Friday 14 April 2006
Is that it?
I've been putting off writing an entry for a while now about what it's like to be back in the UK. After being in such a strange place for the last two and a half years I think I was expecting some interesting revelations to arise when I came back. I thought there would probably be some kind of 'adjustment period' during which everything would be just a little bit odd.
The reality of it is, the only strange thing is how nothing is that strange. Shortly after arriving home, I felt just like I'd never left. I got in a car for the first time, and found that I could drive just fine. After two years with nothing but skidoos, driving at 70mph in a car was a change sure, but I still remembered what it was like and acted accordingly. I just slipped straight back into everything.
On the other hand it has been truely great to be able to catch up with everyone now that I'm back. My life for the last couple of weeks seems like one long reunion! The plans that I've been making over the last few months are finally starting to happen and I'm really enjoying myself.
In many ways very little has changed since I left. Many of my friends have started to get married, buy houses and have children, but of course that would have happened anyway. It's just more noticable when you see it all in one go. What else has happened? Chip and pin, later pub licencing hours and mobile phones with cameras. That about sums it up.
So, with my rehabiliation complete I'm going to draw this diary to a close. Before I sign off though I think I should point you in the direction of a few fellow bloggers who are still living the good life down in the frozen south. I know I'll be dropping by regularly to see what's happening at Halley or to sneak a peak at the view from the webcam.
76 Degrees South One better than this site, perhaps? By Frances, a Halley meteorologist.
Dave Down South Dave the Halley Comms Manager.
Julius' Travels in the South from the Halley AIS engineer.
Solid Sea and Southern Skies From Alex, my replacement as the Halley Data Manager.
Life in Antarctica by Anto, the Halley Vehicle Mechanic.
Halley Diaries The 'official' Halley web diaries, written monthly by the wintering team.
Random Writings from Michael, the Comms Manager at Rothera Research Station.
Antarctic Monkey Another Rothera winterer.
For more related websites see the links page.
Posted by simon at 5:53 PM | Feedback (20)