Icy test of courage

Antarctica – What I learnt from an 11-year-old girl

3. February 2025
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2 Min.
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Kategorien: All | Logbook
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Categories: All | Logbook
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2 Min.We've all heard it before: ‘Just jump in at the deep end!’ Yes, you can - no matter how cold the water is. But there's more to it than that.

In Antarctica, the so-called Polar Plunge is part of every boat trip.

You jump into the water on a lead – and after a few moments climb back onto the boat via a ladder.

I was really surprised at how many guests on our boat, the SH Vega, dared to jump into the ice-cold water. There was even an 11-year-old girl among them.

God, she was so excited!

That’s when I realised: It’s not that easy after all.

After all, firstly, you have to have a good dose of courage – and secondly, you can’t give in. In the queue, for example … that’s when doubts arise … You hear horror stories.

It was the same for the girl: Doubt, excitement, fear – I could see it all on her face.

But she held on bravely. And jumped.

This girl showed me: The most important part of courage is Holding out until the decisive moment!

The reward was not long in coming – and could be seen on her face: She was grinning from ear to ear and was as proud as punch!

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