Army of Penguins
This area holds an estimated 350,000 penguins, and it’s absolutely staggering to witness if you can make it here. The closest comparison I can make is that it’s like watching an army from Lord of the Rings in real life, just stretching as far as the eyes can see.
A church-not-church
I usually wouldn't take a photo of a church, but the history of this one is somewhat fascinating to me. While it originally was built as a church (~1913), whalers apparently... didn't really care too much about church. As a result it wound up being used for a litany of other things: showing films, social hall, library, and more. It remains today as one of the best kept up buildings in Grytviken itself and makes for a neat photo against the cliffs. There's also the remains of a ski jump off to the right (outside the shot), because apparently they'd hold ski jump competitions to pass the time.
Derelict whaling station
Rusting and falling apart, with the land effectively reclaimed by wildlife. There’s a 200m exclusion zone for safety, but even from a distance it’s a haunting reminder of an old world practice. An interesting history bit: Shackleton and some of his crew arrived here after crossing the mountains to seek help for his men stuck on Elephant Island.
Iceberg ahoy
Crossing the seas from the Falklands to South Georgia, encountered an iceberg about ~100 miles off the coast. Supposedly not common to find them this far up but it may have broken off a significantly larger iceberg that is floating around the area. Staggering to see in person, and mind blowing when you consider just how deep they go under the surface!
Penguin rookery
Somewhat rough sea crossing was worth it to see this. Stunning view with Penguins tending to their young.
State of disrepair
A broken and beached boat in an old fishing village. Quite a trip to drive through, with a mix of Argentinian Navy equipment in areas throughout. Incredibly kind people in the town.
Rally urges
A winding road outside a small fishing village. The turn up into the crest with the water nearby is a stupidly sublime feeling.
End of the Pan-American Highway
While I haven’t driven the whole route, this was one of those things I’ve always wanted to see. The route has been romanticized throughout the modern history of the Americas and I love the legend of it. Maybe I’ll do the full thing when I’m older and have more free time…
End of the world
Just past the end of the Pan-American Highway, there’s a trail you can hike that takes you out by the water. It’s a wild place to just sit, since you’re basically left with Antarctica after this. Feels like the end of normal civilization.
Funky staircase
Small town at “the end of the world” gets creative with their need to traverse the hills they’re built on. Love the design.
Buenos Aires architecture
I don’t know exactly what I expected, but walking around Buenos Aires and I was struck by how similar to European architecture it all felt. Of course, then I read a history book and it made slightly more sense.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
A bookstore inside a converted theater. Can see why it's called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.