From left to right, Jon Brack, Brian Nelson, John Fonseca, Bob DeValentino and Dan Whitley at the keyboard. On the drums, behind, Jo Feldman, the station doctor.
December 7th. Last night wasthe “night of the open mic”here in Palmer. The windows had to be covered with black garbage bags because the splendid Antarctic sunset insisted on creeping in everywhere with its aggressive yellows and pinks. Then the cozy library-video room, with its light brown leather armchairs, was transformed into a theater with a stage, electric guitars, drums, keyboard, saxophones and microphone. As the beer poured in the adjoining bar, which is well equipped with a billiard room and disco ball, the evening was a display of astonishing talent. At least half of the 36 people at the station either play an instrument, sing, compose poetry, write clever and funny songs, or have other talents that go beyond their professional reason for being here. The truth is that it made me feel a bit discolored
For example, there is the biology research assistant, a red-bearded boy named Dan Whiteley. Two days ago Dan slipped and his hand was slightly injured against a metal screw in one of the zodiacs. In less than an afternoon, the boy composed a funny rap song about how “the zodiac attacked me”, followed by another about the conversation he had with his walkie-talkie (“I know you have in your back pocket, but why? are you always sitting on my face? “). A band of maintenance engineers flawlessly played Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean faster than humanly possible to play. And the zodiac keeper John Fonseca, who has a sea lion look worthy of being brought to the screen, performed his own bohemian version of the songs of old New Orleans.
Frankly, the folks at Palmer have too much fun. When it is not the performing arts, it is the plastic arts. Last Sunday morning the wind prevented the boats from being put into the water; So I sat down to learn the art of coloring a black and white photograph with oils. My impressionistic landscape of ice-covered islets will now be part of my best memories.
And, of course, there is the “jacuzzi”: a metal tube three meters in diameter located in front of the Marr glacier, in such a way that bathers, with cocktails in hand, can see the icebergs, whales, seals and penguins unobstructed. that cross the Port of Arthur, at its feet. The Antarctic Jacuzzi is a privilege that, among US bases, only Palmer has. Not even the most sophisticated spa in the world beats this simple metal tube with hot water down here.
The entertainment of those who work in the remote and hostile regions of the world (and beyond, since the same happens in space) is an essential part of the routine of life, and an aspect that is closely watched by Ratheon and the NSF . The people in charge of the daily operations of Palmer tell me that even if they want to work on weekends, it is mandatory to take at least one day to relax and put your mind elsewhere.
My favorite entertainment? The Antarctic Jacuzzi … of which I have not been able to take a photo yet, but I promise to do so before the end of the trip.
Angela Posada-Swafford
For more informationFollow Angela’s journey in “From Antarctica”
