For those of us who knew the Explorer, watching the footage from the Chilean Navy of the ship listing to starboard surrounded by ice was a solemn moment. She was among the first ships to pioneer expeditionary cruises. Equipped with an ice-hardened hull she was designed for the waters of Antarctica. From the simple but comfortable interior, ardent adventurers learned about a part of the world few people will ever see – The Great White Continent.

Luckily all onboard were safely rescued. Three ships responded to the Explorer’s distress calls. The Norwegian, Nordnorge, picked-up all 91 passengers and 54 crew taking them to King George Island where they were flown back to the mainland and then home.

For me, the sinking of the Explorer raises more than issues of safety in ice prone areas; it calls into question whether or not non-scientific vessels should be allowed in Antarctic waters at all. Environmentalists agree that Antarctica is the last pristine spot on earth and its ecology is fragile. The consequences of more and more ships built to even less physical specifications than the Explorer, sailing with limited restriction in Antarctica is asking for trouble. Ten years ago only two or three ships included Antarctica on their itineraries, today there are over a dozen. With growing concern for global warming and its effect on places like Antarctica, well meaning travels want to experience the area in its support. The Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty System will no doubt be thinking about stricter measures to limit the area and frequency of cruise ship calls in this environmentally sensitive, politically neutral territory.

If you have not read any of the articles on the Explorer, I recommend the following that appeared online in National Geographic.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/11/071124-AP-cruise-ship_2.html

It is gift giving time! But what if, the kids are grown and no one needs another pair of gloves, slippers or a toaster? Many people are opting to give gifts that truly do keep on giving. In lieu of a traditional gift, many charitable organizations – whether it is your favorite community project or a cause you believe in – accept contributions made in the name of a friend or family member. My newest favorite is Heifer.com.

Heifer International is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance & sustainability. It sponsors programs throughout the world.

The fun part of the process of online gift giving with Heifer is the ability to create your own customized gift registry. Once the registry has been funded in the name of family and friends, they can go online and choose what form their gift will take. Though Heifer sponsors many programs to help people in need their primary focus is the gift of domesticated animals and livestock; from sheep and goats to cows and llamas! But there is a catch called, “Passing the Gift” which means recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger. And, so you don’t show up empty handed on Christmas Day, you can also create your own customized gift card online explaining Heifer International and how the program works.

For more information contact: www.Heifer.org

Author, speaker, traveler and explorer, William Sununu has compiled in, “The Sweet Life,” an entertaining set of cultural lessons from around the world. Each chapter uses an ethnic scenario to exemplify life lessons for a happier and more balanced life. Chapters range from the Scandinavian law of simple living, and humility to Cuban guidelines on child rearing. This book is a fun read whether you are planning a trip or exploring the world from your favorite armchair. For more information please contact me and I will forward your request to William!