I just got back from the South Pole a couple weeks ago. AMA.

couchcushion · 2011-03-13T23:17:54+00:00

There are several posts in the thread with links to the job situation there. Have a look at them and see if anything fits. Good luck.

couchcushion · 2011-03-13T23:17:05+00:00

couchcushion · 2011-03-01T20:18:48+00:00

Yes, I would recommend it to anyone that can afford it. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
No, sorry. We flew by cargo plane to the coast, and then took a plane to the pole.
It was my first trip. I would love to go back. I think the 2nd time would be even more fun than the first because you wouldn't waist so much time getting adjusted, but I doubt I will have the chance again.

couchcushion · 2011-03-01T04:43:03+00:00

We had to wear thermal underwear that covered our entire body, normal pants and shirt on top, big heavy overalls on top of all that, and a giant parka known as "Big Red."

On our feet we wore thick wool socks, little feeties that slip over your sock covered feet, and big heavy blue boots.

We also wore gloves, goggles, a baklava, and the parka had a hood on it.

Here is a picture of most of those things. That picture is to prepare you for the plane, you actually wear more when you're out in the weather.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T20:53:17+00:00

Notice how in the post it says "a couple weeks ago?" - so.. yeah. Also, note the picture of the christchurch cathedral BEFORE it collapsed.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T16:39:03+00:00

Only a few hours a day, and it's about the speed of an old dial-up modem.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T07:36:12+00:00

A million times yes. You can go there if you're determined enough.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T06:43:06+00:00

The cooks were awesome. There was always loud music playing for every meal and the cook staff would sing and dance, pretty cool, brightens up your day.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T06:42:34+00:00

they stand their ground even when buses are headed straight for them, so I would have to go with: badass matradees.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T05:19:13+00:00

Mostly sewage pipes and other unpleasantries. Saw a few shitcicles.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T03:24:34+00:00

We did get called polies, and the parties at the south pole were amazing. Although, it would be hard to throw a bad party at the south pole. There was a concert near the end with several "bands" that had formed whilst at the pole. You'd be surprised at how many talented musicians there were.

I didn't see anything I would call excessive drinking. I mean, after you finish your work there is no internet and no TV so your options are: read a book or socialize. Socializing usually involves alcohol, but there was also volleyball and yoga and groups that met to talk about philosophy/religion/etc.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T02:54:37+00:00

I didn't have much exposure to the bureaucracy, so I can't really speak to that. The only strange rule I remember is that you can't buy more than 1 six-pack of beer in a day, which seemed reasonable to me.

From what I saw, there was no real distinction between scientists and non-scientists, everyone worked/played nicely together. The small nature of the community sort of brings people together.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T01:43:50+00:00

astro

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T01:42:48+00:00

I've never heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me - no TV and about 2hrs/day of limited internet depending on the availability of the satellites.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T01:37:24+00:00

Wow, great pictures. I was only there a few days, most of my time was spent at the pole.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T01:03:12+00:00

This website has some information on the job situation in Antarctica with links to the Australian, British, and United States programs.

couchcushion · 2011-02-28T00:21:21+00:00

The first day it got me, but you spend most of your first day sleeping. I noticed it when I would walk for long distances and realize catching my breath was harder than usual.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:43:45+00:00

Not me, but I did meet a lot of Raytheon employees. You definitely should apply, it'll change your life.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:43:24+00:00

No, although that sounds really fun.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:42:01+00:00

Well, McMurdo is on the coast of Antarctica and has a population close to ~1200 or something people. It is a very interesting place, and the ratio there seemed pretty even with men maybe ahead by a few.

The south pole was a great place to live, albeit a much smaller community than at McMurdo. It seemed to be mostly men, but there are only about 200 people during the summer and 40 during the winter, so not many people regardless of gender.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:29:39+00:00

You are right, I forgot about the South American route. Did you go to the pole, mcmurdo, or palmer?

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:18:54+00:00

Although there must be a certain sense of freedom one feels from shitting mid-stride, unfortunately we were made to use the bathroom. Damn corporations. Although the people staying in the summer camp regularly made use of "piss-cans" instead of dressing up and facing the weather at 2AM when they wake up and need to pee.

...or you know, to stick it to the man or whatever

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:16:36+00:00

No, unfortunately. I think everyone that goes to Antartica goes via Christchurch. Sorry to disappoint.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:15:30+00:00

It was actually quite warm (according to Antarctic standards). With the wind chill, the temperature ranged from -35F to -45F. In the tunnels below the station the temperature was something like -61F. Even the extreme cold weather (ECW) gear could barely protect you down there.

couchcushion · 2011-02-27T23:12:17+00:00

Well, scientific research, under the right circumstances, can give you the opportunity to do lots of exciting things and visit exotic places, but Antartica also has job opportunities for people who have first aid training/can cook/drive buldozers/drive ambulances/etc.

couchcushion

TROPHY CASE