Chapter 1: The Top of the World

We’re off! On Friday, June 23rd we boarded the M/S Cape Race and embarked on what would become a 9 day journey. Describing our emotions as excitement is an understatement. We awoke at the Radisson Polar Blu hotel in Longyearbyenwith anticipation. After a leisurely breakfast looking out the huge windows to the mountains north of town, we packed up, checked out, and wandered outside for a walk. It was nice to explore the town a bit more, without as much jet lag. Longyearbyen is an intriguing place: remote, utilitarian, and simple. A town of about 1,000 people located at 78 degrees North, there are only a few streets and various establishments for services. It definitely feels like the northernmost city in the world.

We headed to see the ship for the first time at 4pm. After some safety briefings and explanations about what to expect for the next week, we set off. I clicked away as we drifted toward the unknown. It was fascinating to experience the Arctic after having already visited the Antarctic. The polar regions are certainly similar. You feel the same remoteness in Svalbard as you do down south; you somehow know you’re at the end of the Earth. The midnight sun embellishes this strangeness; we had to remind ourselves it was 9:30pm, and that it was time to go to bed, despite the blaring sun outside.

About an hour into our voyage we were treated to a breathtaking view of the mountains on the northern side of the Isjforden. I eagerly hastened outside to photograph the snowy peaks glinting in the misty sliver of sunlight. The scenery was mesmerizing. I once again felt as though we had ventured into some fairytale—the mountains even reminded me a bit of the movie depiction of Whoville. The pristine nature of it all reminded me of our first glimpses of Antarctica.

Our first treat to Svalbard’s immense beauty

I could already tell the top of the world would transform me the same way. While the similarities are noticeable, I knew there would be so much to learn, and so many more unique things to discover. The Earth cannot truly be described in all its glory. One must see it, experience it, themselves. When you do, you start to understand its miracle, the miracle of us, and all that we know within our beautiful home. Even at the top of the world, you know deep down, that you’re a part of it.