Worked at the South Pole for a year and got to see all seven countries for free. That was a great thing to do. This piece tells the story of her amazing trip, from the bad weather to having a really great Christmas.
South Pole For a Year: See the dream come true
This is Michelle. She is 32 years old and from San Francisco. As a steward supervisor at the Amundsen-Scott research station, the base that is closest to the South Pole, she had an amazing time that she will never forget. Because she had this job, she didn’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the cold beauty of Antarctica.
The Good and Bad Things About Living on the Edge
Due to the lack of hot baths, living at the South Pole makes it hard to focus and remember things. This is known as “winter brain.” It was very hard for Michelle, but she didn’t mind—it got as cold as -77C. She’s been to over 60 places. She said living in one of the worst places on Earth was unique and changed her life, even though it was hard.
Christmas has a party outside in the cold in July.
At the study station in Antarctica, Michelle and her team were in the Christmas mood even though it was raining. In July, which was Christmas month, there was a secret Santa, a class on how to make cookies, and a contest for the best gingerbread house. Small acts of kindness, like candy bags, helped people feel better and warmer in the cold place.
South Pole For a Year: Race Around the World is a unique way to spend Christmas.
“Race Around the World,” a 5k run that goes around the pole through all 24 time zones. Its one of the most interesting things to do at the South Pole. As people around the world party and have fun, some are dressed up and some are in one-piece suits. The team also spent Christmas dinner and watched the Southern Lights in the frozen desert. They made memories that will always be with them.
South Pole For a Year: People have trouble reintegrating when they go back to real life.
In the “real world” after her trip to the poles, Michelle found it hard to get used to everything all over again. You might lose your sharp mind. If you go from six months of 24 hours of sunlight to 24 hours of darkness. This is known as “Winter Brain.” Michelle said it was hard for her to understand everyday speech. This showed the mental problems people have who live in bad areas.
Michelle gives cheap travel tips to people who want to see the world
Michelle has been to many places and now writes on her blog, Wander Eat Write, and on Twitter (@wandereatwrite), about how much she loves getting lost. Through her tips and stories from working on cruise ships and teaching English in Asia, among other places, she gets people excited about traveling.
She now wants to visit a seventh continent. The trip that Michelle Endo took to the South Pole also shows how strong and happy the people who live and work in Antarctica are. Other people who want to have fun, save money, and do unique things that aren’t the norm can learn from her story.