NÓMADAS #7 - Rui Peres in Antarctica

Rui Peres, the adventurer who in 2019 started a trip around the world to travel 36 countries in 12 months, a trip that unfortunately was interrupted due to the scourge of Covid-19, takes us with him to one of the most inhospitable places he visited this journey - Antartida

Why choose that destination?

This trip is driven by the stories in the books I read about the Antarctic expeditions (example, Ernest Shackleton and James Cook). In addition, the fact that the polar zones are the most isolated and remote areas in the world, with no permanent population, which increases curiosity. Here we can face directly some of the consequences of environmental problems (ozone depletion and global warming for example).

Short itinerary and points of interest for your trip?

Itinerary:

· Eduardo Frei Montalva Station, on King Jorge's Island;

· Almirante Brown Base, in Paradise Bay;

· Captain Arturo Prat base, on Greenwich Island;

· General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme Base, in the Antarctic Peninsula; and

· Spring base.


Points of interest:

· Fauna and respective curiosities (seals, penguin colonies, albatrosses, starfish, whales, orcas);

· Wild flora (mosses, liverworts, algae);

· Icebergs (formed from frozen snow); and

· Colored rocks and escarpments and Antarctic Sea.

Two or three moments that marked you most during the trip?

1. Crossing the Drake Strait;

2. Close contact with animal wildlife;

3. Stories shared with very experienced people  (examples, Amyr Klink and Ed); and

4. Travel on the expedition cruise, registered in Madeira, which, until today, took the Portuguese flag to the most distant latitudes.

The biggest difficulties you faced?

My choice in that time was looking for a last minute trip, which, as I realized, despite allowing me some savings gives a lot of headaches in ‘trading’.

In addition, booking the trip involves some logistics to take into account:

· Mandatory health insurance;

· Limit of the maximum amount of the credit card (6K €) managed in advance; and Internet on the expedition cruise is only available for a fee (approximately € 200 per 4Gb).


Curiosities regarding differences in culture?

Antarctica has no permanent population. Thus, the cruise ship stay and daily guided tours are always organized by shipping companies (in my case Quark Expeditions, which I recommend).

Therefore, the biggest curiosities are:

· Meals with different people, with plenty of experience in adventure travel, every day, which allows for an emotional and incredible sharing of experiences;

· Interesting workshops and lectures given by historians, biologists, geologists, writers, scientists, etc., on the Antarctic continent;

· Proximity to wild fauna and flora;

· Photographic experiences once in a life time;

· Expeditions twice a day, depending on weather conditions;

· Sunset with the orcas (only if they want J);

· Majestic scenery (example, sun with snow);

· Visits and trails to various islands with wild animals; and

· Activities, paid separately, in unique scenarios (SUP and canoeing).

What not to forget to take to this destination?

· Polar Protection Equipment (glasses, pants, hat, undershirt, coat, socks, boots, waterproof backpack and collar);

· Books for free time on the boat;

· Camera;

· Sun protection cream.


What time of year did you go? Do you advise this or another time?

I went in January, and I recommend it. The possible time to visit Antarctica is from November to March as only during this period can ships pass the ice.


If you came back what would you do differently?

Antarctica is divided into three parts: Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctica and East Antarctica. Perhaps I would try other options, depending on prices, to visit East and West Antarctica as well.

For those who want to follow more adventures of this nomad: