in the Recoleta area of B.A. I was able to check in right when I got here and although I was tired, I didn't want to waste my daylight in the hotel room.

I spent the day exploring most of the Recoleta area. I walked everywhere to help give me a better sense of location.  
I found myself at the Recoleta Cemetery.  This is the famous cemetery where Evita Perón was eventually laid to rest. Inside the walls of this huge cemetery are lavish mausoleums. The people who lie here were wealthy and include presidents, military, artists & literary figures. 

It was pretty impressive to see some of these mausoleums. They are quite extravagant and at the same time some are completely crumbling away.

I also walked through the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It's an 18th century church that's right next to the cemetery.   It had this remarkable silver altarpiece that was the work of Argentina's most famous silversmith.

The Recoleta Mall had some cute shops and actually overlooks the cemetery from the McDonald's balcony.

Plaza Francia had this cute crafts fair going on so I walked around there and also over to the Plaza Naciones Unidas (United Nations).  The Flower sculpture was a gift to the United Nations in 2000. It's petals actually open with the sunlight and close when it sets.

All in all it was a great first day. My legs are shot, I feel like I did when I walked around NYC all day.

I got back to my room around dusk. I was exhausted and I didn't want to walk anymore. It was hot and muggy out, but it felt great to wear a tanktop and soak up some sunshine!

Tomorrow should be a good day. Can't wait!