What not to miss in Antarctica!

So I have to be honest, I’ve never been to Antarctica, but over the years I’ve heard great things about the continent and it is on my post-COVID bucket list.

Here are some interesting facts that I’m sure will have you wanting to visit this enticing place!

Antarctica was “accidently” discovered in 1820 and 20 years later was officially recognized as a continent.

Antarctica is not only also the windiest place on earth, but believe it or not, it is a desert!

At one time this huge piece of land used to be inhabited by dinosaurs who fed off the lush grass in the area.

The South Pole is the most south you can go on Earth! Antarctica has active volcanoes with the most recent eruption back in 1969 Deception Island

Sports in Antarctica

When we think about Antarctica, sports are not the first things that jumps to mind, but people in Antarctica are no different than the rest of the world. Everyone enjoys some good competition and athletic skill.

Mcmurdo’s Gym is where sports happen for the 1000 or so permanents residents in this wild land.

In the winter people have a crack at volleyball, basketball weightlifting and climbing.

When Mainbody (summer) rolls around the focus turns to softball or rugby. Sometimes the locals even hold a full marathon! Feeling fit? Try the 100k Ultramarathon for a change of pace or the Antarctic Ice Marathon which has been enticing adventurers since 2006.

After working up a good sweat most residents who work for the government can enjoy a beer and some good food at the McMurdo Station

Many people who live in Antarctica don’t have children to worry about or gardens to take care of which frees a lot of time to indulge in sports and recreation.

Antarctica may be isolated but it still offers plenty to keep the residents active and excited

What is there to eat in the coldest place on Earth?

Naturally seafood is the dish of the day in Antartica but there are some other foods you may not have heard before. Pemmican is a mixture of fat dried fruit and meat which the Native Indians bought to this part of the world as it was easy to preserve and transport

Sledging Biscuits have fueled sledding dogs for centuries. They are packed with butter which is needed in these extreme temperatures.

The most popular sauce in Antarctica is mustard which boast 400 varieties. Many people choose to indulge in duck, the common bird to these parts of the world. Not many people visited Concordia Station but this hidden gem in Antarctica serves foie grois and has a five star rating.

This may not sound like much, but there is something captivating about this desert land. I, for one, cannot wait to visit this amazing place. Anyone care to join?

Written by Stacy P.

Stacy is an avid backpacker. She has visited over 78 countries and only ever travels with a single backpack. She’s been to some of the most remote places of the world and hopes to get back to traveling once the COVID-19 pandemic passes.