Reader's Digest Australia Dec/Jan 2025

cover up to 7 million square miles. But by the end of summer, it can shrink to less than 700,000 square miles. As the sea ice melts, it gets pulled into a cur- rent that runs around the continent. This cur- rent has a flow more than 100 times greater than all the rivers on earth combined. 10 Among the most unusual geological fea- tures in Antarctica is a crimson waterfall, aptly named Blood Falls. The water, which cascades over the edge of the Taylor Glacier, is so rich in iron that it immedi- ately oxidizes (or rusts) when it comes into contact with the air, turning bright red and leaving a steady streak in the ice as if it had a gushing wound. 11 Yet another reddish feature is the lake of lava at Mount Erebus, one of two active volcanoes in Antarctica. With at least 100 inactive ones, the continent has the highest concentration of volcanoes on earth. The molten magma in Erebus’s lava lake continuously churns, remaining red-hot despite the continent’s low temperatures. 12 Scientists aren’t the only ones working in Antarctica. The main U.S. outpost, McMurdo Station, employs more than 1,000 people during the summer season, among them: cooks, janitors, medics, mechanics and more. In some ways, working in Antarctica is not unlike camp or college. Staff sleep in dorms, eat in dining halls and partake in extracurriculars such as bands, book clubs, movie nights, arts and crafts, and yoga classes. 13 To experience Antarctica as a tourist, you could take a scenic flight over it. Several cruise lines also make the trek. Despite hefty prices (Viking Cruises’ Antarctica tours start at $13,000), the bottom of the world is becoming a popular destination. During the 2023-2024 season, more than 100,000 people visited Antarctica. Overseeing them: the International Association of Antarc- tica Tour Operators. Their strict travel guide- lines ensure the contin- ued protection of one of the most preserved regions on the planet. Tough Old Bird Think you can hold a grudge? Consider the crow: Based on his experiment, John Marzluff, a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, estimates the birds remember those who have done themwrong for about 17 years. NEW YORK TIMES reader ’ s digest Art of Living 32   december 2025/january 2026  |   readersdigest.com.au MICHAEL RAINES B eingwith loved ones during the holidays is a delight. Getting there is not. Portland International Airport in Oregon puts passengers at ease in a unique way: with therapy llamas. These animals—including Prince (left) and Beni (right)—strut their stuff through the terminal, letting people pet and hug them. Wranglers Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy, a mother–daughter duo who run the nearby Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas farm, say the 400-pound fluffs offer a welcome distraction from Yuletide travel stress. “I call themSanta Claus for adults,” says Joy. Passenger Lori Sackett was one of the lucky recipients of some llama love. “The sweet faces,” she told NPR. “What a gift.” No Drama Llamas reader ’ s digest readersdigest.com.au   |  december 2025/january 2026    33 World of GOOD Reasons to Smile