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Poles apart: During his expedition to the South Pole, Quang will make a short documentary about the life of Antarctic inhabitants, including whales and penguins. — File Photos
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Intrepid: Quang poses with Dr Olav Orheim, a scientist working at the South Pole. | |
HA NOI — Ten-year-old Pham Vu Thieu Quang did not celebrate the Lunar New Year in the traditional way with sticky rice cake, but instead with icy mountains, whales, sea lions and penguins at the South Pole.
Quang became the youngest Asian person to conquer the South Pole when he and other members of his expedition reached the southernmost point of the Earth on February 2.
Accompanied by his father, businessman Pham Quang Vinh, the 4th-grade student left Ha Noi on January 29 bound for Ushuia in Argentina, where they boarded English cruise liner the MS Fram, heading to the South Pole.
During the 10-day expedition, Quang and his companions visited the Rothera Research Station, a British Antarctic Survey logistics centre on Adelaide Island. They also visited several well known regional spots, including Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Port Lockroy Post Office and Wilhelmina Bay.
To prepare for the journey, Quang took up cycling and biked up to 20km every Sunday.
Although it is summer time at present at the South Pole, the temperature was between -14oC to -5oC, challenging conditions for little Quang who is more familiar with a tropical climate.
"I had to ask some friends that live abroad to purchase specific clothing and other equipment such as anti-UV sun-glasses, gaiters and waterproof boots," Quang's father said.
According to Vinh, the expedition was not simply a journey of discovery, but also an experience his son would never forget.
"By taking him with me to the South Pole, I wanted him to know that I, like all parents, will always support his dreams."
Documentary
Quang was extremely excited when he found out about the expedition and started to research the area he was going to explore on the internet.
Quang revealed that he planned to make a short documentary about the life of Antarctic inhabitants, including whales and penguins.
To complete the documentary, Quang will conduct interviews with explorers, crew members and expedition members.
"I will present the documentary to my classmates and other people, hoping they will be able to learn more about the area and raising their environmental awareness," Quang said. — VNS