Living in Antarctica

In case you're wondering, yes, I did sing the title to the tune of James Brown's "Living in America" although I think that's about where the similarities end. What I really want to highlight in this post is what our living space actually looks like, how we entertain ourselves and all of that sort of stuff. The fact is we still try and lead a so called 'normal' life in that we go to work, watch movies, try to keep some semblance of fitness and have socialise together.

The station with the Red Shed in the middle and Green Store to the left

The main living building here is the Red Shed (such an original name) which contains our rooms - and with such small numbers we even get a spare! - a library, the kitchen and mess, a bar and pool table, a cinema and a sadly now defunct climbing wall. Apparently there's a new one being put in next year but we don't get the benefit of enjoying it. Actually, I hope they make it a bouldering wall as that'll make using the wall easier if only one person wants to do it.

We also have a spa and sauna and both are used fairly regularly, plus skis for the more energetic people.

A typical cold porch where jackets and boots can be placed so as to leave all the snow and ice outside

Anyone for cross-country skiing?

If someone feels like doing a spot of sewing, here's the place to do it

My spare room -what's that peering out the window?

My room is much cleaner than it has been in a while and yes, the building is warm enough that I use a doona cover and mattress protector to keep me warm at night.

The music corner

One defunct climbing wall

Billiards goes with...

Darts...

And beer!

The table tennis comps can be ferocious. Well, they would be if we used the table.

Library with an incomplete puzzle

And the rest of the library

We even have air hockey!

A cardio room (the weights gym is hidden in the Green Store)

Movie time!

In reclining chairs and dark corners

A few years ago the Comms Techs had a little project building this arcade machine

"The Wallow" that occasionally turns into a dance floor complete with flashing lights and mirror ball.

The mess

And a phone booth for all clandestine calls. Otherwise feel free to call from any other phone and run the risk of having people come past and listen in on your conversation.