Live from Antarctica: Dirge for an Old Friend
We were just getting ready to celebrate here jubilee in all her splendour. We had promised the 10,000th cup of coffee would be immortalized. Alas, Lady Saeco, our loyal coffee…
News from Antarctica
Interested in what's happening down at Princess Elisabeth? News from the field are posted here regularily to keep you updated about what's going on.
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Live from Antarctica: Sunday - no wake-up call
Last Sunday we were not disturbed from our slumber by the daily wake-up call and were treated a late breakfast. This is always a welcome situation on a Sunday, not…
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Live from Antarctica: As We Like It
The wind has been moderately strong over the past few days. Despite the low temperatures (-17°C), the sun is shining all day long. The traverse team that just…
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Live from Antarctica: A Promise in Due Form
In our last update we made some rather naïve remarks: "The inside insulation having been integrated in the station's shell, almost 75 cm lie between our feet and the…
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Live from Antarctica: Living with Engineers
There are certain truths to which even chronic unbelievers can only comply. For example, the legend according to which engineers know (sometimes) how to talk to machines... I would like…
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Live from Antarctica: signs difficult to ignore
As you enter the mess tent in the morning, the signs are difficult to ignore. Winter is nearing. Steam comes out of people's mouths, people's hands are tucked in their…
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How was Utsteinen chosen for the implantation of the Station?
Professor Frank Pattyn participated in two BELARE expeditions (2004 and 2005) to help position the Princess Elisabeth Station in Antarctica. He also helped collecting and analyzing the necessary meteorological data which was…
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Last Module Goes In
We just lived a historical moment here in Brussels, as we received a phone call from Utsteinen base camp. Alain Hubert phoned to say that the last exterior module was…
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A Flag for the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station
Schoolchildren from the Hoogstraten communal primary school, located near Antwerp, have designed and made a flag for the Princess Elisabeth Station. The adventure started with an article in the newspaper,…
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Live from Antarctica: Snow Over Utsteinen
It has been snowing for two days now. The Inmarsat and the Iridium only work sporadically; the feeling is that Antarctica is finally showing its real face. Since the 16th …