My Story with Antarctica- In Ushuaia

Ushuaia
27.2.2012

The place here is incredible and the view from my room is stunning and amazing. I met with some of the team members. Unfortunately some of the flights got delayed and will be arriving by tomorrow. I will get time to remember all the names and recall them faster. It is only the food that is not that good for me. I have to be vegetarian for sometime in Ushuaia as there is no halal food. You will see me thinner once I'm back insahllah.

I had a great walk from the hotel to the down town for about 8 km with a new friend from France. Most of the shops were closed though it's a Monday. We couldn't understand the reason behind it. The way back to the hotel was tyring as we had to walk up the road. I appreciate the health and strength given by allah, alhamdulillah. It is just amazing to watch all the surrounding green areas and mountains with their white hats (snow).

It is nice to get to meet the new comers of the team and welcome them when they enter to the hotel. What a wonderful opportunity to mingle with them and get to know more about the cultures and backgrounds. It is also exciting to share the important things about my country. I loved it how people appreciated the way I got my fundraising done when Robert told them about it. This really makes me feel special and proud to be a role model for the Omani women and youth to go ahead and face the challenges around.

It is almost 12 pm now. I'm still full of energy and want to take some snaps of the stars. What a lovely and fantastic scene outside. It reminds me of my village back in Oman. We all live under the same sky and we all own Antarctica. My passion towards the mission I came for is just increasing and bringing me more excitement. We are coming Antarctica.

My Story with Antarctica – Across the Atlantic

25-26 FEB 2012

The journey from Oman to Argentina was quite hectic. I had a stop in Dubai for more than an hour. Then a long flight that lasted for 13 hours till it landed in Brazil (Reo De Janero). We stoped there for an almost an hour. After that we flew to Buenos Aires. I had a short sleep in a hotel before I get back to the airport heading to Ushuaia.

From Oman to Dubai I had a lovely chat with an Egyptian cabin crew. He was nice and we talked for quite a long time about my journey. In the beginning, he was against the idea, yet he changed his mind afterwards and asked for more details on how to join. I was glad that I did a good job and made him understand our mission.

Then, in the flight from Dubai to Reo De Janero I sat next to two friendly Brazilian couples. The lady was excited to know about Islam and the differences we have in religions. She was very respectful and well understanding. She even answered my questions politely. The husband joined us on our discussion about our cultures and countries. We took photos and exchanged addresses. They even offered me a stay in Brazil at anytime. In the last minutes of the flight, I had a chat with a lovely cabin crew from England. She is young and new in her job. We talked about the expedition and traveling in general.

My stay in Buenos Aires wasn't exciting at all. I hated the hotel very much. Perhaps it's the room that I got. Anyway, I just needed it for few hours sleep and then back to the hotel.

BA airport is very crowded and small. The taxi driver dropped me at a wrong terminal. It was my mistake. He didn't know English nor I knew Spanish. Anyway, it wasn't the language that caused the confusion, but me wanting a hot cup of tea in a rush hour. Luckily I a young luggage guy came to help for money. He pushed my trolley all the way to the right terminal. During the way, he asked me about the scarf I'm wearing and if it has any religion purpose. When I said I'm Muslim he laughed and pointed at my luggage and asked if I'm carrying any bombs. Well, he can not be blamed with all those flooding propaganda about Muslims. I got to explain some stuff to him with the a very difficult way to communicate. Again there was a language gap. On the way to BA, there was another chance to speak to a cabin crew. This time a guy from Syria. We spoke about the current situation and shared prayers to all innocent people.

The last flight was to Ushuaia. This time I sat to a lady who is in her 50s who is accompanying her father who is in his 80s on his journey to the Antarctic. This old man is gifted and extraordinary. He knew some words in Arabic as he lived in Sudan for few years. The daughter words in an NGO to help people with special needs. I felt excited when heard about the daughter and the father's great word. Yet the courage of an old man to chase his dreams with all the age limitations and difficulties, with a device attached to the heart and a thought of near death has made me speechless.


This itinerary was really fantastic from one side: the great seat I got facing the cabin crews and having a huge space to stretch my legs and put my back pack under them.



Tomorrow I will wake up from early morning and join Zeina for a walk towards the Glacier mountain.

