Part III: Antarctica and Academe - Scott Polar Research Institute

noisy storms during the night and lightning flashes. Also the traffic noise seemed to
go on throughout the night; in consequence I slept fitfully. The maid brought in
breakfast and a morning paper at 8 o’clock. It was still dark and raining - not a very
promising day. Glynn collected me at 10.15 am and we went over to the Institute for
10.30 am. There I was met by the Director Nacional del Antartico, curiously named
Brigadier Capitan, the Director of the Instituto Antarctico Argentino (IAA), Captain
Roberto Martinez Abal, Dr Dallinger, Head of the Scientific Programmes and others.
First we retired to Capitan's office for a chat, with Glynn interpreting. She went
down very well with them and apparently she and Dr Dallinger were both born in
Peru, so had that in common. Then I was taken to meet the heads of departments,
who were all lined up to shake hands - all very formal. I signed the Visitors' Book - a
page to myself, with an inscription commemorating my visit. I was presented with
an onyx plaque from the Institute, with its crest and an inscription.
We toured the Institute, an old place, but more interesting than I had expected
and with a lot going on. They had up-to-date oceanographic equipment and a PDP
8/e computer for their Atmospheric Physics programme. There were many female
assistants and I gained the impression of a large staff. I had a longer talk with Aldo
Tomo, young (31) not very impressive, but keen. Then back to Abal's office for
another chat over a coffee. He told me that the budget of the Institute was $2 million
but this excluded logistics which were provided by the armed services. Then we
visited the Circulo de Aeronautica (the Air Force Club) for lunch. It was very
pleasant and well done. A photographer, who had been popping up all morning,
was there taking more flash photos. The occasion began with us standing around
drinking Argentine whisky (made from imported malt grain) which was quite good -
and strong. Then we moved into the dining room for an excellent lunch - about 25
present -hors d'oeuvres, steak etc., bombe surprise (baked Alaska?) with a couple of
good Argentine wines. I had the place of honour next to Senor Blanco, Minister for
Malvinas (Falkland Islands) and Antarctic; he was very pleasant and easy to talk to.
Next to me on the other side was Captain Abal and opposite me Brigadier Capitan.
Language was a bit difficult, but we got on very well and they were all paying
compliments to the attractive Glynn, who was presented with a bunch of roses when
we left. The Brigadier made a short speech to which I responded and it was all very
friendly.
I was dropped off at Florida - the Bond Street of BA - to do some shopping and
bought a stole (Llama and guanaco wool) for Maureen, but didn't see much else
worth buying that couldn't be got as easily in England. The Embassy car came back
for me and I realised the privileges of the VIP. The chauffeur was waiting and as I
came to the end of the street he pulled over to pick me up. Back at the Embassy the
maid Dolores brought me China tea. It was a hot day and sunny and I was feeling
rather sticky, so went down to the swimming pool in the garden, where I met the
Ambassador, Sir Donald Hopson and Lady Hopson - who were swimming 1200
metres. I did the same, chatting as we swam; it was pleasant, with the trees, bright
green grass and muted traffic noise. The time passed quickly. Then I sat in the
garden and read until it got cool, when I came up to my suite for a scotch and relaxed
in a chair until dinner. I had been invited to a Greek reception at their Embassy in
honour of their National Day, but had declined. There was a very pleasant dinner
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