Struggling for words
21st March, 2008I’ve never been one to struggle with words. Until now. I think my roommate, Claire, put it best when she said that there are no words in her vocabulary to describe what we are seeing and feeling. I wholeheartedly agree. To have two straight days filled with glorious sunshine in Antarctica is priceless gift. To be able to see the tops of the majestic mountains all around us, rather than imagining what they might look like because they are hidden behind a cloud, gives me a kind of satisfaction that I don’t think I’ve ever experienced in my life. It is impossible to describe the experience of sitting on the side of a mountain, in the snow, having discussion about leadership, only to be interrupted my the roaring sound of an iceberg three times the size of our ship breaking right in front of us. It’s as if Mother Nature herself was sending out a plea for help.
The people here are wonderful, quite diverse and from 25 different countries. As we cruised through Iceberg Alley yesterday morning, it occurred to me that there couldn’t possibly be anywhere else in the world at that moment where 70 virtual strangers were experiencing complete and utter contentment together. No drama, no conflict, no tension, no judgment. Only peace and utter joy.
…. 10 minutes later
To give you an idea of what it’s like here…as I was about to save this entry, the bridge announced a sighting of Orcas (killer whales). Keep in mind that Orcas haven’t been seen out here since early January. Every single person on this ship, including the crew, dropped what they were doing, grabbed cameras (which you must have on you at ALL times), and rushed out into the freezing cold. I was the first person to reach the bow. Off the starboard side of the ship was a family of Orcas. They cruised along aside the ship before turning towards us and crossing the bow about 50 yards in front of us. I don’t know if the tears running down my face were from the bitter cold wind or my emotional reaction to seeing these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. Either way, it was absolutely spectacular.
Hi, Lauren!
We are absolutely mesmerized of your adventure and love seeing the photos and reading the blogs. This is such a wonderful experience and with the technology that allows you to share it all in this way - it’s almost like being there (although it’s almost in the 70’s here in Marin today). We will be checking each day for more wonderful descriptions.
Today Joanie posted a note about your trip in her blog at http://www.kgoam810.com so you may have many other Northern Californians checking in on you.
We send you all our love - and some other good news is that Bear sends his, too, as he is still hanging in there. He’s actually walked himself around the house a couple of times - somewhat of a miracle!
Love you much……………… Cindy
Posted by Cindy Renshaw on 03/21/08, 8:08 pm
Hey Lauren,
Happy Easter greetings from VA! So, does the Easter Bunny visit Antarctica? I saw the video of the whales and penguins and can’t believe you’re seeing first hand the sorts of things I can only see on video. I know it’s an incredibly breathtaking experience foryou. Jason wants to know what the icebergs look like and how big they are? He also wants to know what the orcas eat. Both George and Jason were wondering if you could bring back some rock samples. I bet they’d be the only kid on the block with rocks from Antarctica? So how is the weather? How many hours of daylight do you have? Keep in touch! Lots of love, Alison (and Big George and Jason and George too!!!)
Posted by Alison Birsic on 03/23/08, 9:22 am
Lauren, what an amazing experience you are having. Glad that you didn’t get sea sick. I hope that you are getting a lot from this trip and I am sure the experiences will last a life time. Travel safe and enjoy the moments.
Charlie
Posted by C Skinner on 03/24/08, 1:33 pm
Hi Lolo,
You are writing a perfect description. So happy you’re having this experience. Not many people could make describe it as you do. Can I guess. You either played kate winslet or you directed the movie. You’re the perfect person for the trip and it’s the perfect trip for you. Inspiring! That glacier’s image sounds branded on your brain.
Glad your safe and gaining such a rare perspective of nature and life.
Totally killer whale wildcat!
Posted by Scott T Slayton on 03/25/08, 1:28 am
Hi Lauren!!
I cannot believe everything you are experiencing right now…..and you write about it so beautifully! I can’t believe you saw Orcas!!! We are all missing you back at work. You wouldn’t believe how empty and sad our bay feels now that everyone is gone!
Stay safe, and I can’t wait to hear more!!!
Miss you!! Jenna
Posted by Jenna Flood on 03/25/08, 1:11 pm
Hey buddy! I started back to work yesterday. I read on CNN that another piece of ice 5x the size of Manhattan broke off Antartica. I hope you weren’t on it. I miss you. I’ll post another message later on. Can’t wait to see your version of Titanic (sinking part omitted).
Posted by Jake Farrow on 03/25/08, 4:27 pm