Neko Harbour and 1st TEDx in Antarctica

The previous night’s campers were to be repatriated at 6.30am this morning. Breakfast was served from 6.30am to 7.30am, initially, and lengthened to 8.30am. I was up at 6.00am with a few aches and pains of yesterday’s hike, and was still sleepy.<o:p></o:p>

This morning’s program included zodiac excursions and these were all voluntary. I chose actually to stay on board to get some rest and update my journal (a bit late by 3 days).

The mountains covered by snow around us are beautiful and I go out on the bridge a few times to feed my photo bank. I take my notes in the Club Lounge where everyone can go to read and chill out. I’m quite tired now.

Last night, we were told that we would go onto the continent to take pictures of our flags (my British flag would be able to come out of its bag) this afternoon. This program was no longer certain. <o:p></o:p>

It is so calm. We are a few people left on the boat, the others having gone on zodiac safaris.<o:p></o:p>

After lunch, we got to view a film on TEDx to understand what it was. It consists of transmitting ideas across countries using a specific format.<o:p></o:p>

To put into practice what we had seen, 2041 announced that we, the IAE 2012 participants, were going to participate in the first TEDx ever produced in Antarctica. Unbelievable! What an honour to be able to be part of this. 2041 went to set the scene with a few of the participants that were going to speak during the TEDx. The rest of us arrived by zodiac and took camping mats to sit on. <o:p></o:p>

Anna, captain of the British army told us her difficult story of how she lost part of her left leg. The two Dutch guys also spoke of their amazing story. Cameron, Lieutenant in the American army, who was also amputated of part of his left leg in Afghanistan, told us his story. Other participants had the opportunity to speak before Robert Swan, who brilliantly spoke of the necessity of protecting the continent.

Small photo shooting with the 2041 flag before some went on zodiac safaris and others, like myself, head back to the ship to prepare for the second night of camping scheduled for tonight.<o:p></o:p>