Kaktovik: Day One

Hello again! This time from Kaktovik! I already feel so comfortable in this town, it is really wonderful. I just thought I’d share some pictures with you now – my apartment is only partially set up in these pictures but I think you understand. I also keep finding fun leftovers from the previous tenants. Including an entire set of dishes, several blankets, a microwave, a Rosetta Stone software. Anyway, here’s the photo dump.

On my first Alaska flight (Fairbanks to Deadhorse) there were about twenty passengers with three ladies. On my flight to Kaktovik it was just us three ladies, one of whom is the Kindergarten - 2nd grade teacher. The flight to Kaktovik was one of the most amazing flights ever.

Flying over Alaska, no clue where though.

First glimpse of Barter Island.

 

And in no particular order: My closet, bedroom, kitchen, and living/ dining rooms.

 

 

 

View out living room window. Beufort Sea visible in background. 

A Skidoo someone left in front of our house, and a picture I took at midnight!

All the teacher houses are connected to each other and the school via a boardwalk.

 

And last but not least: my groceries. Stare in awe and amazement at just how powdery they are. No, you don't need to check your eyes I have powdered butter and milk, as well as beef and chicken substitutes. Yummy.

 

Almost There!

Well, today is the day I head to the far North! I flew out of Omaha yesterday morning after a very nervous night. As we were landing in Minneapolis I glanced out the window. I was a bit shocked to see the Embassy Inn and Suites building, this is where it all began! Back in April I was there for the job fair. Alright call me a wacko, it's cool. Right now I'm chilling in the Fairbanks airport. This afternoon I'll be reaching my village, that is really nerve-racking.

As for now the only things I know I'll have for sure are the things in my backpack. I assume I'll have my luggage (we are this close) and my mail... well I'm guessing that some of it has arrived. Even if I don't have anything up there I know I'll be ready to go out and meet people from the village and see the school. As a bonus my mom got me a going-away gift of Season Six Doctor Who. Rock. On.

My grandmother had a whole bunch of books that we got rid of, Westerns and romances mostly. But one book she had always intrigued me: Tisha. It's about a young woman who moves to rural Alaska to teach. I've been reading it on the flight and actually enjoying it, smarmy as it looks. To boot my copy got wet at some point and is all yellowed and tattered since it is twice as old as I am. It is extra smarmy looking. Look at the book cover.

Just. Look. At. It.

 

I met some relatives in Fairbanks where I spent the night. We went shopping at Wal-Mart (more on that later) and they also took me to the Santa Claus House, they actually live in North Pole, Alaska a suburb of Fairbanks. The Santa Claus House responds to children's letters and has an impressive collection of Christmas related items - including reindeer! Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year so this was a really fun stop for me!



I've Gone Soft... Or Insane

Last night in Rapid. And though it isn't as nerve-racking as when I went to college, I'm still nervous. I was really bored most of the summer, except these last couple weeks just flew by!!! I'm now checking and doubling-checking my bags. Finding every little loophole for airplane luggage - suffice to say I will be showing up to Epply Airfield in 90 degree heat with my jacket - because a jacket is a freebie!

A Money Saving Tip...

...don't move somewhere where all your items must be mailed.
But seriously, I have spent the last six hours scanning papers so that I don't have to mail them. It is horrible - but I really need to finish doing this because I leave in two weeks! I've had requests for an update so I thought that I'd better write a little something. Am I ready to move? Not by a long shot. So, for now, back to scanning.