After five of the most memorable days of our lives, all that remained of our Antarctic adventure was the return journey through the Drake Passage. The swaying and the side to side shuffling along corridors was back. The nausea was kept at bay by the sea-sickness patches, replaced with a resigned sleepiness. In fact it was a welcome guilty pleasure to catch up on some rest after such a hectic week.
Meanwhile, my teddy bear was having the time of his life. During the cruise while we were off galavanting, he’d been happily amusing himself with iridescent sea shells, just for the fun of it. On another evening, we’d returned to our suite after dinner only to hear from outside the door that a movie was playing in our cabin. Curiouser and curiouser. We stepped in tentatively… Turns out my bear was in his element, sprawled out on the bed like a furry Homer Simpson with popcorn and beer, watching a Disney movie. Having the time of his life. And finally as we forged northward leaving Antarctica far behind, here he was – the center of attention, loving it up on our crisp white duvet.
And then in true Seabourn style, the team totally pulled it out of the bag on the last evening at the Officer’s Epicurean event out on deck. The waters had calmed throughout the afternoon and as the Venture breezed northward through the Beagle channel, we were happy to lay our eyes on land again. We ensconced ourselves at the open patio bar to take it all in. One of those “the holiday’s not quite over, gonna make the most of it” moments. Chatting with bar tenders and passengers alike. There seemed to be some untold affinity between those who’ve visited Antarctica: a shared dream, a mutual respect.
We got caught up in the set up of the evenings proceedings, as the staff busied themselves with the set up of cocktails and hors d’ouvres. Out came the caviar, smoked salmon, and leg of jamon ready to carve. And out came the whisky and bitters for the Old Fashioneds. Along with the centerpiece of a perfect 1,000 year old mini Antarctic iceberg. Just in case you have any doubt precisely which continent you just visited. This is one time I absolutely want ice in my drink, thank you very much.
It is not lost on me that Antarctica is something lifelong dreams are made of. I feel intensely privileged that we were able to do this trip and I’m humbled by the experience. Wildlife does that to me. Yes, even penguins. Absolutely penguins. Penguins with their comedy antics, where waddling inevitably ends up with a face plant. (There’s a life lesson there somewhere I’m sure). It’s not about ‘seeing’ something and ticking it off. It’s the watching and waiting, it’s experiencing, and it’s just being there and enjoying the moment. Or moments.
And the final word – or photo(s) – goes to Daniel Fox the professional photographer. I’ve featured a few of his pics from our cruise in the blogs already. There’s a few that didn’t quite make it, but it would be a shame not to share. So the last little round up – Photos by Daniel; Collages by moi!
