It may have taken a few tries, but it was all worth it when Michael got to see Antarctica’s playful penguins and blue glaciers.
By Susan Coltrara, 6-time traveler and 2-time Vacation Ambassador from Scottsdale, AZ
The last bucket list item for my husband, Michael, was to see his 7th continent, Antarctica. Since I suffer from extreme seasickness, this was not a trip for me.
He booked your Antarctica’s White Wilderness for Christmas 2017 but alas, about a month before the trip he had to cancel because of an old back condition. His doctor didn’t think getting on and off zodiacs was a good idea!
He rebooked the same trip for Christmas 2018, determined to see Antarctica! Alas, it was not to be. On only his second evening in Buenos Aires as he was walking back to his hotel after dinner he was sideswiped by a bus while crossing an intersection. He was heartbroken when he called me to say that he had been diagnosed with a fractured hip! The O.A.T. Trip Leader and other local employees were very helpful to us as they assisted us with getting him medically evacuated home through the travel insurance.
Michael truly took the "trip of a lifetime" while visiting his 7th continent.
Michael had such a good attitude about the entire situation and even joked that a bucket list item that he never in a million years dreamed that he would fulfill was met, i.e. a trip in a private Lear jet (medical ambulance). The only downside was that because it was a medical flight, no martinis or a steak and lobster dinners were served!
Under the theory that "the third time is a charm", I verrrrry reluctantly booked a third trip with much trepidation. He knew that if he didn’t make it the next time, that would be his last attempt. In December 2019, he flew to Buenos Aires with strict instructions not to leave the hotel unless wrapped in bubble wrap and surrounded by people. Once he flew to Ushuaia and got on the expedition ship I breathed a sigh of relief. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen there, he could fall off the boat? At least, there would be no buses involved.
I am very pleased to say that he successfully arrived on the Antarctic continent on January 2, 2020, a very happy man with memories that will last a lifetime.
We love our O.A.T. adventures and can’t wait for our next adventure, together!
Journey to the continent of Antarctica—whether it’s your 7th continent or not—during our Antarctica’s White Wilderness Small Ship Adventure.
