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The ship was full of fascinating people, and one of my favorite things was chatting with strangers and hearing their incredible stories. Six of us immediately clicked and became a tight-knit group, sharing meals and joining excursions together (Johnathan missing in the photo below). Who needs books when people can share such amazing life stories in person?
Paula, Struppi, myself, Michi and Uli
Me in the front on the continent
I took a risk on this trip by sharing a room with a stranger, and I couldn't have been luckier. I immediately connected with Paula from Washington State—it was as if we had been friends for years. We were uncannily similar in many respects, except she's a nurse and a mountain climber—yes, she reached the summit of Mount Everest! She was accompanied by her son-in-law Johnathan, who was a delight to spend time with and listen to.
I leave this trip deeply inspired by the individuals I met. There were many mother-daughter or parent-child pairs, along with plenty of solo travelers like me teaming up with strangers. The average age was 47, and I loved the diversity of backgrounds and experiences. With only 135 passengers, it was easy to see familiar faces and connect. Plus, the smaller size of the ship allowed us to access more remote harbors and make more landings using the zodiacs. This trip will stay with me forever—not just because of the stunning scenery but because of the amazing people who made it unforgettable.
The Ocean Explorer and Trip Preparation
Preparing for this trip involved a lot, from buying to trying to pack all the essential winter gear. Luckily, everything fell into place, and the ship provided the parka and boots, simplifying matters significantly.
The crew of our Quark Ocean Expedition was outstanding—true experts in their fields. They gave captivating presentations on every aspect of Antarctica, from geopolitical issues and environmental climate conditions to glaciers, seals, penguins, and more. Each presentation enriched the experience and deepened my appreciation for the uniqueness of this incredible place. Their expertise included Ornithology, Marine Biology, History, Geology, and Glaciology, among others.