"It was a fantastic trip!"

That's how Lucie Filion, a teacher at Ecole Notre Dame School in Edmonton, describes her once-in-a-lifetime trip to the bottom of the world—Antarctica.

During Christmas break, Filion and 95 students, scientists, staff and chaperones flew to Argentina then crossed by boat to the fifth largest continent. The expedition was organized under the auspices of Students on Ice—Canadian Learning Expedition to Antarctica.

While crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica, the ship carrying the expedition encountered rough seas. "Sixty percent of the crew became sick, including me, due to the agitated seas. The few who made it to the dining room were often interrupted by an overwhelming urge to use the white plastic bags," she says. Despite her stomach churning introduction to Antarctica, Filion acknowledges that the experience was captivating. Participants attended presentations on icebergs and the effects of ozone depletion on the environment. They also wandered among penguins. "The fact that we were able to see all this first-hand and do research at such close quarters was an enriching experience," notes Filion.

At the end of the trip, students drafted a "Canadian Youth Statement on Antarctica" that will be presented in Russia this May. "I'm eager to see what impact this document will have on the Antarctica," she says.

Filion was deeply moved by the splendor and grandeur of Antarctica. "It was very serene and peaceful. The energy I felt there I do not believe could be experienced anywhere else. I realized that the simple things in life are often the most enduring and awe-inspiring. It is very hard to put such a feeling in words. One must be there in order to experience such a communion with nature and mankind. The fauna was fantastic to discover. The albatrosses were a sight to behold. The spirit of comradeship and the fact that so many people from across Canada were able to work together in harmony and with one common goal was inspiring."

For more information about Filion's visit to Antarctica, visit www.studentsonice.sympatico.ca . The website also features participants' daily journal entries and descriptions of their experiences.
Filion is preparing an audio-visual presentation about her trip. She is excited about the prospect of sharing her experiences with teachers and students. For more information, contact Lucie Filion at Ecole Notre Dame School in Edmonton. Telephone: (780) 484-6955.

Photos courtesy of Lucie Filion