Category Archives: Travel

Cats of Constantinople

Like many Mediterranean places, Turkey turns out to be quite the cat country. Unlike in some areas, however, they seem to enjoy a good balance between being well looked-after and exercising their freedom. There are cats in cafes: Cats in … Continue reading

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Greek Landscapes

Our first introduction to the landscape of Greece was from the plane, looking down over the temptingly bleak Balkans. Then the Aegean came into sight: I’m fairly sure this is Chalkidiki, with the further peninsula being Mount Athos (where the … Continue reading

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Beautiful Big Bird Barneys

If there’s one thing more impressive than a bird of prey soaring overhead, it’s two birds of prey having a damn good go at each other. On our recent visit to Britain, the Headington Red Kites put on quite a … Continue reading

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Petermann Island

Petermann Island was our southernmost point (65°10′S 64°10′W), and the end of the road. When we landed, we were given the option of going to one side of the island to see “Iceberg Alley” — tempting — or to see … Continue reading

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Nearing the End

The last day of our trip was rather nerve-wracking as well as enjoyable: we sailed through the Lemaire Channel towards Petermann Island, but there was a risk that there would be too much ice in the channel for us to … Continue reading

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Port Lockroy

After leaving Brown, we spent the evening on our way back west, towards Port Lockroy. We made our acquaintance with a range of ice forms on the way; I’m not sure which is which, but I believe that brash ice, … Continue reading

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Base Brown

Base Brown, named after an improbable Argentine national hero, is of particular interest as being on the continent itself rather than one of the islands. It was burned down in 1984 when the station’s doctor went a little crazy and … Continue reading

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Cuverville Island

On our second-last day in Antarctica, we woke to find the ship nosing down towards Cuverville Island, 64°41′S 62°38′W: Temperatures were lower here, although still just around freezing, and the lack of wind meant it didn’t feel particularly cold: The … Continue reading

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Mikkelsen Harbour

After leaving Deception Island, we had a few hours’ sail south and across the Bransfield Strait to Trinity Island, which lies just off the peninsula. This meant our second landing was in the early evening; the light was fantastic: One … Continue reading

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Sliding Down a Volcano in Antarctica

Day two in Antarctica began with Deception Island. Visitors are no longer allowed to dig their own hot tubs in the volcanic sand, but I could still happily have spent several days here: touring the bay, visiting the remnants of … Continue reading

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