It all began on that fateful day in Sept 07 when I saw the advert in the newspaper. The ad was for the post of medical officer for the Indian Expedition to Antarctica. I had seen that ad the year before as well, but I did not apply. It was a walk in interview in Goa. I decided to give the interview and see what this I all about. It sounded exciting. Also, I would have the opportunity to visit Goa, a place I had never before visited. So I left. There were not many applicants for the winter expedition. My interview went off well, and I convinced them that I was desperate to go. But I was not too keen myself. I returned to Delhi after a lovely time in Goa.
About a week later, I received a call letter for the medical examination to be held in Delhi. I had cleared the interview. By the time of the Medical Examination too, I had not made up my mind. But still I went for the Medical Examination. I discussed about this opportunity with a lot of people. There was too much at stake. I had recently finished my post grad and was at a very initial stage in my career. I also had a reasonable job. I would have to give it all up. I would lose touch with my profession. After all, how much work can 25 healthy individuals give to a doctor? Then I started realising that this was a unique opportunity that 1 in a million people are likely to get, and even fewer would have the courage to take up. Normal life would go on, but this is one experience I will cherish throughout my life.
Then I made up my mind to go. So my decision was made and I received the call letter, asking me to report to Goa on 29th Nov 07. We would be leaving for Antarctica by ship around the 5th Dec 07 via Capetown.
