By: Sarah Stone
I have always, always, always wanted to visit Antarctica. One of these days I’ll save enough cash to take a cruise there, but in the meantime, photos and stories from others will have to do. Here are a few films and stories that have inspired me, and that I hope will do the same for you!
Encounters at the End of the World
This gorgeous film by Werner Herzog brings you to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and introduces you to some of the amazing people living there, and the otherworldly environment in which they’ve found themselves.
Icebreaker Ships
Ever since I learned about icebreaker cruises, I’ve been pricing them out every so often. Personally, I just think they’re cool—but there are other cruises you can take to Antarctica that are more focused on short tours and adventures like kayaking, penguin watching, and more.
The Thing
Oh my gosh, this movie! Between that and Alien vs. Predator, Antarctica’s got that whole “Unexplored Terror” vibe to it that’s super intriguing.
The U.S. Antarctic Program
Station – image via Pixabay
Before ultimately deciding to build my own business, I looked seriously at jobs with the U.S. Antarctic Program, and still wonder how things would be different if I’d been part of it. There are a lot of amazing opportunities that you can apply for through the USAP’s partners—and you don’t necessarily need experience in conservation, engineering, or other fields you may expect (there’s an artists and writers program!).
Leonid Rogozov
Here is a whale instead – Photo by Derek Oyen on Unsplash
It’s probably better if I don’t post the applicable photo here. In 1961, Leonid Rogozov was a Russian doctor stationed in Antarctica when he fell ill with peritonitis. Due to the remoteness of his location, an impending blizzard blocking all access from the outside, he was forced, as the only medical professional in the group, to perform an appendectomy on himself. He was back to his regular work two weeks later.
Happy Feet (or just penguins in general)
Let’s end on an adorable note! We can all agree Happy Feet was a sweet movie, and while I wouldn’t want to tromp over any penguins’ home, I would want to look at them through binoculars.
Do you want to visit Antarctica? Have you had the chance to visit? Share your stories with the Frayed Passport community!
About the Author: Sarah Stone
As the managing director of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build your a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want, however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and while I'm based in Miami now, I spend one-third of the year traveling to amazing destinations around the world and have worked completely remotely since 2013. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!