From the time I landed in Antarctica my days have been occupied with training. It is critical that prior to field research, I learn the proper methods to protect myself and the environment.
Everything I throw out must be sorted and recycled. What I would typically call a trash can, is now just a temporary bin for waste to be sorted nightly.
McMurdo Recycling
Meals are in the cafeteria with a great assortment of food, with the exception of red meat. I was informed that the diet consists of chicken and pork, as it keeps longer.
McMurdo Cafeteria
Call it jet-lag or a flash back, but the years of college dormitory lifestyle is alive and well! Nightly, I am sharing a dorm room with two roommates. Unfortunately, I have been out of the dorm lifestyle, and am not accustomed to having to share a room. Typically I sleep with a fan and the white noise blocks out the usual house creeks. Now that I am at McMurdo, at all times someone is sleeping in the room. Just like jobs at home, different people work different hours. As courteous as my roommates are, I am not in the habit of hearing noises all night long. The hallways are cavernous and every audible noise echoes and attracts my attention.
In addition to the sounds impeding my sleep, the Sun is always out. Regardless of the actual time, every moment has the feeling of approximately 4pm. As a result of living in constant afternoon, the priority for the sunscreen is paramount. Having only been here for two days, I already have a sun and wind burn.
Admittedly, there has been a period of adjustment. However, my minute by minute thrills are intoxicating. I’m so lucky to be living this life experience. My journals in the coming weeks will showcase the stunning views I witness daily.
The view from Crary Lab
You can check out my arrival from this link http://youtu.be/5ArEgv-RVzk or go to youtube.com and search The Journey To Antarctica