14-12-19: Start of the Antarctica expedition

The day started very early today at 05:00. Quick breakfast and then the procedure started. Bus transfer from the hotel to the airport. Charter flight with the participants from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Almost 2,000 km and 3.5 hours to the southernmost mainland airport in the world. Then back on the bus and then a five-hour sightseeing tour in Punta Arenas. The place only has sights for a maximum of 2 hours. But it seemed like they wanted to keep us busy. Then finally at 17:30, 12 hours later, check-in on board. Visit to the mandatory safety briefing, submission of medical questionnaires and receipt of jackets (see picture). Dinner and finally some rest on board.

The ship is fantastic. We hope the pictures express that. Of course, everything is focused on expedition and education. But that's also good.

We have already seen the first penguins from a distance. They probably won't be the last.

Now we begin the journey towards the Drake Passage with waves as high as 6 meters. The route now starts in the Strait of Magellan.

In any case, the unique adventure begins now. Once in a Lifetime!