I was not sure whether I would actually be able to do this. But I now find myself getting ready to conquer the final continent of my plan to travel around the 7 continents before my passport expires. I have over a year left and I’ve been to 6 so far, so on to the end of the world, the final frontier, Antarctica here I come!
I’ve been bitten by the travel bug and there’s nothing I can do but to just go and explore. As with everyday life, I always want to try something new. It’s no different when I travel. This time I’ll be travelling for 6 weeks and I’ll be trying different styles of travelling.
Couchsurfing (Couch Surfing)
Before Antarctica, I’ll be travelling by myself for a week in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’m also considering to go on a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. I thought this would be the best time to try couchsurfing. I’ve been wanting to do this and I was waiting for the right opportunity. Lately, it seems like couchsurfing has become more mainstream. In fact, just recently, this non-profit organization has turned into a B Corp and major companies have agreed to fund its projects. I thought to myself, why not send out a few requests? I sent out 3. One has not responded, an inactive member. The second one was not available as he is away travelling at this time. Luckily, the last one responded with a yes. I have restored my faith in humanity. I now have a place to stay but more importantly, know someone local. I still think the best way to experience a foreign land is with a local or at least get tips from a local.
Expedition (G Adventures)
The next 2 weeks will be an expedition trip to the final frontier: Antarctica. I’m a gapper since last year when I went on my Europe and Peru adventure. Having a great experience with them, I decided to join Gap Adventure’s (now just G Adventures) Antarctica Classic in Depth. I’ll be joining other adventure seekers on the M/S Expedition and will be crossing the infamous Drake Passage, exploring and camping in the continent with the harshest weather conditions, and hopefully have up close encounters with the polar wildlife. It’s going to be amazing!
Overland (Dragoman)
For the final leg of the trip, I’m going to explore the Patagonian region via overland. I will be joining around 14 other travellers, hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors and natural beauty of Patagonia. This is another first for me. I hope the group dynamics will play out well. I’ll try my best to be useful around camp. I’m sure it’s going to be lots of fun!
So there, independent travel and couchsurfing, expedition trip and overland tour, I feel like this is going to trump my previous adventure. I can’t wait to go!
=========================
My 6 Weeks Itinerary:
13/11/2011
Depart Vancouver, BC
14/11/2011 - 18/11/2011
Buenos Aires, Argentina, possibly a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
19/11/2011 - 30/11/2011
Antarctica Expedition, board and end at Ushuaia, Argentina
01/12/2011 - 23/12/2011
Patagonia Region of Argentina and Chile, Lake District, Chile and Santiago, Chile
24/12/2011
Back in Vancouver, BC just in time for Christmas Eve with family
