So recently, we have decided to go out and explore the frozen tundra and surroundings. Here is a picture from the summer and another compared to now.
Big difference huh?
Well, WINTER has finally come, and it's not too bad actually. I mean don't get me wrong, the temps here have been super cold....like -4F or 1F, but the windchill is what makes it pretty cold.
Though, when we went out in -2 weather, going 30 mph bites right though the gloves and boots you may be wearing! So, if you know of any super duty glove liners that keep frigid cold temps away from your fingers, send the information my way!
As we prepared to go out for a ride, we had to wear 4 layers of clothes, well I do that is. I have some thermals, leggings, sweatpants, and our riding gear. Obviously the same goes for the upper layers, but the issue we have had is the fingers and toes! But, regardless of the slight cold, it is beautiful and just as breathtaking even if it is -2! What are your thoughts?
As much as I wanted to continue heading up the mountain and keep spotting the red fox running away up the hill, my fingers were far too cold! This is how an Alaskan dresses in style. :)
Aaron and I rode to the dump to empty the trash trailer, as we prefer to bring our own trash. So we bring it all. This is what the view was as we traveled along the coast.
Such a beautiful sight!Each sunrise is stunning and obviously occurs later and later in the AM. This one was taken at 11AM while I had a few errands to run around the village.
I will admit, though the move was difficult and very much a stressful situation, I absolutely love Alaska. I was concerned that I wouldn't like it, or I wouldn't be able to handle the cold, but I was mistaken. I cannot get over how rewarding and beautiful this state is!
Now....on to the good stuff.
So, I will mention first, that the exotic food that we try are considered specialties to the Eskimo's and some of them choose not to share these foods with new villagers because they worry that it will not be valued by them. I will say, that this newest taste test wasn't the best smelling! Though that is something that people can get over and still savor the taste within. I, unfortunately, could not savor it as I have a sensitive pallet when it comes to smells and tastes associated with it. Here, you can see that a villager and I having some cooked fermented walrus. This was my first experience with "ooshuk" and her first experience with cooked "ooshuk."
Ok, so I'll explain this a little. What is fermented walrus?
Well, the process goes a little something like this....
1. Shoot the walrus
2. Dig a hole near your desired location
3. Leave from May to December (about 6/7 months)
4. Dig it back out and either eat it raw or cooked.
So, May is when the weather starts warming back up, so the seal is just sitting in the hole preparing to be eaten. From what we are told, the raw walrus tastes better, but has a stronger smell. But, regardless, I can say that I tried "ooshuk" and I am not a huge fan of it!
Here is Lynn and Tony trying "ooshuk" for the first time as well!
I would like to share with you one of my favorite Inupiaq words:
Alappaa
This word is used quite often in the school and around the village. Can you guess what it is?
It means 'cold, it's cold, or I'm cold.' And, the best thing, it's pronounced exactly as it's shown!
The dogs.....have been good. The temperatures make the adventures a little difficult! I have to prepare Eve and Tink's tootsies so they are not cold. I also put Tink in her jacket since it is pretty chilly. Last time, Tink lost one of her booties, so we have to switch to her heavy duty booties that don't like to stay on very well.Zver wouldn't listen very well while we were out, so I had to put him on his lead, and this is what ensued!
He is such a goofball! Apparently his life is pretty difficult here in Alaska!
I had to travel back to New York, as a few things had to be taken care that I couldn't deal with back in Alaska. While there I got to see some close friends and even got to see my wonderful hairdresser. I got to spend time with my family, which was nice as it's been since we left that I have seen them.
I attended a Christmas party while in NY, and I'd have to say that I've never seen shrimp served like this!
It was unique and quite humorous!
As much as I wanted to stay for the duration of the planned trip, I just couldn't. I missed my husband, my pups, and my community. There is a strange pull from the kids here that I just can't resist! It's a happy community and it's hard to stray from happiness.
While in NY, I was still on Alaska time, so it was hard to adjust to the later 4 hour time difference. Of course, as always, by the time I adjusted to NY time, I was flying back to Alaska and had to adjust all over again!
I got back to Alaska just in time for our village Christmas feast and the Eskimo games, which I was bummed about having to miss in the first place.
Lynn, Aaron's Mom, was an amazing soul and made a Christmas tree for us, which was made out of drift wood. I'd have to say that I enjoyed the different take on a Christmas tree and made the holiday much more special.
So, what goes on at the Eskimo games? Well, there are many different games that they play. One is called pancake, where you lay next to your opponent and battle to the end. The opponents battle to see who gets flipped over by locking legs and pulling quickly down with all of their strength. Another few games is putting a ruler right under your nose and pushing as hard as your can against your opponent. I never tried this one, as it sounds all too painful!
In addition to the games, it was good to be there and witness the atmosphere of the community coming together as a whole and spending time together.
In the short video below, you get a sneak peak of Eskimo dancing that some of the villagers participated in while at the games.
One tradition that I was glad I witnessed was how they celebrate New Years! Since our village is a dry village, meaning no alcohol, they hold the games until the New Year rings in. Here is a snip of the festivities. After that, people go around hugging and wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
Of course, being the "odd teachers," we stayed up until 6am playing volleyball with some villagers and kids. This, of course, was not a one night occurrence, so it's going to be difficult to go back to normal working hours and actually work!
Here are a few pictures of my trip back into Alaska! Such a stunning and beautiful place to live!
Brevig from the plane.
Well, I hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas and New Year! Enjoy!
*Winter IS Here*
