I really can't believe that I've been here a couple days now! I've kept really busy, but in a good way. It's all been incredible from the moment I left the lower 48. The flight up to Alaska is breathtaking. There is nothing...nothing... at all out there. Mountains as far as the eye can see. It's such an awesome sight to see though. Landing in Alaska was like nothing I could have imagined. The airport in Sitka is tiny and right on the water, so you feel like you're going to land right in the ocean. It's fine though because you're so distracted by the unbelievable beauty around. The mountains come right up out of the ocean. There are tons of little islands around Baranof and Japonski islands (the islands that make up Sitka) that are all like that. They are covered by Sitka Spruce all the way up to the summit which is covered in just a bit of snow. It's like the whipped cream on top! I couldn't believe it when I got in and I still really can't. I feel like I'm in a storybook place. I walk around with my jaw dropped everywhere I go. It all feels very surreal. I'm told that I'm getting spoiled by the weather though. It's been in the 70s and sunny since I've been here. Usually it's rainy, so I guess I lucked out! The town itself is really cute, too. There is a super touristy street, historic sights, residential areas, more towny streets, and of course the beaches and mountains. It has a little bit of everything. There are also lots of cool wildlife. I have seen bald eagles (they hang out in town!) and a sea lion so far. And honestly, these are the nicest people I have ever encountered. I've learned from other AmeriCorps that have been up here for a while that they have never met an unfriendly person in Sitka. Everyone wants to share Sitka with you and hear about your life. I have eaten both of my dinners so far at local peoples houses because they just invite you over. It's crazy! People are especially interesting because most people I've met aren't native to Sitka. A lot of people go on some adventure or something when they're young and somehow find their way here after traveling the state. Others are from other parts of Alaska. A handful came on visit and didn't leave, found a job here, or stumbled upon the place some other random way. It makes for some pretty interesting stories. I've heard a lot of really incredible life stories from people so far. It kind of makes you feel like you haven't done a lot with your life!
As far as details about my new life go... I live in the bottom floor of a house and it's really nice. It feels very homey. We can see the mountains from our living room window, too! Two of my three roommates are here already and they are both great. One is really outgoing and a little wild, but in a fun way. The other is quieter but not shy, kind of nerdy and outdoorsy, but again, in a good way. I think we'll get along well! I had my first day at work today. We're just doing office work until the kids get here, but I heard so many exciting things about what happens when the kids get in. I'll learn about so many native customs, take free trips around the state chaperoning them, and get to "help" with classes that I want to learn (I'm going to take Chinese!). I'm excited about the job. I've spent all my time really immersing myself in the city and the people outside of work related things. I have gone in museums, art galleries, blueberry picking (tons of kinds of berries grow wild everywhere here and you can eat them all right off the side of the road!), walking along the beach, ate dinner over a campfire on the beach, and ate fresh Halibut and Black Cod caught that day in a beautiful house on top of a mountain that overlooked the ocean. I'm going kayaking in the ocean tomorrow and hiking up a mountain this weekend. Honestly I'm a little nervous but I'm really pumped up about doing it. I'm having a hard time believing all that has happened so far. I think I can already see why people come up here and never leave!
I do feel a little out of place, but I think it will be fine. I'm the only one I've met so far that hasn't really done any of this outdoors stuff. I don't know anything about hiking, kayaking, fishing, etc. I have SO much to learn!! But overall I'm having a wonderful time and I think I'm going to really like it here. Everyone should come visit!! sitkaphotos.com - if you want to check it out a bit (totally doesn't do it justice though!).
A few fun things I learned:
- Natives are allowed to kill and skin baby seals. People joked about me doing this when I got here, but it's for real!
- Natives in villages where the pipeline runs through get approx. $3000/month starting at birth just because by the oil company. This is a reason why they have such big families.
- Whalers have bombs attached to their harpoons and it takes about 5 harpoons (with bombs) to kill a whale.
- People turn up their noses at pink salmon here - you must have King or Sockeye!
- You can get a forest fire on a glacier.
Sounds like you're having an awesome time! First of all, I just remembered why Sitka keeps sounding familiar and it's because I think that's where the movie The Proposal took place! Am I right? I loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I'm super jealous of all of your outdoorsy adventures and can only imagine for now being in such a beautiful place. Even your description makes me in awe of God once again, and I haven't even seen it in person!
Have a great first week!
Lindsey