I first learned the word “ineffable” my junior year of high school.

I still remember vividly: We were reading The Great Gatsby in class, and this word was used in the following passage to describe Jay Gatsby’s childhood as he lusted after the elusive American Dream.

“The most grotesque and fantastic conceits haunted him in his bed at night. A universe of ineffable gaudiness spun itself out in his brain while the clock ticked on the washstand and the moon soaked with wet light his tangled clothes upon the floor.“

Since reading this passage and discovering its meaning, “ineffable” has occupied a special place in my heart.

Why?

Simply because, this word, “ineffable”, is used when words cannot be used. When words cease to be effective. When something is far too grand to be stifled within the limits of mere text on paper.

The word’s literal meaning is: “incapable of being described in words.” Gatsby sought after the grandest, most extravagant, most unattainable and indescribable of dreams.

I loved this word; but it felt untouchable. I was unworthy of its use. Had I ever actually experienced or wanted anything that rendered me speechless? Wordless? Pfft, surely Mendi can and has word-vomited every single day of her life.

It felt akin to purchasing a glorious, flowy, beautiful gown, but having no grand ball for which to wear it. A soccer net, but no ball. A flower crown, but no Coachella. (Kidding.)

And so, despite occupying that dedicated shelf in my heart, after many years of neglect, I admit the word “ineffable” started to gather dust.

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As most of you know, I recently decided to start the process of course-correcting my life. And in doing so, I’d first set sights on fulfilling a personal goal which was in-line with one of my passions: To have travelled to each of the continents of the world.

I’m happy to report today that a few days ago, on January 16, 2017, I attained just that: Stepped foot on the last of the seven continents – Antarctica.

Now here I am, sitting in bed in Ushuaia, Argentina, after docking at the port this morning, reflecting on what I can truly, honestly, unequivocally say was the best trip of my life.

I will keep this post short (in writing), since I don’t intend for it to be a comprehensive recap – that will come later. This is merely a spur-of-the-moment retrospective I couldn’t hold back. Word-vomit, you see.

For the most part, I tend to tame expectations for each of the places that I visit. “No expectations, no disappointment.” I always felt excitement, yes, but nerves? Never. That said, “7 continents before turning 27” was a goal I’d set my mind to a year ago, and I had very keenly, deliberately saved the “best” continent for last. At least I had hoped.

Antarctica, for some time, was this glistening trophy on the highest shelf I could never quite reach. And having made the decision to come a month ago, the hype machine…… was very, very real.

Nerves struck hardest as I walked aboard the boat that would take me from the Land of Fire (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) to the Land of Glaciers in three short days after braving the turbulent and infamous waters of the Drake Passage.

I honestly didn’t know if seeing Antarctica for the first time would wow… or disappoint me.

Well, I can tell you this: when I first set sights on “the end of the earth”, there were definitely no “wows”. None at all.

…. only because I was rendered speechless. Wordless.

I had found something, somewhere – finally – that was truly ineffable.

And it’s only fitting now that I will cease to use my words.

I will show you – or at least try to. Unfortunately, no pixels on a screen can adequately capture the emotions that were felt behind that camera lens.

5,000 photos taken – these are 80 of my favorites, in chronological order. The very photos that I hope can reignite the magic, passion, and energy that permeated my soul on this trip – if only for a moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Searching for and finally finding this Gatsbian ineffability was my own American Dream.

There are truly no words to describe such a place as the End of the Earth, and I only wish for others to experience this feeling… where the finitude of words do you no favors, and the speechless moments – even for Word-Vomit-Mendi – become the absolute best moments of your life.

To let that tear roll down your cheek and to say nothing.

To just simply……… be.

With love,

Mendi

Read the recap of all my Antarctica adventures!

Part 1: https://mendiventures.com/2017/01/24/faq-what-did-you-do-in-antarctica-part-1-of-2/

Part 2: https://mendiventures.com/2017/01/26/faq-what-did-you-do-in-antarctica-part-2-of-2/

 

22 Jan This entry was published on January 22, 2017 at 4:26 am. It’s filed under Antarctica, reflection, South America and tagged Antarctica, solo travel, South America, travel. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.