Today was a wonderfully relaxing day as we sailed north, with the storm following just behind us. Five-meter waves and strong winds were at our tail, yet National Geographic Orion sailed elegantly and smoothly, rocking us in a beautiful motion. Throughout the day, we attended talks in the lounge, delving into topics such as seabirds, the fauna of New Zealand, Maori culture, and more. It was truly enriching and allowed us to learn and appreciate the wonders of New Zealand. However, most importantly, we couldn't help but marvel at the albatrosses. Dozens of these majestic birds circled the ship, playing with the winds and the waves, emerging from the spray of the waves as masters of the ocean. With awe, we watched these wonderful birds for hours.
Here's a poem dedicated to these beautiful creatures:
I am the albatross that awaits you
At the end of the world.
I am the forgotten souls of dead mariners
Who passed Cape Horn
From all the oceans of the world.
But they did not die
In the furious waves.
Today they sail on my wings
Toward eternity,
In the last crack
Of the Antarctic winds.
Poem by Sara Vial, inscribed on the albatross sculpture at Cape Horn.
