👋🏼 Introduction (if you're just joining us!)

This winter break, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the southernmost tip of South America and Antartica. It has been a journey filled with stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and moments of profound reflection. Join me as I share the highlights, the surprises, and the ways that technology (especially Google's Gemini models) helped me document and understand this unique corner of the world.

This fourth and final segment details the dramatic landscapes of Cape Horn, Ushuaia (especially Tierra del Fuego National Park), and the breathtaking beauty of the Chilean Fjords.

1️⃣ Edging towards the end of the world (December 29 - 31)

My final leg of the journey led to anticipation of reaching "the end of the world." As the Oosterdam approached Cape Horn, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This legendary landmark, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, has long captivated sailors and explorers.

#@title Timeline
import calendar
import datetime

def create_december_2024_calendar():
    """Creates a formatted calendar for December 2024 with specific dates filled in."""

    # --- Styling ---
    header_color = "\033[1;38;5;117m"   # Bold Light Purple
    weekday_color = "\033[38;5;253m"    # Very Light Gray (almost white)
    weekend_color = "\033[38;5;244m"    # Medium Light Gray
    filled_date_color = "\033[1;38;5;120;48;5;236m"  # Bold Green on Dark Gray background
    other_month_color = "\033[38;5;238m" # Darker Gray for days not in December
    reset_color = "\033[0m"          # Reset color

    # --- Filled Dates ---
    filled_dates = [29, 30, 31]

    # --- Calendar Creation ---
    cal = calendar.Calendar(firstweekday=6)  # Start week on Sunday
    dec_2024 = cal.monthdatescalendar(2024, 12)

    # --- Header ---
    print(f"{header_color}       .: DECEMBER 2024 :.{reset_color}")
    print(f"{weekday_color}  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa {reset_color}")  # Added extra spaces

    # --- Calendar Body ---
    for week in dec_2024:
        week_str = ""
        for date in week:
            day = date.day
            if date.month != 12:
                # Dates outside of December in darker gray
                week_str += f"{other_month_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif day in filled_dates:
                # Filled dates in green on dark gray background
                week_str += f"{filled_date_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif date.weekday() == 5 or date.weekday() == 6:
                # Weekends in medium light gray
                week_str += f"{weekend_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            else:
                # Weekdays in very light gray
                week_str += f"{weekday_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
        print(week_str)

# --- Run and Display the Calendar ---
create_december_2024_calendar()

       .: DECEMBER 2024 :.
  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa 
  1   2   3   4   5   6   7 
  8   9  10  11  12  13  14 
 15  16  17  18  19  20  21 
 22  23  24  25  26  27  28 
 29  30  31   1   2   3   4

The landscapes of Tierra del Fuego were simply breathtaking. Rugged mountains, pristine waters, and the promise of adventure around every bend. It's a place that truly feels untouched and wild.

#@title Tierra del Fuego
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📸🖼️ Tierra del Fuego photo dump incoming: <a href="https://t.co/iIcYPYdylf">https://t.co/iIcYPYdylf</a> <a href="https://t.co/siB4nvyAIX">pic.twitter.com/siB4nvyAIX</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1873771713101508936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And for the geologists out there: extremely good rocks (retirees for scale), as well as condors, eagles, cormorants, and geese families (for the borders). <a href="https://t.co/Mp8mS6bNpa">pic.twitter.com/Mp8mS6bNpa</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1873773052552782111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Oosterdam's journey took us through the Beagle Channel, where we were treated to the sight of "Glacier Alley." These majestic rivers of ice, slowly carving their way through the mountains, are a sight to behold.

#@title Glacier Alley in Chile
%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🧊❄️ Glacier Alley in Chile!<br><br>All of the glaciers are receding, and will be hung glaciers (won&#39;t reach the bottom) in ~10 years&#39; time. <a href="https://t.co/FP8w1Q6cmd">pic.twitter.com/FP8w1Q6cmd</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1873847779082035511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was sobering to learn that these glaciers are receding rapidly and will likely become "hung glaciers" within the next decade. A stark reminder of the impact of climate change on even the most remote parts of our planet.

Chile, a land of vibrant culture and literary giants. It's the birthplace of Pablo Neruda, Isabel Allende, Roberto Bolaño, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and my personal favorite, the antipoet Nicanor Parra.

