For some people, a vacation involves the beach, souvenir shopping and tourist attractions. A true traveler strays from the “yellow brick road” and aims to become a pioneer in their expeditions. Armed with a title like International Exploration Manager at Husaak Adventures, Arwa Mohammad Abulhasan is a true embodiment of this modern explorer. She’s earned her place as the first Kuwaiti to go to Antarctica as part of the 2041 educational expedition. Today, we not only applaud her – we acknowledge her awesomeness.
This mother of three is no stranger to adventure and exploration. Passionate about exploring the world and delving into its unbeaten paths, Arwa loves to travel and connect with local cultures. As a voyager of lands, she spent the last nine years following the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition – admiring them from afar. A nomination to join them and two months later, Arwa found herself packing for the icy continent and the rest, is history. Glorious is one way to describe this epic journey – boundary pushing is another. When asked to elaborate on her experience she simply said “Truly indescribable.” She suggests that everyone should embark on such an educational expedition to gain in-depth knowledge about this unique land that is not governed by any government or country. Educational and fun, you’re pushed so far out of your comfort zone and forced to acknowledge this land’s significance in our universe. Arwa adds, “It also makes the preservation of Antarctica your passion after witnessing first hand this delicate yet unforgiving land and its gorgeous wildlife.”
With Husaak Adventures and the 2041 Organization, the world truly is your oyster. Explore the paths once ignored, and write your own chronicles of epic journeys. Take a page out of Ibn Battuta famous travel memoir, Rehla, and ponder the depths of this beautiful planet we live in. “I encourage people to explore the world responsibly and with a purpose instead of going to places purely for tourism,” said Arwa, “The purpose of the International Antarctic Expedition was not just to see the wildlife, but also learn about Antarctica and fight to preserve it.” Traveling the world isn’t just good for the body – it does wonders for the soul. So when you join such expeditions, you end up learning from your journeys. As the great Mark Twain once said, “Explore. Dream. Discover.” – through all the explorations and journeys to the heart of the unknown, we can help conserve it all and bask in its glory for years to come. Why not conduct your own study in white? Join Husaak Adventures and take the unbeaten path to creating a better world.
Lastly, Arwa added, “I would like to thank my sponsors – Q8Aviation and Explorers Base – for their generosity and support.”
For more information on this expeditions and others visit www.husaak.com and www.2041.com. To get a feel of what traveling off the beaten path feels like, follow Husaak Adventures on Instagram @husaak. Photos are courtesy of Arwa Mohammad Abulhasan and the 2041 Expedition Staff.
Up Close and Personal questionnaire:
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty and communication…I love friends who keep in touch and whom I feel connected to after years of not seeing each other.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Before visiting Antarctica it was being with my family and extended family. After experiencing the tranquility of the icy continent, I would say my idea of perfect happiness is being on a zodiac in the middle of the Antarctic waters surrounded by glaciers, icebergs, soaring birds, breeching whales, and jumping penguins.
What is your greatest fear?
Death.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being impatient.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Being slow and being stuck up.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother…she has it all figured out. She has the perfect balance of strength, love, poise, and diplomacy.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My love for jewelry and precious stones…those are the only unnecessary objects I spend money on.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
According to my husband, I say obviously a lot…but that’s because things are very obvious to me. With my kids it’s either, “good job” or “time to sleep.”
What is it that you most dislike?
Being hungry, tired, or cold.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to tune things out of my head and not let people annoy me… and that is truly a talent.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
Secretary General of the United Nations…that has always been my goal.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Giving birth to my daughter and my twin boys naturally, because that brought out a level of strength and determination I never knew I had.
What is your most treasured possession?
Every single one of my many photos.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Being determined and knowing exactly what I want.
Where would you most like to live?
New York City (where I grew up).
What are your favorite words to live by?
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Read Arwa’s firsthand account of her life changing journey at Antarctica: Life’s Greatest Challenge
