As I sit here freezing through Germany’s winter, knowing spring is still months away, I was trying to think happy thoughts to warm myself up. There are very few situations where I can tolerate cold weather, and my trip to Antarctica was one of them. Aside from the serene atmosphere, the icebergs that were so large my mind had trouble processing them, and our close encounter with a minke whale, I was overjoyed to be inches away from penguins. Really, is anything cuter than a penguin?
Here’s a chinstrap penguin swimming in the ocean. I never would’ve thought this is what they looked like swimming, but then normally you just see photos of penguins walking around on land. (Sorry it’s almost cut off at the bottom, I was on a moving boat.)
Gentoo penguins were the ones we saw the most of when we got off the ship. We weren’t supposed to approach them, but it was ok if they approached us. And they did!
Sometimes I swear they were posing for me. Aren’t they just gorgeous?
One of the things that surprised me was how many penguins there were. Hundreds of them waddled around us for the one precious hour we had on land the day I took these photos. They smelled horrible, but I couldn’t stop smiling because they were just so fun to watch.
That trip to Antarctica gave me so many amazing memories, but one of my favorites was being able to see and be so close to the penguins. It’s not a cheap trip to go on, but if you think Antarctica is somewhere you’d like to see someday, maybe the idea of seeing the penguins will make the decision to spend the money a little bit easier. They’re such interesting creatures to see up close and in their natural habitat, and I’m so happy I was able to have that experience.
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Tags: Antarctica cruise, penguins, travel addiction, travel pictures
So cute and so many of them! I seriously need to start putting even just a few dollars away every month to start the fund to go.
Heather recently posted..4 goals for 2012 — how did I do?
Thanks Heather! That might be a good way to start saving for an expensive trip like this. Expensive, but worth it!
Great photos Ali. Antarctica a few years ago would seem like a distant dream. Now it is obtainable albeit expensive.
Steve recently posted..Photo of the Week – View Along Charles Bridge, Prague
Thanks Steve! It’s not a trip I ever thought would be possible for me until me and my friend started looking into it. Definitely possible, but yes more expensive than your average vacation.
Wow you got to take some really nice shots there!
Cool that they approached you.
Didn’t think they would be smelly, though:D
Sofie recently posted..Maastricht
Thanks Sofie! It’s probably more accurate to say that their poo was really smelly. But since there were so many penguins in one place, the smell was overwhelming. It actually gave me a headache!
If I had the money to burn, getting to see the icebergs and the penguins would be enough to make me leave tomorrow!! Fun photos, Ali.
Kirsten Alana recently posted..Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: The Best New Year’s Eve. Ever.
Thanks Kirsten! It’s definitely not a cheap trip, but I hope you do get the opportunity to go someday.
Great article and superb pictures Ali!! I love it – a bit of inspiration here for you and your readers who think Antarctica is dear or expensive, it’s not, anyone can do it: http://dontstopliving.net/how-.....ntarctica/
Jonny
Thanks Jonny! Definitely not how I paid for my trip, but your flights and the cruise came out to about the same amount I spent. It’s still the most expensive 2 weeks of travel I’ve ever done, but well worth it.
I love these pictures of penguins! Gentoo are my favorite. Antarctica is totally on my bucket list of places to visit.
Jennifer recently posted..Breiðamerkursandur: A Playground for Photographers
Thanks Jennifer! I have no doubt you’ll get there in the next few years!