“As the world ‘s leading brad of Antiseptics and a trusted champion of family health, Dettol products offer a high standard of germ kill and are recommended by healthcare professionals for the proven ability to keep families healthy. The brand has stayed contemporary through the launch of new products and offered consumers a breadth of products across categories that can help protect them form germs. These include bad soaps, hand sanitizers, liquid hand washers, shower gels and antibacterial wipers. “

Dettol is one of Reckitt Benckiser (RB) brands. RB is a global company that has many environment initiatives such as Carbon 20, Our Home Our Planet and Trees for Change. Not only that, RB is the core signatory of the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change.

I’m honored for the sponsorship provided by Dettol brand for my expedition to the Antarctic. I am delighted to support RB on its “commitment to run the business in a way that is responsible, environmentally sound and sustainable”.

Please read more about RB environment initiatives:
http://www.rb.com/Our-responsibility/Environment

Oman Trading International (OTI) was jointly founded by the Oman Oil Company and the Vitol Group. As part of the company’s portfolio diversification, and value addition to the government of the Sultanate of Oman. OTI is assisting the Ministry of Oil and Gas and other private entities to develop Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the country. It is a member of the Environment Society of Oman

OTI is actively promoting environmental initiatives. Last year they sponsored Bader Al Rahbi and Ali Al Easry, the first two Omani men to go to the Antarctic.

OTI is still committed on their environment initiatives by sponsoring me this time to follow Bader and Ali steps on the Antarctic Expedition. I would like to thank OTI very much for their support and believes on developing youth.

Please read more about OTI: http://www.omantrading.com/clean-development-mechanism.html

Omran is the leading tourism-related investment‚ development and management company in Oman. Its new slogan is “Working Together for a Better Environment & Beautiful Nation”.

Eng. Abdul Wahid Al Farsi, VP Corporate Affairs of Omran said, “We take sustainability seriously in everything we do. We care deeply for our country and its natural resources, always grateful for the lands we have been given to develop into memorable destinations and experiences. Therefore, we are accountable for our actions and need to ensure that our activities leave a positive legacy with minimum impact on nature. It is with this frame of mind that we operate to continue to conserve and enhance biodiversity for future generations.”

From this believe, I very much thank Omran for its support by becoming one of my Antarctic Expedition sponsors. It is a great privilege for me to work hand by hand on supporting Omran on spreading the message of sustainability awareness and on developing the sense of responsibility amongst youth in Oman.

Please read more about Omran:
http://www.omran.om/News.aspx?id=0

My Story with Antarctica – From The beginning (2)

My efforts got me four sponsors. It is such a great honor to hold Caledonian College of Engineering name next to my heart. I am also very thankful to Oman Trading International, Omran and Dettol for sponsoring my voyage to the Antarctic. The four sponsors share high beliefs on environment preservation and have their green initiatives. Their support is extended beyond becoming the first Omani women to go to the Antarctic. It is to support me reaching my noble goals to contribute to environment preservation and become an ambassador of positive change.

The challenges did not end by getting funds. I had to get my clothing and gears from Dubai where there are specialized stores in winter clothes.

Though Dubai is a near by city, this time it was far for me due to my very busy schedule. Gladly, I got most of the things I needed from there.

Then came another irritating issue. There is no embassy for Argentina in Oman, neither there is a consulate. The nearest country to get it from is Saudi Arabia. Though I was advised by Argentina Embassy in Saudi Arabia to get a letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oman requesting to process my visa without the need to travel to Saudi Arabia, the Ministry refused to do so. It was so frustrating and embarrassing at the same time to see how other organizations from other countries respect us more than our won. This lead to flying to Saudi Arabia, spent a night there and started my visa processing.

Now, it is time to organize the small and most important issues. I’m counting the days down and can’t believe it is happening very soon. I have a mixture of emotions and confused feelings. It is a huge responsibility on my head.

My Story with Antarctica – From The beginning (1)

From the first day at the Mosaic International Summit held in Nov 2011 in Qatar, I started to visualize myself walking on thick snow, gazing at spectacular ice sculptures and the distinctive wild life that Antarctica has to offer after a very inspiring and touching speech given by Robert Swan OBE, the first man to walk on both poles.

In the beginning, I couldn’t believe that Robert is serious and that he would really respond back to me. His positive and uplifting response to my email was a big surprise.

