Basically, Christmas isn't rammed down our throats for weeks on end.
Those that choose to "celebrate" Christmas are encouraged to do so, but no-one makes a big thing of it.
One of the major attractions for coming here is that we have no television broadcasts here (Hooray!!!) so we have to make our own entertainment when we are not working.
On Boxing Day Jim and Danny the Boatmen organised a boat trip for some of us. All around here are small offshore islands, and we are allowed to go out and explore them.
Jim and Danny took us out to Lagoon Island, where there is a large colony of Elephant seals.
Before we can get onto the boats we have to put on a boatsuit.A boatsuit consists of a thermal lined drysuit and boots, and a floatation vest. This is compulsory equipment because the waters around here are bitterly cold and without this vital survival suit we would die very quickly if we should end up in the water.
Unfortunately for me, mine wasn't "made-to-measure", but with a bit of tugging and pulling, and assistance from the boatmen, I managed to squeeze my little body into my suit.
Then it was into the boats and we were off.Ryder Bay was beautifully calm and the weather was bright and sunny, but as the boats picked up speed I could feel the coldness of the Antarctic air on my face.
We passed by icebergs that had Crabeater seals basking on them. They looked quite indignant that these tourists were passing by in boats and disturbing them as they lazed on the ice.
As we got closer to Lagoon we could see the overnight cabin on the shore. This is a place of refuge if the weather should suddenly turn nasty and return to base would be unsafe. Inside there is everything you could need for a short emergency stay; food, beds, stove etc
Outside, however, there are Elephant seals!!!
Hundreds of them!!!
For such large animals, they are really quite timid. They let you get up pretty close before they give you a warning. We aren't allowed to get too close to any wildlife down here, but we had to get past, and the seals were too lazy to get out of the way, so it's just as well that they are tolerant of our presence.
One of the most memorable things about the visit, though, was the smell.
Elephant seals don't have very good personal hygiene habits. In fact, they don't have any personal hygiene habits at all, and so the stench is absolutely...well...unforgetable!!!
These fascinating beasts exist solely to eat, breed, growl, burp and fart!!!
This island is truly straight out of a David Attenborough programme.
We spent an hour or so exploring Lagoon and were just awestruck by the presence of the seals. Then it was time to get back in the boats and head home.
Lagoon Island is pretty impressive. I look forward to going back there soon, in spite of the foul odour!!
Christmas is over now, so it's back to "normal" here at Rothera.
This is a busy working community so everyday things for us include ensuring the power generators are running, we have a supply of fresh water and the heating is working properly. These thing must be maintained whatever the time of year.
I would like to thank all of you who have added comments to my posts and sent me emails with your festive greetings and best wishes. Your comments and correspondence are very important to me, so don't stop sending, ok?
