Saturday 1 January 2011

New Year's Eve Day

Once again we are at sea.  The sky was completely overcast throughout the day.  Grey skies. Grey seas. But most importantly, calm seas.  It made for a very relaxing day as we steadily plied our way north bound.  After such an exciting energy-charged time in the Falkland Islands,  South Georgia and Antarctica, these sea days are a welcome respite.
But it is not as if there isn't anything to do.  The lecture room has been occupied most of the morning and the afternoon. As usual when crossing the Drake, the bird watching has been very good.  Southern Giant Petrels, White-chinned Petrels, Cape Petrels and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross followed the ship for much of the day.
Tonight we will have a full program for New Year's Eve starting with a special dinner featuring the exact same menu as in the famous black and white short film entitled, Dinner For One.  We of course showed this delightful, light-hearted comedy in both lecture halls before and after dinner.
Our two musicians Manuela and Catherine organized and judged a song writing competition.  Tonight we would see the results of their song writing talents!  The only criteria was that the songs had to be about Antarctica.
We were also looking forward to the Parade of Hats.  Many passengers have been busy making hats to wear at tonight's new Year's eve celebration.
The expedition team has also been busy. They have been preparing to deliver a live performance of Dinner for One.


As you can see there is very much a full slate planned for New Year's Eve.  We will report to you tomorrow on how the evening progressed.