My Story with Antarctica- Survival Night in Cuverville Island

Survival Night in Cuverville Island

6/3/2012

(Day Six)

I probably slept for one hour only and woke up many times felling uncomfortable in my thin and cold bed. The snow wall was good, but we woke up wet and had to face the chill weather again.

It was the survival time. Robert Swan made his commitment and came on the promised time to rescue us. That was the best experience ever happened in my life. We survived and went back to the ship in our zodiacs.

After breakfast, we had an optional Safari Zodiac. Of course, I can’t miss any opportunity to get out of the ship and be in the open area. We were lucky to see a family of whales swimming smoothly and quietly in the see, close to the icebergs with a magnificent harmony and respect.

Then we had another optional hike. This was my first official step in the Antarctic Continent. Surrounded by a superb chain of icebergs and glaciers and known to be the best place to listen and watch the sounds and sights of the Antarctic. We saw many Gentoos there, groups and individuals walking around and taking their own time to look around a well.

We walked up the steep snowy slope till reached the top. The view is far beyond any words, poems or even pictures. Reaching the top to have self-reflection moments and look around to one of Allah’s creations wonders. Then we walked the downhill slide in the deep snow on our way back to the ship. Every now and then, there must be a stop to take a deep breath appreciating the surrounding gift of Antarctica.

Our second activity was the First Antarctic TEDx Talks. A number of talks were delivered from various participants. It was wonderful to know their passions, their achievements and more their messages to the world.

On the way back to the ship, we had a cruise ride via Zodiacs to watch the icebergs and the wildlife. Every place around had a unique shape iceberg, with unique shades and blue colors. The sea was calm, ice shapes were spread all over with different sizes, floating in the water. Between now and then we hear some big ice cracks in the icebergs. Though I was taken by the imaginary beauty, I was deeply thinking of the importance to keeping these places preserved with no human being interference.