DIRECTION SOUTH - trip to Antarctica
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This book traces the journey of the Bulgarian polar explorers, through Argentina and Chile, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the Strait of Magellan and the Drake Passage, to Livingston Island, where the Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski”, is located. Sailing southwards, following in the footsteps of great mariners such as Magellan, Cook, Amundsen, Shackleton, etc., we discover the fascination of the Southern Continent, which has attracted seamen, adventurers, and treasure hunters, whalers and sealers, and currently scientists, researchers and more and more tourists. Data about the geographical location of the described sites interweave with historical facts relating the voyages to the Icy Continent, immersing the reader completely into the atmosphere of such a journey. The places, people and events described in the book are true to fact and comprise a compilation of seven consecutive trips to Antarctica. |
A quote from the book
"I scanned the horizon, inhaling the salty air. I stood on deck, under the sunrays
that tentatively peeped out and tainted the otherwise dark waters of the Southern
Ocean. The wind prickled my face, and a flock of birds followed us closely during our
entire voyage. There was water all around us – the mighty, infinite, vast expanse of
sea. Our ship - like a tiny red dot was tossed by the waves seemingly helpless at first
sight, but steadfastly following its direction – south. With every mile we got closer to
the Antarctic – the continent that attracted seafarers, scientists and adventurers like
a magnet since ancient times. Maybe they felt exactly the same way in those times
when the continent was a faraway dream, the goal of many expeditions hoping to
discover the mythical Unknown Southern Land. (Terra Australis Incognita)."
that tentatively peeped out and tainted the otherwise dark waters of the Southern
Ocean. The wind prickled my face, and a flock of birds followed us closely during our
entire voyage. There was water all around us – the mighty, infinite, vast expanse of
sea. Our ship - like a tiny red dot was tossed by the waves seemingly helpless at first
sight, but steadfastly following its direction – south. With every mile we got closer to
the Antarctic – the continent that attracted seafarers, scientists and adventurers like
a magnet since ancient times. Maybe they felt exactly the same way in those times
when the continent was a faraway dream, the goal of many expeditions hoping to
discover the mythical Unknown Southern Land. (Terra Australis Incognita)."
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This is not an ordinary story describing a certain trip. This is an emotional confession wherein Gergana reveals her admiration of the contact with the people and culture of Argentina, Chile and Patagonia. Her impressions of Antarctica are not just from a transient presence, but a presentation of the emotional life on the Bulgarian Base and her fondness for the inimitable natural beauty, Flora is and fauna compiled during her seven expeditions to the South Pole. This is a captivating tale that you read in a gulp.
Prof. Christo Pimpirev, Director of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute |
„You shall never cross the ocean until you dare to lose the shore from sight - Christopher Columbus
In her book Gergana Lapteva bravely discovers new horizons and teleports the reader to the end of the world. The book is like a magnet for all true adventurers who dream of finding out what lies beyond the unknown. Relax, open your imagination and let Direction South" transport you to the Ice Safe hiding secrets for millions of years. The direction is only one - straight forward! Jivko Konstantinov, journalist |
Excerpt from the book
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Author: Gergana Lapteva
Publishing house: Paradigma Nationality: Bulgarian (English edition) ISBN: first edition, 2018 soft cover, 156 pp. |
