Lizzie’s diary from Antarctica (南极洲)

We planned to go to Rothera that morning. We’d be staying there for the next two weeks. Because Antarctica is the windiest place on earth, sometimes you can’t fly at all.

We had a nervous wait over breakfast to find out if we’d be leaving that day. People have to stay in Stanley for weeks while the pilots wait for good weather.

It turned clear at 9:30 and we took off at 10:30 on a little red plane called a Dash-7. But even when we were in the air, there was still a chance we wouldn’t be able to fly the whole day.

After waking up in the Antarctic for the first time today I can understand why everybody who comes here falls in love with the place. It is really beautiful.

We’re staying at Rothera Survey base with mountains of ice all around. It is about minus 2⁰C today, which for me is very cold, but the regulars(常客) here are often seen walking around in T-shirts !

I woke up to another beautiful sunny day here in the Antarctic. I’m told it’s a bit colder today, about minus 5⁰C , but it’s not very windy so it feels warmer. Those of us who are new to the base have to do a special training course before we're allowed to go off base to other stations or to go snowboarding over the nearby hill.

Not a cloud in the sky and it’s warm enough to sit outside (in a jacket).

The most amazing thing about this place is how the scenery (风景) changes every day.

At first I thought I was going mad. I’d step outside in the morning and think, “I’m sure that big mountain of ice wasn’t there yesterday.” It’s because the sea ice is always moving—slowly thankfully !

Many families avoid long-term travel while their kids are young or in school. Travelling with babies is cheaper - and there's no school to worry about-but they're unlikely to remember much about the trip. Older children will form longer-lasting memories but you'll need to keep up with their studies, which is the main concern for many parents. 【小题1】 But for me, traveling with older children doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice the education.

In the past 7 months' travelling in Australia, I have witnessed the educational benefits to our daughter Chloe. The biggest blessing we have gained is her desire to learn. 【小题2】And we are constantly presented with new challenges that encourage her learning and lead to enquiry.

【小题3】It inspires children's sense of adventure, and shows them how to turn dreams into reality. Besides, it pushes them outside their comfort zone and broadens their understanding of life. Most importantly, it allows them to have quality time with the people they love most and form a life-long bond.

And remember, just because children are not in a classroom, it doesn't mean they can't have access to formal education. 【小题4】Distance education and school of the air are good choices, and they offer full support to help kids finish their learning curriculum.

Anyway, school shouldn't be a barrier to having one of the greatest experiences of life. There're so many families whose children have returned to class after a year of travel with so much more confidence, knowledge, intelligence, social skills and problem solving skills. Travel hasn't blocked their learning. 【小题5】It's time to break traditional ideas and teach kids while they travel.

Maybe this is your first time to travel. Having the know-how to best manage your trip will help you to really enjoy the experiences you encounter along the way. 【小题1】.

1. Be a sun riser

【小题2】. Having the best sights and locations all to yourself is special. If you are into your photography, getting some photos at sunrise will be great due to the sun's light at this hour.

2. Cash stash!

Cash is king. For an emergency, having some extra cash stashed away in a few places is a good way to cover yourself.

A couple hundred pounds or dollars or whatever is worth having stashed. This way if you ever lose your purse or if your credit cards cease to function, you will be covered with your stash! ATMs run out of cash occasionally too.【小题3】, in a rolled up sock, in your toiletries bag(旅行洗漱包), or maybe in a small hidden compartment of your main luggage bag.

3. Meet the locals

You should try to make an effort to avoid other travelers for long periods of time. 【小题4】. Basic English is spoken in a lot of countries or you could even learn some basic sentences in their language. So don't panic. It’s much easier to communicate with others than you might have imagined, use your body language and gestures.

4. Have patience!

If you are one to worry about every little hing, then don't! Whatever life throws at you, it's a waste of energy to be annoyed and angered at most things for any longer than a few seconds.What if you miss your flight? 【小题5】.