#@title Chilean Authors
%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chile! The birthplace of my favorite antipoet, Nicanor Parra – and Bolaño, Neruda, Allende... 🇨🇱 <a href="https://t.co/BaPf9av3ff">pic.twitter.com/BaPf9av3ff</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874067890254807191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Immersing myself in the landscapes that inspired these literary greats was a truly special experience. It felt like stepping into the pages of their works - especially the poems of Nicanor Parra, who often wrote about locations like Puerto Montt and Santiago.

I picked up a few of Parra's books from a nearby bookstore, and the Google Translate app helped do a 1:1 translation of some of the text on the tender ride back to the cruise ship:

#@title Google Translate for Nicanor Parra
%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Creo que moriré de poesía <a href="https://t.co/jzbEmjF9ei">pic.twitter.com/jzbEmjF9ei</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874134197821919394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The beauty of South America, the Falkland Islands, and Antarctica has been almost overwhelming. I've been trying to cobble together a playlist of the trip, and it's mostly filled with instrumental tracks: Colin Stetson, Philip Glass, Brian Eno, and Sigur Ros.

They provided the perfect soundtrack for contemplation:

#@title Antarctica, South America, and Falkland Islands Playlist
%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Antarctica, Chile, Patagonia, and the Falkland Islands, as a playlist&quot; ends up being a majority of <a href="https://twitter.com/colin_stetson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@colin_stetson</a>, Philip Glass, Brian Eno, and Sigur Ros<br><br>(just in case anyone was wondering)<a href="https://t.co/G0Ipqs8hso">https://t.co/G0Ipqs8hso</a> <a href="https://t.co/genBqLMkI5">pic.twitter.com/genBqLMkI5</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874090750033748182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amongst all the awe-inspiring moments, the simple gestures of love and companionship among the retirees on board were also incredibly touching. I've been really loving getting to know the retirees on the trip, and hearing their stories. They were a beautiful reminder that love and connection can thrive in every chapter of life.

#@title Truly love my retirees
%%html

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My retirees are giving me so many good cruise facts!! 😍<br><br>1⃣ Carnival Cruises owns <a href="https://twitter.com/HALcruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALcruises</a>, and if you own CCL stock you get $250 on-ship credit for every HAL, Seabourn, Princess, etc. reservation.<br><br>2⃣ If you&#39;re a cruise ship only sailing to US destinations, then 90% of your… <a href="https://t.co/FuEDpsSSac">pic.twitter.com/FuEDpsSSac</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1872399846877106314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of my favorite things about hanging out with retirees, is that I learn *so many facts*, just casually dropped:<br><br>- Vietnam vets didn&#39;t get government benefits (ex: good terms for home loans), or even recognized for their service, until McCain championed them 🤯<br><br>- Lead was…</p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875664094407397623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">guys holding open doors, bringing flowers+purchases from the mainland back to the boat<br><br>couples reminding each other what foods they can&#39;t eat, going to shows together, dancing until midnight, holding hands<br><br>if you ever need a reminder that love exists, retirees are the cure 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/mqJBNhHsQf">pic.twitter.com/mqJBNhHsQf</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1873801986757550398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

2️⃣ Ringing in the New Year in the Chilean Fjords (January 1 - 2, 2025)

What better way to start the new year than by cruising through the stunning Chilean fjords? The scenery was absolutely mesmerizing, with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the constant presence of the glaciers.

#@title Timeline

import calendar
import datetime

def create_january_2025_calendar():
    """Creates a formatted calendar for January 2025 with specific dates filled in."""

    # --- Styling ---
    header_color = "\033[1;38;5;117m"   # Bold Light Purple
    weekday_color = "\033[38;5;253m"    # Very Light Gray (almost white)
    weekend_color = "\033[38;5;244m"    # Medium Light Gray
    filled_date_color = "\033[1;38;5;120;48;5;236m"  # Bold Green on Dark Gray background
    other_month_color = "\033[38;5;238m" # Darker Gray for days not in January
    reset_color = "\033[0m"          # Reset color

    # --- Filled Dates ---
    filled_dates = [1, 2]  # Changed filled dates to 1, 2, 3, 4

    # --- Calendar Creation ---
    cal = calendar.Calendar(firstweekday=6)  # Start week on Sunday
    jan_2025 = cal.monthdatescalendar(2025, 1)  # Changed year and month

    # --- Header ---
    print(f"{header_color}       .: JANUARY 2025 :.{reset_color}")  # Changed month and year
    print(f"{weekday_color}  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa {reset_color}")  # Added extra spaces

