Here is a concise summary of the text:
**Trip to the South Pole**
* The author embarks on a rare and expensive trip to the South Pole from Cape Town, South Africa.
* Only 400 people/year can make this trip from South Africa, catering to the "richest of the rich".
* The author chooses a 1-day trip (instead of 7 days) due to limited activities and no internet connectivity.
* They fly on a specially equipped Airbus 340, previously owned by Emirates Airline.
* Upon arrival, they experience the extreme climate, wearing layers and special sunglasses to protect against intense sunlight.
* Activities include exploring the "blue ice" and learning about the continent's unique features.
* Key facts shared:
+ Antarctica is demilitarized and environmentally protected by a post-WW2 treaty.
+ It's the only continent with no indigenous people.
+ The South Pole is currently in summer, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20°C (can drop to -82°C in winter).
**Trip Details**
* Cost: $15,000 for a 12-hour trip, $105,000 for a 7-day trip.
* Flight duration from Cape Town: 5.5 hours.
* The author has now visited 6 continents, with Australia being the last one on their list.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:
**General Facts**
1. The narrator is embarking on a trip to the South Pole.
2. The South Pole is also known as the seventh continent.
3. Antarctica is the Greek word for "opposite of the North Pole".
**Travel Logistics**
4. There are two common routes to the South Pole: from South Africa (5.5 hours by plane) or from Argentina and Chile (14 days by tourist ship).
5. Only one company can fly to the South Pole from South Africa.
6. Only 400 people per year can visit the South Pole from South Africa.
7. The narrator's flight departs from Cape Town, South Africa.
8. The flight to the South Pole requires a special plane (revealed to be an Airbus 340, previously owned by Emirates Airline).
**South Pole & Antarctica Facts**
9. The South Pole has extreme temperatures, requiring special clothing.
10. The sun shines for 24 hours in the summer months (November, December, January, and February).
11. The South Pole is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent.
12. Antarctica is the largest desert in the world.
13. The continent has no indigenous people or local residents.
14. After World War 2, countries signed a treaty to keep Antarctica demilitarized and environmentally protected.
15. No country owns Antarctica.
**Trip Details**
16. The narrator opted for a 1-day trip to the South Pole instead of a 7-day trip.
17. The 7-day trip costs $105,000, while the 12-hour trip costs $15,000.
18. The narrator's group will spend 4 hours at the South Pole before departing.
**Miscellaneous**
19. The North Pole is an ocean, unlike the South Pole.
20. The South Pole is currently the coldest place on Earth, with winter temperatures reaching -82 degrees.