antarctica

[bednobs]

Well it's more geography than travel but who dies it belong to? Approximately hiow many people have been there (i don't think anyone resides there?) can you get there without private transport?

[tenrec]

Cruise ships go there. That's the sum of my knowledge!!

[dzug2]

It 'belongs' to a number of different countries, each of which has a 'slice' of it.

You can also fly there - from Chile I think. Most of the boats go from Ushuaia in Argentina. Most of them prefer not to be called 'cruise' ships

[TTG]

[Buenchico]

Many nations laid claim to various parts of Antarctica prior to 1959. Then the Antarctic Treaty of that year carefully sidestepped the issue by declaring that nothing in the treaty denied or supported any claim to sovereignty but that all existing disputes should simply be set aside forever.

Relevant links:
http://www.antarctica.../treaty/explained.php

http://www.antarctica...ica/tourism/index.php

http://www.arcamax.co...rivia/s-169559-991057

Chris

[jno]

people do live there - not permanently, but scientists (and priests) come and go

http://en.wikipedia.o...Antarctica#Population

Oodles of people go there as there are a lot of cruise liners and smaller boats taking tourists there (there will be fewer in future because of fuel restrictions imposed). But they just visit the coast line rather than trekking to the South Pole.

[New Judge]

I've been there. I spent two years with the British Antarctic Survey in 1969-71. I understand it's warmed up since then!

[bednobs]

doing what, newjudge?

[jno]

wow, that's a while... did you get decent leave periods? Did you get that David Attenborough coming through?

[New Judge]

I helped maintain and repair anything and everything that needed maintenance or repair from a kettle to a diesel generator.

No, I got no leave periods – I was there continually for two years, day and night (two of each!). I did not earn a huge sum, but I had two years’ salary waiting in my bank when I returned. I probably earned less in those two years than many people now pay for a decent cabin on a two week cruise of the area. BUT, I experienced it as it really was and would not have missed it for anything (though I would not do it again now!!!). I also visited the Falkland Islands en route in the days before they became famous.

Unfortunately David Attenborough did not visit during my stay. He must have been up the jungle at that time.

[bednobs]

thanks new judge, that sounds really interesting

[gen2]

69 - 71 eh New Judge - I just missed you 71 - 75 myself. Bases M & T as metman.

[gen2]

^^ that should read "71 - 73" ^^

[ichkeria]

The Quizmaster in our local pub used to do quizzes for Antarctic Survey personnel (by live link up).
Those dark months must have flown by ... :-()

[gen2]

Wow! - the luxury of instant communication! We were limited to one short incoming teletype message per month ) I think just 200 words . Each month we were alowed a 100 word personal message out plus a longer base message sent to all base member's to our selected contact.

[jno]

fascinating. I couldn't do it myself, cold and I are not friends. I gather tonight's Frozen Planet is about the people who live there.