Packing for the trip...

I need to pack polar clothes for Antarctica, summer clothes for hiking in Argentina, and then there's the cruise line dress code.  And we're allowed one bag. (I am now packed, and I did get it all to fit.)

This is the guidance for polar clothing:

Here's the guidance on dress code from the materials sent from the cruise line:

The atmosphere on board the ship is relaxed luxury, or smart casual. This attire combines elegance with comfort, embodying a sophisticated yet laid-back style.

There will be two gala evenings on board each cruise. We invite you to bring one or two more formal outfits for these evenings. Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officers’ evening on the theme “White Party” may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a smart casual or elegant white (or white and black) outfit.

 

Note that for men, jacket and tie are optional, as well as the same shoes for both smart casual and gala evening. Okay ladies, just how many pairs of shoes are we supposed to bring???  And how many outfits???  Remember, it's a hard limit of ONE BAG!

I have one nice outfit, but the footwear is limited to hiking boots, sneakers, or flip flops. My friend who took me shopping found me a white cocktail dress.  Uh, no.  We got a good laugh.

Ooh, I think I found a white dress!

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I'm going to Antarctica!

 I've long been interested in Antarctica, having once considered wintering over at the South Pole many, many, many moons ago. Life took over, and Antarctic dreams faded into the distance. About 5 years ago, I learned that a friend from elementary school whom I hadn't any contact for the past 40 or so years is a renowned expert on penguins, and in 2000, had been a lead in a rescue of 40,000 penguins off the coast of South Africa.  (Check out Dyan deNapoli's book The Great Penguin Rescue, and website The Penguin Lady.) When Dyan said she would be a subject matter expert on an Antarctic cruise, I just had to sign up.  The cruise pre-trip is 4 days of hiking in the Patagonia.  When will I ever again have an opportunity to do that?  So I signed up for the pre-trip.

I depart on Thursday Feb 13 and arrive in Buenos Aires on Friday Feb 14.  I will be back on March 2nd.