Stepping back into the ‘real life’

It’s been a couple of months since we have been back but there’s a unique feeling that we share with our expedition mates since we returned, it’s a strange feeling that our 10 day Antarctic expedition felt like it both lasted for years and seconds; it felt like we belonged there and that was the life that we belonged to. The experiences we had and the friends we made…we felt like we have known them for a long loooooong time!

But at the same time, it was too short! We were there for 10 days, but it passed like a flash! But there it was, now for the next part of our journey.

It’s been a busy couple of months since we came back, trying to set up a press conference / produce a video within days of us coming back meant no rest and we had to both step back into our jobs after a month of being away!

All the rush and business is good! It’s keeping us on our feet and motivated for the next steps!

Speaking of motivation…..we are seeing so many amazing people in our hunt for the next ‘Freezing Omanis’ and for those who have been interviewed by me (Bader), it’s amazing to see so much motivation and dedication!

The hunt for the next ‘Freezing Omanis’ is over and we have found our successors…..training has already started! And their names will be revealed soon!

Our story isn’t over yet though!

Our projects are soon going to be running and we will need help in planning, executing and making the projects actually count for something! Help make Oman stand out with ‘2041’! We want them to think of people who come from Oman as environmental superheros! Let’s give them the best campaigns they have ever had!

For those interested, Bader’s Campaign is “The reduction of plastic bags in Oman” and Ameer’s is “The promotion of energy conservation in Oman”……if you are interested in being a part of that; contact us!

We have also been trying to share our story with as many people as we can, and that’s where you can come in too! we are just two people J (our friends always help but it’s our responsibility).

If you want to hear our story in your school or office or wherever, get us in touch with the people who can help us arrange it and we are glad to do that! Even if you have a group of friends, try n gather them and we can do something! Don’t feel shy to get in touch!

Video - the full journey

It took us a few days to put this video together, a big thank you to our friends at Al Musafir Production.

Hope you enjoy it :)

Where we are going

Day 7 - Sleep deprivation!

The first day we got on, Adrian Cross (Jumper) told us that we are going to be on a very tight schedule...that we should be ready to snap awake and run to the deck at any given point! We thought he was being dramatic...

He wasn't...

Our expedition is a mix of adventure and education...and with the programme being a short 10 days we have to cram EVERYTHING in that small time frame.  

Our days depend on what the amazing team at 2041 have conspired against us, but it always starts off with ‘Jumper’ on the PA telling us to wake up way too early and get ready way too fast to get on zodiacs or get on deck! We typically have 15-20 mins to wake up, get dressed and packed and off to teams to our meeting points...it feels like were in the military.

We trek, we prepare our plans...eat, and go to workshops under sleep deprivation!

Sleep deprivation is an interesting thing.  We talk to our team members, they ask us something and we reply...Then they ask again! :p

It’s hilarious when we all get together, we are all spaced out and exhausted...but still loving it!

Day 6 - crazy 24 hours!

We have had a very packed two days; more safety procedures to safeguard the team for the next two days. 
The safety procedures aimed at insuring natural readiness in case of a falling member as well as learning about hypothermia and hypothermia as well as basic first aids.

The theory was put into practice when the team did falling exercises and showed their rope and splinting work, and then we marched!

The trek was exciting with the occasional snowball fight but the team being roped together, there wasn't much room to get away!

Then there was the camping survival night!

The team dug their wind shelters in the snow and were left for the night to see the Aurora and the stars!

The next day was the return to the sea spirit and directly into workshops while they got to meditation point...

Tomorrow we will be spending a day on the continent preparing for the big march through the crevasse fields, we will also do the infamous polar plunge in sub zero waters!
Bader & Ameer :)

Day 5 - Antarctica, here we are!

Today, six months after being selected for the 2041 Antarctic Youth Ambassador Programme, we have landed in Antarctica. Bader Al Lawati and Ameer Abdulhussain, the youngest Omani to reach Antarctica, landed in Mikkleson harbour on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The journey took us from Muscat to Brazil then to the city of Ushuaia in Argentina. In Argentina we climbed to the top of a glacier and trekked through the national forest with the other participants to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead.

On the 3^rd of March, the ‘Sea Spirit’ left Ushuaia heading south to the Antarctic Peninsula. The journey took two days and took us through the roughest waterway in the world; ‘The Drake Passage’.

After two and a half days at sea (5^th March), the Antarctic icebergs showed themselves shortly followed by land. Excited, the were on the second Zodiac heading to the historic Nickleson harbor to learn about the area and rest for a few hours before  listening to scientists and environmental specialists to develop their campaigns for when we come back to the Sultanate.

Tomorrow (the 6^th) the ‘Sea Spirit’ will cross the Lemaire Channel and the Freezing Omanis will spend the night on the ice.

Freezing Omanis on CNN!