So what does a group of a thousand
or so people do in Antarctica for New Years? Keep in mind we’ve got 24 hours of
sunlight plus the Antarctic Treaty to disturb wild life, so fire works are out
of the question. That only leaves us one option… to party the night away Ice
Stock style! So that translates to a chili cook off, lots of live bands
performing original music and covers of some tunes you might recognize, lots of
dancing like you just don’t care, drinks and debauchery Antarctic style.
My day started out with full day of
work from 5:30am to 3:30pm which included serving a special Saturday brunch
rather than the standard breakfast and lunch. (We normally only have brunch on
Sundays) I then went to my room and napped for a couple hours to prep for the
new year. I then met up with a group of friends and enjoyed a few brews over
dinner before heading out to buy a few bottles of champagne and dancing the
night away. I missed out on the pig roast that was going on during the
afternoon and didn’t test any of the chili(but I did get a commemorative mug
with chilies forming the shape of the continent). Then the night was spent
dancing around to music ranging from rock and roll to blues to pop covers. At
almost midnight(still bright as noon time!) father time made an appearance on
stage, champagne bottles were popped and the 2012 baby made everyone laugh.
Kisses were exchanged and lots of drunken hugs and well wishes for the new year
were made. I was pretty tired at this point so I finished my drink and
retreated to my warm bed for the night.
Sunday we had mimosas at brunch and
enjoyed lots of food and of course Vermont Maple Syrup!! I am very thankful for
all the great friends that I have made here. They are the best McMurdo Family I
could have asked for!
What does the future hold for me?
Well, at this point I don’t have many concrete plans. I will finish my contract
out here on the Ice, travel for a bit, work at Sea Base, and hopefully return
here for another season. And no, I don’t know what position I’ll come back to.
New Years photos can be found at… https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708642947139.2146542.44801562&type=1&l=7a2838816f
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