My love of travel has a long list of places I want to go and experiences I want to have. One at the top of the list was just accomplished!

I have been blessed to travel around the world and enjoy so much uniqueness of our beautiful earth.

One dream was to go to Antarctica. I did it! And it happened to be my 7th continent to visit.

Each continent is so different from the others and yet similar.

Different yet similar:

• Environment
• Topography
• Culture
• Language
• Food preferences
• Daily life experiences
• Nature’s plants and variety of animals

While each location has differences, there is also much that is similar from one culture to another.

What I experienced in Antarctica is raw, pure, expansive nature with peace and vast tranquility.

Many have asked, so here is general info:

• Temperature on the Peninsula, where we were, was between 32 and 38 Fahrenheit/0 and 4 Celsius (when wind blew, it was much colder)
• No polar bears—that is in Arctic region
• No land-based animals
• No bugs (only place I’ve ever been!)
• No hotels or such—only access is by ship
• Only research centers—no permanent residence
• Mountains and land—some visible and some covered in glacier, snow, and ice
• A lot of penguins (oh, they are so cute!), whales and seals
• Aurora rarely seen during tourist visiting time, as it is Summer and sun does not set (it is low in sky between 2 and 4 am)

Antarctica is a land without any government, laws, or time zones. There is an agreement that all countries agreed to abide by and respect.

Each research center uses their own country’s time zone—French on Paris time, German on German time, US on US Eastern time, etc.

There is a sense of cooperation and collaboration that is mirrored from nature in the way humans are respecting the land.

Unfortunately, there is some commercial fishing that is starting to get out of control for krill, which is the foundational food for the animals here.

What is krill? Tiny shrimp-like crustacean. Why fish it? Because it has become popular as a food for farmed fish as well as a popular supplement, krill oil, which studies indicate benefits joints, heart, and overall cognitive health.

There is a growing focus to limit this type of fishing. However, on an individual level, we can choose not to purchase krill oil as a supplement.

I know this trip has increased my recognition of the interconnectedness of nature and how the increased loss of this foundational tiny crustacean will have a massive impact worldwide.

What dreams or wishes do you have?

What will it feel like when you accomplish it?

What small actions can you take to one day experience your dream?
(some dreams take years of small actions but they can come true.)

Consider what might be limiting your dreams…
– Is it okay for you to achieve a dream?
– Can you move forward even if others won’t?
– What might you lose if you did reach your dream?

Sometimes we may not reach the actual dream; however, the perception shift is to enjoy each action taken along the journey (JOYney)!

[photo taken by friend in Antarctica.]