A Passion for Polar Adventures :
Interview with Sandra Walser
We had the pleasure of meeting Sandra Walser, one of our expedition guides, who spoke about her incredible journey and experiences in the Polar Regions. Sandra's captivating story exemplifies the strength of youthful ambitions and the unexpected turns life may take.
Sandra, who is originally from Switzerland, brought a delectable selection of Swiss chocolates and confections to share. Her warm welcome and delectable pastries set the tone for what turned out to be an uplifting and informative session.
Early Inspirations and Education
Sandra's interest in polar locations began in kindergarten. A book about two siblings living in Lapland captured her mind and laid the framework for her future career. Her kindergarten teacher's comments and unique Lapland cap grabbed her interest. Despite her initial interest, Sandra's academic career took her elsewhere. She studied history and movie science at university, distant from the cold landscapes she loved as a child.
Sandra's fascination in ice and snow persisted throughout her master's thesis. Feeling anxious and on the verge of leaving, she decided to reward herself with a trip to Greenland when she finished her studies. This journey revived her interest in the arctic regions, which led to her eventual career change.
From Hobbyist to Professional Guide
Sandra's first encounter with Greenland's gigantic icebergs left an indelible impression. During her travels, she caught the attention of a tour operator, who offered her a job. She initially declined due to previous commitments in Switzerland, but the idea persisted. Sandra ultimately leapt five years later, applying to many operators in the Antarctic and Arctic.
Her initial foray into the sector was as a photographer, chronicling excursions and making presentations for guests. This profession allowed her to study and grow, and as a result of her academic background, she eventually became a history presenter. Sandra has spent the last 14 years working on both large and small adventure ships, appreciating the distinct experiences each offers.
Life as an Expedition Leader
Sandra works closely with expedition leaders and accommodation staff to arrange daily activities and guarantee seamless operations. Her varied background, which includes work in the film business, has refined her organisational abilities and adaptability—essential qualities for handling the volatile environment of polar missions.
Svalbard is one of "Sandra's favourite travel places. She quickly fell in love with its (albeit short) human history, its distinctive vistas and various ecosystems. From lush greenery to bleak arctic deserts and the mesmerising pack ice near the North Pole, Svalbard provides a continually changing environment that captivates both her and her guests.
Sandra Walser
POLAR EXPEDITION LEADER
Sandra Walser has been working as an expedition guide and photographer since 2009. Her passion is the human history of both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Sandra delights in sharing her knowledge and helping fellow travellers sustainably discover the polar regions' magic. When not on a ship, she lives in Switzerland and works as a freelance historian. In 2018 Sandra published a widely acclaimed book in German dealing with pioneering tourists to cruise Spitsbergen.
After receiving her Master's degree in history and film studies from the University of Zurich, Sandra fulfilled her childhood dream by travelling to Iceland and Greenland. During this trip, she caught the notorious "polar fever" and just hasn't been able to shake it off.
The Rewards and Challenges
Sandra works closely with the bridge team and accommodation staff to arrange daily activities and guarantee seamless operations. Her varied background, which includes work in the film business, has refined her organisational abilities and adaptability—essential qualities for handling the volatile environment of polar missions.
Svalbard is one of Sandra's favourite travel places. Due to its lack of human history, she quickly fell in love with its distinctive vistas and various ecosystems. From lush greenery to bleak arctic deserts and the mesmerising pack ice near the North Pole, Svalbard provides a continually changing environment that captivates both her and her guests.
Sandra takes great pleasure in sharing these fantastic events with guests. She enjoys when her extensive explanations of seemingly insignificant items, such as pebbles discoloured by 400-year-old whale oil, arouse excitement and inquiry. These shared experiences can have a lasting influence, changing tourists' perspectives of the polar areas.
However, the work does not come without its obstacles. Managing visitor expectations, particularly in the age of social media, may be challenging. People frequently approach with specific photos they wish to replicate, which is not always possible. Furthermore, unanticipated events like as equipment breakdowns or medical emergencies might derail plans, necessitating rapid thinking and flexibility.
Adapting to Change
Sandra's 14-year career has seen substantial changes in the Arctic areas as a result of climate change. Glaciers are fast disappearing, and indigenous peoples' hunting practices in Greenland have changed, to name a few instances. These findings emphasise the need to teach visitors about these sensitive habitats' environmental concerns.
Tailored Experiences and Personal Connections
Sandra emphasises the personalised character of voyages on smaller ships, such as the Kinfish, where itineraries are flexible and suited to the passengers' interests. This differs significantly from larger ships, where rigorous timetables and limited shore time can detract from the experience. Small ships allow visitors to engage more closely with the staff and advisors, enhancing their trip.
Memorable Wildlife Encounters
Sandra's most memorable animal encounter was with emperor penguins in Antarctica. The thrill of hearing and then seeing these gorgeous creatures up close brought her to tears. Such interactions, she says, have the potential to deeply touch and inspire both guides and visitors.
Advice for Aspiring Expedition Leaders
For those aspiring to become expedition leaders, Sandra advises developing a broad range of skills and gaining experience on different types of ships. Being a people person, adaptable, and knowledgeable in various subjects are crucial. Each trip offers unique challenges and rewards, making the role both demanding and incredibly fulfilling.
Sandra's journey from a child fascinated by Lapland to a seasoned expedition guide is a testament to following one's passions and being open to life's unexpected opportunities. Her story continues to inspire both colleagues and guests, reminding us of the incredible beauty and fragility of our planet's polar regions.