    # --- Calendar Body ---
    for week in jan_2025:
        week_str = ""
        for date in week:
            day = date.day
            if date.month != 1:  # Check for days not in January
                # Dates outside of January in darker gray
                week_str += f"{other_month_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif day in filled_dates:
                # Filled dates in green on dark gray background
                week_str += f"{filled_date_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif date.weekday() == 5 or date.weekday() == 6:
                # Weekends in medium light gray
                week_str += f"{weekend_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            else:
                # Weekdays in very light gray
                week_str += f"{weekday_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
        print(week_str)

# --- Run and Display the Calendar ---
create_january_2025_calendar()

       .: JANUARY 2025 :.
  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa 
 29  30  31   1   2   3   4 
  5   6   7   8   9  10  11 
 12  13  14  15  16  17  18 
 19  20  21  22  23  24  25 
 26  27  28  29  30  31   1 

%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✨🇨🇱 New Year&#39;s Day cruising the Chilean fjords! And the regular line of retirees in front of the window, taking in the scenery. :) <a href="https://t.co/pEbfl1itHi">pic.twitter.com/pEbfl1itHi</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874432135202996463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The sheer amount of meltwater pouring off the glaciers was a powerful sight.

%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">❄️🧊💦 So much melt coming off the glacier today... <a href="https://t.co/iF065tXkL2">https://t.co/iF065tXkL2</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tv4hit5dmY">pic.twitter.com/Tv4hit5dmY</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874528754976125136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">👋❄️🗻 <a href="https://t.co/t8VpXgRzcW">pic.twitter.com/t8VpXgRzcW</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874543299308224853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

3️⃣ Volcanoes and sleepy German cities (January 3 - 5)

No trip to this region would be complete without encountering its most famous residents: penguins! I was thrilled to see how well Gemini 2.0 could identify and understand these adorable creatures, and how much the SVG generation for penguins has improved over the last few weeks:

#@title Timeline

import calendar
import datetime

def create_january_2025_calendar():
    """Creates a formatted calendar for January 2025 with specific dates filled in."""

    # --- Styling ---
    header_color = "\033[1;38;5;117m"   # Bold Light Purple
    weekday_color = "\033[38;5;253m"    # Very Light Gray (almost white)
    weekend_color = "\033[38;5;244m"    # Medium Light Gray
    filled_date_color = "\033[1;38;5;120;48;5;236m"  # Bold Green on Dark Gray background
    other_month_color = "\033[38;5;238m" # Darker Gray for days not in January
    reset_color = "\033[0m"          # Reset color

    # --- Filled Dates ---
    filled_dates = [3, 4, 5]  # Changed filled dates to 1, 2, 3, 4

    # --- Calendar Creation ---
    cal = calendar.Calendar(firstweekday=6)  # Start week on Sunday
    jan_2025 = cal.monthdatescalendar(2025, 1)  # Changed year and month

    # --- Header ---
    print(f"{header_color}       .: JANUARY 2025 :.{reset_color}")  # Changed month and year
    print(f"{weekday_color}  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa {reset_color}")  # Added extra spaces

    # --- Calendar Body ---
    for week in jan_2025:
        week_str = ""
        for date in week:
            day = date.day
            if date.month != 1:  # Check for days not in January
                # Dates outside of January in darker gray
                week_str += f"{other_month_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif day in filled_dates:
                # Filled dates in green on dark gray background
                week_str += f"{filled_date_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            elif date.weekday() == 5 or date.weekday() == 6:
                # Weekends in medium light gray
                week_str += f"{weekend_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
            else:
                # Weekdays in very light gray
                week_str += f"{weekday_color} {day:2} {reset_color}"
        print(week_str)

# --- Run and Display the Calendar ---
create_january_2025_calendar()

       .: JANUARY 2025 :.
  Su  Mo  Tu  We  Th  Fr  Sa 
 29  30  31   1   2   3   4 
  5   6   7   8   9  10  11 
 12  13  14  15  16  17  18 
 19  20  21  22  23  24  25 
 26  27  28  29  30  31   1 

%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🐧🇦🇶 TIL Gemini 2.0 in <a href="https://twitter.com/googleaistudio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoogleAIStudio</a> has gotten astonishingly good at penguins, and not a moment too soon: <a href="https://t.co/KuECcNpl5Y">pic.twitter.com/KuECcNpl5Y</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875256883684229583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I've been using Colab and AI Studio to help document my journey and make it a bit more data-driven -- the integration with Gemini has been incredibly helpful. I was able to easily add geographical context to my notes by referencing Shackleton's expedition in the book Endurance.

