📍Ushuaia, Argentina

After a 5:00 am wake-up call, we headed by bus back to Santiago airport for leg three of getting to Patagonia. We boarded our flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's Southernmost city. It's a location I went from not knowing how to pronounce to at this point talking about so much that it feels a little surreal being here. Argentinians call it “Fin del Mundo” – the end of the world. Did I mention our flight took us over stunning Patagonia 😍

Left 📸: Volcano in the Andes mountains seen from the sky

This was by far the best three-and-a-half-hour flight of my life. We saw mountains and not just any mountains but the Andes mountains. Let me just say they compare nothing to the Appalachians or even the Rockies. They have very much left me curious about the Himalayas. Luckily for us, it was a private charter flight so everyone was back and forth all flight between both sides of the plane making sure to get the best shots. There were multiple times during the flight when I was mid-conversation, we’d both look out the window and just stop speaking, the views literally made us speechless.

After landing at the Ushuaia airport, we made it through customs again given we had just traveled from Chile to Argentina. We started with exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park. We again saw stunning views of the Andes mountains, learned about the lack of “dry season” in this region, and saw the beech trees (plus lots lots more). The longest highway in the world, the Pan American Highway runs from Alaska to Argentina so today we stood at the end of Route 3 which is literally the end of the road.

From left to right: 📸1: Tierra del Fuego National sign 📸 2: The end of the Pan-American Highway

Lucky for us the weather was spectacular so we were able to enjoy lunch on a catamaran cruise while viewing the amazing Andes mountains rising out of the Beagle Channel (sensing a theme for the day?). We headed out to the Lighthouse at the End of the World, not the one based on Jules Verne's novel but more on that when I have more time.

From left to right: 📸1: Tierra del Fuego National Park 📸 2: Lighthouse at the end of the world 📸 3: Sailing through the Beagle Channel

Prior to boarding the catamaran, we spotted Calafate berry flowers, something I was excited to see in Patagonia, followed by enjoying some Calafate berry ice cream. Legend says if you eat Calafate berries in Patagonia you are destined to come back. One can only dream.

From left to right: 📸1: Calafate ice cream-yum! 📸 2: Port City of Ushuaia 📸 3: Ushuaua "Fin del Mundo" Sign meaning "the end of the world"

This was all followed by exploring the colorful port city of Ushuaia. Again I have no words for the spectacular Andes that lay behind this port town. Fun fact: In Ushuaia the Andes actually run west to east meaning they span the whole backdrop of Ushuaia. An interesting part of our exploration was visiting the Ushuaia prison which reminded me of Alcatraz. I enjoyed speaking with some locals and learning about what living in this part of Patagonia is really like.

Finally, just before midnight, we were able to board the National Geographic Explorer, our expedition ship for the next two weeks. We are dealing with some troubling weather which has caused the delay so we will see what tomorrow brings.

National Geographic Explorer, my home and classroom for the next two weeks.

📍 Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱

Today’s exploration (a pitstop day) took us around Santiago, Chile's southern gateway to Patagonia. After checking into the hotel, we headed out to explore a local market, Pueblito los Dominicos. We were able to meet all the local artisans as we wandered the shops and explored the market. I was so impressed with how talented these artisans were.

We then headed out for a walking tour where I was in awe of this vibrant city. Just to name a few locations we explored a Pre-Columbian Museum (usually closed on Mondays but opened specially for us), saw the old congress building, and even the Chilean president's house.

Plus we enjoyed some empanadas (which YES live up to the hype)!

With two of my Grosvenor Teacher Fellow partners: Mrs. Smith & Mrs. McLeod

But off to bed as I have an early wake-up call before we head off on a flight to Ushuaia. Patagonia here we come.

 

T'was the Night Before Expedition

T'was the night before my expedition, a dream so grand

To Patagonia's wonders, I'm ready to explore this faraway land

As a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, I was chosen with care,

To explore this vast region, its beauty to share.

The maps are all spread across my classroom wall,

while I have visions of glaciers and mountains so tall.

My bags have been packed with great care,

For Patagonia's wonders, soon would be here.

I'll capture each moment, the wild and serene,

With my Insta360 machine, every vista and scene,

From the glaciers to penguins, the wonders, the scheme,

Patagonia's beauty will sure be a dream.

The fjord, the forests, and the wildlife so rare,

I'll board the National Geographic Explorer, and soon will be there.

I'll learn about ecosystems, conservation too,

And inspire my students to love nature like I do.

I know this will be quite the ride,

An expedition of learning, with the world as my guide.

As I set off on this adventure my purpose is clear,

To nurture a love for our planet, both far and near.

Teachers follow along with these daily activity slides. Students will learn about wildlife, ice fields, and the landscape of Patagonia. Help bring this remote location to your class too. 

 

Immersive Technology🎥

With less than a month to go until my National Geographic Lindblad expedition to Patagonia, expedition prep is fully underway. During my time at National Geographic Headquarters, I was able to participate in a breakout session with the extremely talented National Geographic Storytelling Team where I explored their 360 cameras along with VR headsets and learned how to utilize them for immersive experiences. I was instantly inspired! I headed back to school buzzing with excitement for the possibility of creating an immersive Patagonia experience. I spoke with my principal and superintendent who thankfully supported my zealous ideas and the next thing I knew I had a 360 camera and VR headset being delivered to my classroom.

Flash forward a few months and in my inbox is an email for National Geographic with their exciting news of an Immersive Technology Pilot Program. Seriously, just when you start thinking this can't get any more amazing, it gets more amazing. All the Grosvenor Teacher Fellows were invited to apply but there were only 10 spots plus a quick turnaround given many were heading out on expeditions. Well, I'm in France and not by a computer anytime soon so that night while on the top of the Arc de Triomphe waiting for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle, I typed my essay answers for the application on my notes app. When I got back to my hotel room and finally had wifi, I submitted my application and did a little prayer that even with that tiny phone font my spelling and formatting looked okay.

From left to right 1: Practing with my Insta360 x3 camera 2. Immersive technology gear on loan from National Geographic 3. Exploring the VR headset

A few weeks later, I finally got the news that I was lucky enough to gain one of the coveted spots and be a part of this pilot program. I still can't believe I got to put "Meeting with Nat Geo and Disney Immersive Team" on my calendar. Or that I currently have equipment on loan for National Geographic Headquarters which required me to sign some paperwork addressed to me as a National Geographic Explorer.  I'm telling you just when you think it can't get any better.

Behind the scenes of 360 shooting 

Since the summer I've been watching Insta360 video tutorials, participating in live trainings with the National Geographic and Disney Team, and spending countless hours practicing with my Insta360 x3 camera and VR headset. I’m ready (or as ready as I’ll be) to capture 360 videos on my National Geographic Lindblad expedition to this remote and seldom-touched land to create immersive resources for my students.

Check out your first 360 glimpse and take a look around my 4th grade classroom (a feat that took me a VERY long time to figure out how to code and post here). Stay tuned for much more to come...