Robert came to Oman in Dec 9th 2011. He gathered me with Bader Al Rahbi and Ali Al Easry, the first two Omani men to go to the Antarctic. I also met with Abdulrahim Turkistani who was there in the last expedition as well. Before Robert’s talk to some

business people in Oman, we spoke a lot about the expedition and the challenges ahead. I got more excited about the expedition and made a final decision to go.

The days followed Robert’s talk were mainly to convince my family and get their “go ahead” permission. In the beginning they resisted a lot. They couldn’t imagine me going to a NO MAN LAND, disconnected and isolated from the civil life, living for days with people I never had known before and freezing for the first time ever in my life. Being the youngest amongst my siblings makes it tougher to get everyone’s approval in the family. Everyone has his or her concerns and worriers. Yet, I knew that was all because they care about me. Thus, for the same reason they finally accepted and gave their hand of support.

Then came the challenge of raising money. I started approaching organizations in Dec 9th itself. I had to write fundraising proposals for the first time in my life. Most importantly, I had to convince my family and myself that raising funds is not at all begging. It is a mutual benefit with the funders.

It was my last month at work after I decided to leave because of a few conflicts I had with the company management. I was fully taken by the expedition, yet trying to keep a clean image before I leave the company for good.

I wake up every day to check the list of organizations I made, check my diary, send emails, make phone calls and sometimes go for meetings. “What to do next” is always there in my follow-up list.

One obstacle that I was frustrated with was when a number of organizations told me that they couldn’t sponsor me because they year is coming to an end and the budgets have been frozen. Some organizations were not interested at all and some were like this is a personal journey for adventure and that its not worth sponsoring.

I was patient and I understood the policies and regulations some organizations follow, thus I wasn’t arguing much. Yet, it was so frustrating and disappointing sometimes to keep waiting and following up for a “No” answer.

Despite the rejections I received, I got to meet with some wonderful people who wanted to help me so badly but they couldn’t. They were sad for not being able to help. What they may not know is that the thought counts and their passion motivated me and helped me work even harder.

My Story with Antarctica - Why?

My name is Zeena Al Towayya. In 2003 I graduated from Caledonian College of Engineering with Higher Diploma in Computer Engineering. Since then, I started my career life in the private sector. My first job was a System Analyst and Software Consultant. Then, I moved to another Information Technology organization where I worked as a Marketing Executive. During my second job, I went back to the college to pursue my degree. I graduated with BSc Honor degree in Computer Engineering in 2008. Before the graduation ceremony, I joined another company as an E-Consulting Services Manager. I’m currently focusing on the Antarctic Expedition and would go back to perusing my career life after coming back from the Antarctic.

Around three months ago, I had the privilege to be one of the Mosaic International Summit 2011 in Qatar delegates. The summit is a leadership programme established three years ago by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Participants on this programme were selected from hundreds of candidates from 20 countries. In the summit, I have met with Sir. Robert Swan OBE, first person in history to walk to both North and South Poles. He invited me to become the first Omani woman to join the IAE programme.

For me, personally, this journey will worth a lifetime experience. It will be my first time to visit such an amazing place and explore it with professionals and scientist as well with team members from all around the globe. My aim is to take this challenge to gain knowledge from its real source. I do highly believe in the importance of every individual’s action. Thus, I will not stop by only getting the knowledge and I will keep on passing it to others in Oman and wherever I can. As a social responsibility, I will participate in environment saving seminars, conferences and various events. I will also provide awareness presentations for schools, universities, and government and private sectors. I will involve youth in some workshops and practical events to make a real change no matter how small it might be.

I have a deep concern about environmental degradation and lack of sustainable development. In Oman for example, effects on climate change are evident in the recent years. The summers are getting longer and hotter and the winter is getting shorter. The rains frequency has increased, became stormier and more irregular. In 2007 Oman was hit by Cyclone Gonu and then came Cyclone Phet. Months ago Thailand sank under floods and it is going to take time to recover. Now Europe is undergoing severe and harsh weather conditions. The reports we see in the news bulletins are irritating, scaring and very much shocking. Thus we need to take the lead and make a change.

The International Antarctic Expedition organizes trips to the Antarctic for the purpose of education and studying; exploring the wildlife, landscape and what can be done to protect its environment particularly in view of the increasing global warming and climate change. This expedition shall teach us about the safe sources of energy, green environment and environment sustainability from the onboard experts. In addition, we will be acquiring the leadership skills and tools and become leaders of positive change.