Greenland (from "World Travel Tips")
Fata Morgana: The Fata Morgana effect, named after Morgan le Fey from the King Arthur legend, is a special type of mirage that can make for some interesting sights due to the crisp air and lack of perspective. Distant objects can be magnified, inverted or appear to be floating in the air, and even objects beyond the horizon can be visible because of the complex way light refracts during a Fata Morgana.
When To Visit: July through September are the warmest months, and are probably the best time to go unless ice is really your thing. October is best for the aurora borealis, or nothern lights, and the Aasivik fesitval is held in the middle of July, with folk music, dance and theatre.
Food: Traditional meals include indigenous mixes of fat and organs; however, walrus, seal and whale steaks are parts of traditional culture that have been more embraced. Most restaurants will serve steaks, in addition to less traditional fare.
Tipping: A service charge is normally included in your bill, and additional tipping is normally not required. An additional tip of 5% can be left for excellent service.
Antarctica (from "Antarctica Connection")
Survival on Land
At Antarctic research stations outside activities are directly dependent upon weather conditions, which are divided into three different categories, based on the level of severity. Even at a permanent base, people don't venture outside for any reason during the most severe conditions, such as wind chills below -120°F or during a blizzard, when blowing snow obscures visibility so much that the next building over becomes invisible!.
Field parties are equipped with special clothing designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Yet, even the best of clothing is no substitute for common sense; constant vigilance must be maintained against snowblindness, frostbite or hypothermia. As conditions can deteriorate rapidly, research scientists heading out to do field work carry emergency equipment, such as sleeping bags, radios, stoves, tents, food, and other supplies, even if they are only out on a day trip. Though it might not keep the parties comfortable in horrible weather, it could mean the difference between life and death.
Before researchers and support personnel are allowed to travel to remote sites or onto the sea ice, they must pass a survival training course. Teams based at a permanent research station such as McMurdo are required to check out when leaving the station and check in again upon return. At remote field camps failure to radio the base station at specified intervals can result in search and rescue missions being initiated.
Survival At Sea
The waters around Antarctica are reputed to be some of the most violent on Earth. Winds circle unobstructed around the continent, whipping up huge waves and causing, at the very least, ship-wide stomach upheavals. Safety is a big issue for researchers and passengers aboard Antarctic vessels. When seas are too rough, deck operations shut down until conditions improve. Equipment not fastened down can be hurled across a room or thrown overboard. Even during more benign conditions, people working near the sides of the ship are required to wear flotation gear and special clothing designed to keep them from quickly freezing to death should they end up in the water. Safety lines are often required.
Sea ice is a hazard unique to polar seas. Icebergs must be avoided as even small pieces of ice are capable of damaging equipment or jolting passengers. In addition, Antarctic ships are frequently at risk of entrapment in swift-moving pack ice. A sudden wind change can cause seemingly open pack ice to rapidly enclose a ship. Many an expedition vessel has met its fate as a result of being trapped and crushed by the immense pressure of wind-driven ice.
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