Today we went to INACH for the first time, and we heard lots about the history of Punta Arenas and Antarctic exploration. We passed the Banco de Chile (currently) where the British Club occupies the third floor. Many famous British explorers spent time there on their ways to and from Antarctica, including Shackleton, and many more British sailors who travelled around the tip of South America before the construction of the Panama Canal. I was really excited to learn about Chilean Antarctic history because I had the opportunity to study the history of Antarctic exploration at Conserve School.
Imagine Shackleton ready to play on this vintage pool table
There was a big parlor with book cabinets and a massive hardwood table and chairs. I can imagine the Victorian British aristocrats smoking their cigars and hearing reports from explorers or playing billiards together in the billiards room to end all billiards rooms.
More modern expeditionaries at the same royal setting. Luke, Claire and Anna.
That tangible piece of history was really interesting to experience, and made me even more excited to go to Antarctica.
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