Written upon return from Antarctica, January 18, 2023.

When I boarded this ship, I had two goals: to photograph Antarctica, and to become more comfortable traveling alone. I’m a people person, so I figured some solo time would be a challenge worth taking. Plus, who needs humans when you’re surrounded by icebergs and penguins? (Or so I thought.)

Two weeks later, and I could confidently say that this trip taught me the exact opposite. Take a boat to the bottom of the world to find…people. I was touched by travelers and guides from so many countries- each person just as authentic, passionate, funny, and caring as the last. I faced highs and lows with the excitement and comfort of new friends. I fell in love with our similarities and our differences, our varied accents, our stories from home.

My greatest lesson from Antarctica was just as much about the beauty of this planet as it was about it’s people. Life really is better when shared.