Last words…?

I have a lot more to say about this adventure because . . . there’s so much to be said.

Here’s some of my learnings/take-away’s (sorry, occupational hazard).

 

Awe makes us pause (aka gives us time affluence/we feel like we have time).

Sorta like when there’s an avalanche right in front of you (and you’re out of harm’s way). I felt like a teeny-tiny speck in the grand scheme of things.

Awe also makes us feel good (aka peaceful or happy).

Optimal conditions make it more likely we’ll be graceful.

Penguins’ graceful porpoise’g in water taught me this one (watch the surface of the water, that’s them popping up). Yup. UNBELIEVABLE!

 

Though we may be less graceful when we’re outside our comfort zone, we can still get the job done.

Like the too-hilarious-for-words penguins waddling on land (promised extra penguin videos included).

The 4 E’s happen when people get to use their strengths

This is something I teach and I saw it a ton: there’s a bunch of energy and enjoyment generated, things are easy for folks (and those around them), and they produce excellent results.

It happened with the expedition staff sharing their expertise, the guiding team on the Patagonia trek, myself (Ms Includer over here bringing in anybody who seemed like they were on the outside looking in), and Bill-the-waiter-turned-nightclub-performer @ the ship’s Talent Show (yes, I’m the woman you hear chortling, hooting and hollering . . . he was a delight).

Some people have the power.

There was a couple on our ship I called the Whale Whisperers because they were the common denominator for every one of the up-close-and-personal whale experiences.

And yes, that’s them in the kayak closest to the breaching whale.

When I asked an expedition team member if this was a thing he’d seen on other trips, he told me about being on a boat with Jacques Cousteau’s family for an anniversary event and all this remarkable wildlife coming up to the boat.

Maybe some people have a special vibe or are open/invite experience? I dunno. What I do know is to stay close to those people when I’m looking for some incredible experiences.

 

Perspective is possible.

Iguazu Falls drove home the point that we see way different things when we’re zoomed in/sucked into the vortex versus zoomed out. Wisdom is recognising which perspective you’re in and having the capacity to switch to another view. Fits with what the ship’s crew described as qualities of a great captain: awareness of surroundings.

I’m hoping to write about this in my February leadership article . . . sign up if you’re not already on the list and you’re curious.

And then other stuff . . .

Great leadership makes Great things happen.

I think every single expedition team member told me this was the best ship they’d ever been on, and it was because of Johnathan the Expedition Leader. They’d describe him as wise, gracious and having a good sense of humour.

I heard the same descriptors of the ship’s first mate (a woman, one of only 2 amongst the 19 person crew leaders) and the ship’s captain (also described as “ballsy” by Johnathan in our first daily recap when explaining why we had an extra day . . . and me remembering it later when the ship got really really close to an ice berg).

I also saw it with Natasha the Trek leader.

These folks made tough calls while literally holding our lives in their hands . . . and they did it with open minds, open hearts and humility. It was super-fun benefiting from the environment they created for their teams.

Indicators you’re on a Great Adventure.

1. Great Adventures start when things go wrong/don’t go as planned.
   This from a member of the Expedition Team who’s also an explorer of sorts.
2. Great Adventures include a sick day (this from my husband when I had a night of sickness in Iguazu Falls) . . . kinda like A sick day means you’ve had a Great Adventure.

 

If you’re curious about embarking on a similar adventure . . .

My Patagonia Trek was with G Adventures which I’d highly recommend. The team was tremendous and my co-trekkers who’d done previous G adventures said this was what you can expect — terrific team, great fellow travelers, and a wonderful experience.

Kim Gervais was the travel agent who organized the Antarctica expedition for me after my friend Bev raved about taking the same trip a year ago. Kim did all my bookings (and recommended hotels and G) and she ensured I connected with the expedition group in Ushuaia (the party had already started in Buenos Aires while I was on my Patagonia trek). She often has better pricing than what’s available directly from Atlas and she has info and videos of her 2024 Antarctica expedition with Atlas.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Who knows if I can answer them and turns out, any opportunity to talk about this adventure is something I’ll take.

And before the last last words, a message from our sponsor (Mother Nature) . . .

 

Traveling by yourself can be really really fun.

Before this trip I thought I may feel lonely. Except I didn’t.

• Being by myself, like eating alone, was quite lovely versus lonely. I’d savour the food, virtually share it with friends over WhatsApp (I’m looking @ you Debra), people watch, and experience older Spanish men being particularly friendly with me (which was funny versus creepy).
• Turns out people are nice — and often want to include singles and/or look out for them (I see you Jim the travel planner and Sue & Jerry my new friends from Seattle).
• I wasn’t actually alone. You folks were alongside and in the back of my mind when cool stuff happened. So thanks for being curious and willing to come along for the ride.

 

It’s true. If you can dream it . . . highly highly likely you can do it.

Be well my fellow adventurers.

And sweet dreams.