Related Page

Unusual Rotary Make Up Locations

As we  know, there are about 34,000 clubs spread throughout the world. … If you can’t attend our regular meeting, you’re welcome to attend any of the other clubs. Make up slips are available  to give you credit for attendance.

Many of us have done this and I generally encourage Rotarians to try other clubs when they are traveling for business or pleasure.

But there are a few locations that you may probably not get to…. Or even knew that they existed.

There are actually two (2) clubs in Antarctica

Marambi Base: was  established in 1977 and has  9 members

This Club currently consists of members of the Argentine Air Force that are stationed there. They live all year round and  provide support for various missions and other international scientific collaborations. They also provide support to other Argentine Antarctic bases and  bases of other countries

The 2^nd club is “Antartica Esparanza”: in another part of the continent . It was  established in 2005  and has 20 members

Both are Spanish speaking and meet on Wednesdays.

I’ve accumulated a few facts that may be of interest

1)  There are approximately 35,000 tourists per year there. This is up from 14,000 in 2000. Most of them cruise the area in ships. However, others arrive for expeditions and  activities which include camping and cross country skiing.

2) While there are no permanent residents, research personnel vary from 1,000 in the winter to 4,000 in the summer. The summer totals usually include:

1,200 from USA

650 from Argentina

400 from Russia  … an smaller contingents from about 20 other counties.

Although generally thought not to be owned by anyone, seven countries claim territory there. The US & Russia, while not claiming the territory maintain the “right to claim it” in the future.

So, don’t forget to save Wednesdays for Rotary when you’re in the Antarica.

http://www.rotaryfirst100.org/global/countries/antarctica/index.htm