Antarctica was everything I expected and more

Antarctica was everything I expected and more. My prayers for good weather were answered, and we got to do nearly all the excursions. Going into the experience, the most important aspect of the trip was landing on the continent, which we did twice. Despite the uncontrollable feelings that ranged from gratitude and awe to bliss and an inexplicable sense of achievement, the main source of euphoria was sharing the experience with my cohort. The smiles, hugs, tears, etc. are burned in my memory forever. Words, photos, and videos cannot capture the experience accurately. I cannot imagine this trip without the addition of the Falklands and more importantly, South Georgia. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the elements of mother nature provided the backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even when I return to the Southern Ocean, it will never be as it was and for this, I am truly grateful.

Darren Buchanan
Post-Baccalaureate, Digital Audiences