HE MAY have just returned from the Antarctic, but according to this Ipswich electrician, Suffolk's current climate seems far more chilly.Asa Downing, of Kitchener Road, off Norwich Road, has just returned from one of the coldest places on Earth after completing a work-related project for the British Antarctic Survey.

HE MAY have just returned from the Antarctic, but according to this Ipswich electrician, Suffolk's current climate seems far more chilly.

Asa Downing, of Kitchener Road, off Norwich Road, has just returned from one of the coldest places on Earth after completing a work-related project for the British Antarctic Survey.

The 24-year-old claims that although he is glad to be back, the weather seems much colder here at the moment.

He said: “When I got back, I thought it was colder here than over there. The time flew by. I really enjoyed myself and it was more relaxed than I expected. It is a very chilled out sort of place.”

Mr Downing, and Jason Faulkner, 21, his colleague at Inviron's Building Systems, based in Portman Road, were carrying out electrical testing as part of a contract. During their extended trip, they got the opportunity to work on a full scale live aquarium and an air fuel depot.

Mr Downing jumped at the chance of spending time in Antarctica, which has 24 hours of daylight at this time of year.

He said: “I found it hard to sleep with the daylight at first but I put a blanket over the curtains so I got used to it. It has been very strange coming back and having to drive home from work in the dark.

“The food was very similar to the UK - except they didn't have eggs or milk. I missed fast food though.”

Among the different activities the pair tried was ice-climbing, abseiling and skiing.

Mr Faulkner, from Bishops Stortford, also took part in the New Year's Eve 10km run.

The highlight for Mr Downing though was spotting a pod of Killer whales during a boat trip.

He added: “It was so amazing to see these whales. They came really close to the boat. The scenery was unbelievable. It made me think how much of a mess we have made here in the UK.”

Have you been on an exciting adventure? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.