People (Hong Kong) Limited Company              Liu Chenzi

Living in urban city, it’s always a fantasy for me when it comes to Antarctica. Just as for all human beings, whether the paradise exists or not, those who haven’t been to cannot confirm personally.

When people who have really been to Antarctica came back to the busy life, took a deep breath and returned to the ordinary life, looked up at the sky when feeling lonely and reminded of the emotions and shock of Antarctica. It’s a kind of dreamy experience.

At the end of the expedition to Antarctica, a Chinese character “du” occurred in my mind. I have no idea that when did this character become a pejorative adjective in the real society or maybe different people have different opinions. But my opinion of the character “du” is the meaning of independent, unique, alone and cautious.

Independent

The 66°34’ south latitude divides the Antarctic Circle with a beautiful radian, making the Antarctica an unparalleled continent which is distinct from the world. Its independence stemmed from the nature and has became inevitable under the signing of Antarctic Treaty. Being independent of the common rules and getting rid of the control of state apparatus and political rivalry, the independence of Antarctica has become a spiritual symbol of being revered and respected by all nations and people worldwide. Peace and sharing have established a connection among contracting states to set up a cooperation system for equal communication, joint conservation, joint research and outcomes sharing. Its independent but not isolated spirit influences everyone who comes to Antarctica and makes them become the Antarctic ambassador after returning back to write immortal declaration for the spirit of Antarctic Treaty and carry it forward all over the world.

Unique

Everyone’s life experience is unique. Some have reached the peak of their career, some have tasted the sweet and happy of love, some were sitting on the sky wheel with family members happily and some finally arrived at the Antarctic continent where others will never been to. Like other experiences which cannot be copied, this unique experience also carved a memorable goblin during my lifetime. For people who envied, the unique experience to Antarctica might be a kind of showing off. But for me, the expedition has left indelible memories, mind purification and inner growth and let me feel happier than any other external success and satisfaction to enjoy continuous impetus and inspiration.

Alone

The word “alone” might not be strong enough to be against with everything in the world. But during the expedition in Antarctica, the loneliness generated inside has gradually become a kind of power to let people have self-examination. Like the pure air in Antarctica, it purifies my brain and mind. In front of the spectacular nature we are alone and tiny like sand. In front of the vast glaciers and snow we are alone, we looked up at the sky having nothing to say. In front of the various creatures in Antarctica we are alone, we mocked ourselves of worrying about the troubles of our own imagination which cannot be relieved. In front of the huge changes of the Antarctic history we are alone, we asked ourselves why do seas go dry and rocks crumble forever. These senses of loneliness are not only negative energy to us, but also provide us with courage and power to think constantly, which is a meaningful spiritual practice.

As Jiang Xun mentioned in the preface of “Six lectures about loneliness”, loneliness might be an essence of aesthetics. Viewing the unique beauty of Antarctica with loneliness is another profound aestheticexperiences.

Cautious

Coming back from Antarctica, reinsertion is everyone’s “travel sequels”. The spectacular scenery of Antarctica and new group of forum members living in unity... we have to bid farewell to everything instantly after experiencing the time difference and returned to the life which is familiar and sometimes unfamiliar to us. Whether did we come back to the daily life without anything new happening. Whether did we return to the former career and follow the same old disastrous road. Whether could we change essentially in mindset to create constraints and to encourage ourselves or be tripped by the loneliness and just muddle along from day to day.

We always talk about cautiousness. It’s a kind of self-sustaining and self-improving. Through this unforgettable expedition, we just need to remember the encouragement brought by the Antarctic independent spirit, the happy memories, the loneliness and self-examination brought by Antarctica. With our strong hearts and positive energy, we are bound to sweep away all the obstacles in the future and we are also bound to advance our career firmly under the inspiration of the expedition in Antarctica.

There’s no limitation for a walker. We are always on the way and we share the character “du”with each other！