special dinner invitation

Scott Base is the New Zealand station just two miles from McMurdo Station. The two research and logistics operations have a great working relationship and support each other as needed throughout the year. The Kiwi station is off-limits for United States personnel. There are a few exceptions. We can visit their store during store business hours, and we are allowed to spend time at their bar for "American Night." Because Scott Base is smaller, it's a good way to keep from overwhelming their place with our heaps of potential McMurdo guests.

We are also allowed to visit their facility when we receive an invitation. So, on Thursday night, our Air Services office was invited to spend some time at dinner getting to know our counterparts on the "other side of the hill" (Ob Hill) that separates our two populations. I had never been invited to a dinner there (although, i was given the opportunity to have a luncheon at Scott Base last year where I met Sir Edmund Hillary and the Honorable Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand).

Amy, Susie, and myself visited their new bar, lounge, and dining facility; just completed this winter. They even have a gas fireplace with all sorts of windows overlooking the sea ice and the amazing pressure ridges. Dinner was very tasty (they only have to cook for about 60 people right now), the conversation and kiwi company were interesting, and the views from their station were breathtaking (or maybe that was the cold weather).