"I drive one of U2's trucks: there are 70,000 people just sitting outside the stadiums waiting for the doors to open. I'll go and talk to a few. When asking the fans if they were interested in Antarctica, and even winning a free trip, these are the responses I got:"
Hi, I'm trying to become the Official Blogger on a voyage to Antarctica for Quark Expeditions. If I got the job, it would be a great "in" to the travel writing industry. But I need a little help from the public. Oh, that's easy, I thought, because I drive one of U2's trucks: there are 70,000 people just sitting outside the stadiums waiting for the doors to open. I'll go and talk to a few. When asking the fans if they were interested in Antarctica, and even winning a free trip, these are the responses I got:
'Antarctica? Why would you want to go there?' Or 'No thanks, I've seen penguins in the zoo. That's enough.' Grrr..
I've written a blog since the beginning of the year, documenting touring life with Tina Turner, AC/DC and finally U2. OK, so the writing is dry humour and little to do with the actual bands, but I think it's time my writing started to fund some trips. My blog, and my Quark application, can be accessed through
. I thank you in advance for simply taking a look.
Barnaby Reply to this Hello Barnaby 😊
I would like to go to Antarctica, but the expense of it is putting me off for now, at least.
There are TravelBlog members who have been there, so hopefully they will post on this thread.
Mel
Reply to this Hello Mel,
Cor, that was quick! Well maybe you can go! I hate to mention the dreaded "votes" word because I think it cheapens what I want to do. But if I win, as you'll see on the site, I will definitely give away a ticket.
(I don't know how to do smiley faces, I'm afraid)
Barnaby
Reply to this Hi Barnaby,
I went to Antartica a year ago with Quark. They are one of the best if not the best for these expeditions. But before asking the help of other bloggers, it would be wise that you start writting about your past travels on travelblog. We will than be more able to judge if we want to give you any vote!
By the way, are you ready for the Drake passage....some simply won't enjoy any trip down there because they can't stand the crossing.
Peter
Reply to this Saw you put some blog online Barnaby...like the one on the Artic...thanks.
Reply to this Like Mell, I am discouraged by the cost . About the Drake Passage, i may just brave it if I squander enough to fund my trip. 😊
Reply to this Im not entirely sure that I'm ready for the Drake Passage either! We were so lucky in the High Arctic last year - clear skies and calm seas..
Reply to this Saw you put some blog online Barnaby...
And pretty good they are too!
I havent read much about Antartica yet, so I dont know what the Drake Passage is. What about it is so challanging?
Reply to this Lili, there are ways to get it way cheaper if you plan a little ahead....and without making any compromise on the quality! It's easy, November is way cheaper...and you have the Emperor Penguins....they were already gone when I did it in February! And if you are ready to share a triple cabin, it even go lower...well...still not a budget trip thought!
Well, for the Drake Passage. I'm a diver and I'm pretty confortable on boats...but wasn't sure of what to expect. I ended up on the lucky side and was very well...well as could even drink wine for lunch. But to give you figures, first lunch, 110 passengers, 30 made it for the lunch...and when you speak of medecine, the onboard doctors "had" to INJECT medecine to around 10 people...so not everybody make it the easy way...for some it seems it's the worst time of there life...and there is no way out!
Barnaby, Drake situation does not exist in the artic due the the meteorology in the area....the Drake is THE story...nowI have no idea how tuff it can get!
Hope this help, in whichever way...
Peter
Reply to this I'll take tablets Peter..
Actually, last year I looked on the back of a packet of sea sickness pills. 'Possible side effects include nausea,' it said. You couldn't make these things up!
And I've got Viking blood in me - I was born in the Shetland Islands - so it's a bit embarassing to mention feeling queasy on the high seas.
Thanks for the advice re: travelling in November.
Reply to this Thanks, peter. I am not sure i am encouraged enough.....😊 Drake passage still gives me cold feet.
Barnaby, read your blogs and enjoyed them. Keep them coming. And Good luck to you!!!
Reply to this Lili, it's just a question of luck...or very bad luck....the Chilean have started flights to Antartica...not cheap I've heard...and they have a hotel down there...which I think is a VERY bad idea as it is not a great idea for the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Barnaby, I took half a pill on the way down and nothing on the way up. I did take a patch 2 years ago when I did my zero gravity flight...I have no idea if I was feeling not that well....because of the flight...or because of the patch...so for me, less pills seem to work better.
Reply to this HMMMM......ok, I wouldn't scratch it off my bucket list just yet. Thanks. 😉
Reply to this I would love to go to. The only problems are the cost, and the fact that no company I have contacted can carry my child until he is a lot older due to thier insurance.
Reply to this I have never been sea or travel sick in my life. I have been in boats during storms and small boats that tossed around a lot on the waves and didnt feel sick, while everybody was puking up around me. If anything would have made me feel sick, it would have been if I didnt manage to jump out of the way quickly enough as the boat tilted and a puke puddle made its way towards my feet. Maybe this means that the Drake Passage wouldnt be so bad for me.
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Peter, are you an astronaut as well as a diver and traveller?! I assume you mean a simulated flight on terra firma, no?
Mell, you are very lucky!
By the way, I'm glad to see that plenty of people ARE interested in going to Antarctica 😊
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