%%html
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📒 Am creating <a href="https://twitter.com/GoogleColab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoogleColab</a> notebooks to document my cruise over winter break, and it&#39;s lovely to be able to:<br><br>1⃣ Ask <a href="https://twitter.com/googleaistudio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoogleAIStudio</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> Search grounding to add lat/long coordinates from locations mentioned in Endurance (which describes Shackleton&#39;s expedition); then<br><br>2⃣… <a href="https://t.co/oKTiRfyOOG">pic.twitter.com/oKTiRfyOOG</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875249339708158178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And for the geology enthusiasts, I put together a map of notable volcanoes in South America using the folium library. The Oosterdam got to see many of these in the next section (travel to Puerto Montt, and Puerto Varas).

#@title Mapping volcanoes in Chile

import folium
import pandas as pd

# Create a DataFrame from the volcano data
data = {
    'Volcano Name': ['Nevado del Huila', 'Cayambe', 'Antisana', 'Cotopaxi', 'Guagua Pichincha', 'Chimborazo', 'Pululahua', 'El Misti', 'Chachani', 'Tunupa', 'Licancabur', 'Llullaillaco', 'Ojos del Salado', 'Monte Pissis', 'Guallatiri', 'Lascar', 'Acamarachi', 'Villarrica', 'Osorno', 'Chaitén'],
    'Country(s)': ['Colombia', 'Ecuador', 'Ecuador', 'Ecuador', 'Ecuador', 'Ecuador', 'Ecuador', 'Peru', 'Peru', 'Bolivia', 'Bolivia/Chile', 'Argentina/Chile', 'Argentina/Chile', 'Argentina', 'Chile', 'Chile', 'Chile', 'Chile', 'Chile', 'Chile'],
    'Latitude': [2.93, 0.025, -0.4846, -0.6838, -0.17, -1.76, 0.07, -16, -16.28, -20.35, -22.91, -24.72, -27.11, -27.75, -18.42, -23.37, -23.30, -39.42, -41.10, -42.833],
    'Longitude': [-76.03, -77.987, -78.1414, -78.4372, -78.60, -78.82, -78.47, -71, -71.53, -68.27, -67.89, -68.53, -68.54, -68.78, -69.09, -67.73, -67.62, -71.97, -72.49, -72.646],
    'Notes': [
        'One of the most active volcanoes in Colombia.',
        'A large, glacier-covered stratovolcano.',
        'Located on the eastern margin of the Cordillera Real.',
        'Iconic, perfectly conical stratovolcano.',
        'A stratovolcano with an avalanche caldera open to the west.',
        'Highest volcano in Ecuador; potentially active.',
        'A caldera with a unique ecosystem inside.',
        'Symmetrical cone towering over Arequipa.',
        'A large volcanic complex near Arequipa.',
        'A large, complex volcano in the Bolivian Altiplano.',
        'A stratovolcano with a crater lake.',
        'High-altitude volcano on the border.',
        'World\'s highest active volcano.',
        'Extinct volcano, third highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.',
        'Frequently vents steam and gas.',
        'Frequently has small explosive eruptions.',
        'A steep sided stratovolcano.',
        'One of Chile\'s most active volcanoes.',
        'A beautiful, cone-shaped stratovolcano.',
        'Erupted explosively in 2008.'
    ]
}
df = pd.DataFrame(data)

# Create a map centered on South America
south_america_map = folium.Map(location=[-20, -65], zoom_start=3)

title_html = '<h2 align="center" style="font-size:20px"><b>🌋 20 notable volcanoes in South America</b></h2>'
south_america_map.get_root().html.add_child(folium.Element(title_html))

