When Federico Bianchini was a kid growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina,

he remembers the first time he heard about their icy neighbor to the south.

Ever since he heard of Antarctica's indescribable beauty,

Federico dreamed of experiencing that very cold and remote place.

But when he finally made it to the white continent as a 31-year-old journalist,

he would discover that it's a difficult place to get to and to leave.

He discovered that Antarctica is more than a place.

It's a refuge of nature, that has its own time and its own rules.

Bienvenidos and welcome to the Duolingo Spanish podcast.

I'm Martina Castro. Every episode we bring you fascinating, true stories

to help you improve your Spanish listening and to gain new perspectives on the world.

The storyteller will be using intermediate Spanish and I'll be chiming in for context in English.

If you miss something, you can always skip back and listen again.

And we also offer full transcripts at podcast.duolingo.com.

Today's story comes from Buenos Aires, at Hentina, by way of Antarctica.

It's called Antártida, told by Federico Bianchini.

Please note that you'll be hearing Federico speak in an Argentine accent.

They pronounce their double Ls and Ys with a shoest sound,

as in Ashed or Kashi instead of Ayed or Kaya.

Before embarking on his trip, Federico was required to pass a test about Antarctica's environment,

climate, and history. He also received special clothes from the Argentinian government

to help him endure temperatures as low as negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

...