Our first speaker was Phil Koniotes , who showed us some stunning glimpses
\n of Antarctica. Phil explained that on his trip he had the great fortune
\n to enjoy 4 sunny days, which is extremely rare and meant he was able to
\n take some fantastic photographs. His pictures of icebergs, many of which
\n come in strange shapes and spectacular proportions were breathtaking,
\n particularly those of the aptly named Paradise Bay. His photo’s also covered
\n the inquisitive penguins that inhabit this region, which come up to investigate
\n their human visitors. Photos of the penguins included their nest building
\n antics, which involves the penguins stealing pebbles from each other’s
\n nests to build their own. Phil also told us about the Post Office which
\n handles 40,000 cards each year, which depart with the prized Antarctic
\n postmark. This was a fascinating talk with some superb photographs.<\/p>\n
Our second speaker Mark Elliott came to Globetrotters rescue after our
\n original speaker Juliet Coombe was involved in an accident in Australia
\n and was unable to return to the United Kingdom. Mark’s talk was about
\n the Kilum Forest in what he described as the most corrupt country on the
\n planet, Cameroon, in West Africa. Mark’s mission had been to photograph
\n the elusive Bannerman’s Turaco bird, which only lives in this part of
\n the world. His photos took us via a local tribal war and a photocall with
\n a local Chief. He showed us a local festival where the people dress in
\n costumes and actually become that person or spirit, Mark discovered how
\n literally they take this when one character relieved him of his umbrella,
\n his neighbour explaining that this character was called “The thief!”
\n Once up into the forest Mark and his guide trekked for a day and for one
\n fleeting minute espied the elusive bird. His guide was ecstatic, despite
\n living there, it was the first time in seven years even he had seen one.<\/p>\n