# Add markers for each volcano
for index, row in df.iterrows():
    folium.Marker(
        location=[row['Latitude'], row['Longitude']],
        popup=folium.Popup(f"<b>{row['Volcano Name']}</b><br>{row['Country(s)']}<br>{row['Notes']}", max_width=350),
        icon=folium.Icon(color='red', icon='info-sign')
    ).add_to(south_america_map)

south_america_map
Make this Notebook Trusted to load map: File -> Trust Notebook

Technology has also played a crucial role in helping me appreciate the literary heritage of Chile. Gemini 2.0's ability to translate literature while preserving its original nuance is truly remarkable. It allowed me to connect with the works of Chilean authors on a deeper level.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📚 <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> Translate&#39;s mobile app is stellar for quick 1:1 conversions from one language to another, but I really appreciate how well Gemini 2.0 and Gemini Exp 1206 can capture original nuance in literature.<br><br>This works either with Multimodal Live (via video and audio) or via… <a href="https://t.co/zCE94nFEbD">https://t.co/zCE94nFEbD</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZnlBviDKT">pic.twitter.com/TZnlBviDKT</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875510176351916510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Our journey also took us to the picturesque Petrohue Cascades. We learned from the tour guide that Petrohue translates to Place of the horseflies - and though there were some of those along the way, they didn't distract too much from the beautiful geologic features.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🏞️ Beautiful Petrohue Cascades, with low-hanging clouds blocking the view of the (three!) nearby volcanoes.<br><br>Somehow the scenery reminds me of Japan – and Puerto Montt (our port city) looks a *lot* like Switzerland. <a href="https://t.co/hIdxpfNzul">pic.twitter.com/hIdxpfNzul</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875545902007648344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The area around Puerto Montt, with its German-style architecture, stunning lakefront views (including volacanoes!) was a delightful surprise. There were even traditional German bakeries!

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">...and finally, all three volcanoes at the lakefront! ⛵ <br><br>This lake is (surface area) as large as NYC, and has both salmon and trout – not native, but artificially introduced. You can also see some of the traditional German-style homes: <a href="https://t.co/shAqLwXsxb">pic.twitter.com/shAqLwXsxb</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875575465995596046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amidst all the sightseeing, I managed to find time for another one of my passions: reading. There's nothing quite like enjoying a good book (or six) while surrounded by such incredible natural beauty.

Some favorite book pairings for the cruise:

  • the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson
  • Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
  • Extinction
  • Pastoralia by George Saunders
  • Poemas y Antipoemas by Nicanor Parra
  • Endurance
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">this winter break, I have returned 5 library books early, as a result of reading them before they were due<br><br>(mostly from a deck chair, looking at scenery like this 🥹)<br><br>we&#39;re going to call that a success.<br><br>excellent start to the new year, more than a person could&#39;ve hoped for ⛵ <a href="https://t.co/CbkF0AK8xu">pic.twitter.com/CbkF0AK8xu</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1875332449858961515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For anyone in need of a satisfying and quick wintertime read: Brandon Sanderson&#39;s Skyward is effectively Top Gun in space, and with a girl protagonist. It&#39;s excellent. 🛩️👩‍✈️<br><br>***<br><br>“Why care so much? They never ask the most important question on these tests. Why do you want to be a… <a href="https://t.co/prkDUTrScj">pic.twitter.com/prkDUTrScj</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1870582497228341382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

🏔️ Final Reflections

This journey to the end of the world has been more than just a trip; it was a life-changing experience, and something that I've been wanting to do since taking John Anderson's earth sciences courses back in undergrad.

From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the encounters with wildlife and the echoes of literary giants, it was a reminder of the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of our planet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ngl, I think I&#39;m going to frame these and put them on my desk (with the penguin photos) 🤩🐧 <a href="https://twitter.com/HALcruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALcruises</a> <a href="https://t.co/KHnYS9bvDr">https://t.co/KHnYS9bvDr</a> <a href="https://t.co/qJX2R4lM3U">pic.twitter.com/qJX2R4lM3U</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1873492253672681845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And as an engineer, I'm excited by the potential of AI, particularly Google's Gemini models, to enhance our understanding of the world and help us connect with different cultures and environments in meaningful ways.

Am also more convinced than ever that we need to envision new ways for this technology to help us understand the world - and to combat known issues like climate change. I encourage everyone to add this incredible region to their travel bucket list.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The flurry of <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> product launches this December, based around the new Gemini 2.0 model are truly mind-blowing. New initiatives like <a href="https://twitter.com/labsdotgoogle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@labsdotgoogle</a> Project Mariner and Project Astra show us for the first time what it looks like to have an AI embedded into our lives in all… <a href="https://t.co/7COxAbmbLl">https://t.co/7COxAbmbLl</a></p>&mdash; 👩‍💻 Paige Bailey (@DynamicWebPaige) <a href="https://twitter.com/DynamicWebPaige/status/1874163619031650390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here's to a 2025 that makes all previous years look slow.