Hello from Antarctica

It's difficult to find the words to describe what I'm seeing and experiencing here, not to mention the array of emotions I am feeling. 

Let's start with the Homeward Bound leadership team - they are role modelling deeply constructive behaviour who just roll up their sleeves and get stuff done. Plus we have each other's back. Each person is doing their bit without complaint. Everyone is a stand out and not one can be mentioned more than the other - Fabian, Deb, Fern, Kylie, Pollyanna, Sharon, Kate and Sophie plus myself!

The participants are kind, caring and supportive of each other and appear to be engaged in all sessions! We really are doing something quite remarkable here and I do believe my view of the world will be changed forever as a result of this voyage.

We made it through the Drake Passage with 2-5 metre swell. Worst crossing ever for the HB team and yet now that it is over, it doesn't seem so bad. I miss the rocking but am enjoying the quiet, calm and still Antarctic Waters. We are currently anchored in an area called the Antarctic Sound tonight (although it is still daylight outside). We are surrounded by mountains of snow, icebergs, and water filled with penguins, seals and whales.

On a personal note, I am surrounded by beautiful, intelligent and clever women without egos or judgement. They vary in ages from 20's - 60's and yet they all come together for the greater good with a common cause to make the world a better place and leave with more skills than what they came with. They are mostly passionate about what they do, but some are in between jobs or forging new careers. They work with children, plants, fungi, cells and systems. Others are studying birds, mammals, water creatures, fish and as many different species that you can think of or not. Some are finding cancer cures and others are looking at doing things in a more sustainable way.

We visited the Chinese Base station today which was organised by the Chinese women. Much more to follow on this. We sat with the Chinese contingent (7 women) tonight at dinner and heard how different their lives are to ours and yet also how similar.

Homeward Bound creates a level playing field with no boundaries.

That's it for now - at 10.30pm, I'm attempting to have an earlier night tonight although the sunset is calling.........................