Paglagivsi...Greetings,
It is Friday and I have a large break from In-Service, so I figured now would be a good time to update the blog and just share my experiences in full detail. Barrow is absolutely amazing. The people, both Native and Non-Native, are so welcoming and kind. There is very little controversy and confrontation within this culture and it is a
beautiful thing. The food is great as well. Along with the Native food (muktak, tuutu, ugruk), there is plenty of Asian food. The cooks are all from South Pacific countries, so I am getting my fair share of delicious food.
After settling into my apartment, I have been busy with football and new-hire inservice. However, I still find plenty of time to walk two blocks down to the Chukchi Sea, one of the many bodies of water that make up the Arctic Ocean.
During these walks, I
interact with many locals, skip stones, take pictures, view the boats, search for the nanuq and the agviq, and observe the many dead jellyfish that have washed up onto the beach.
These walks are very calming and relaxing.
Speaking of football, the first middle school game is this evening at 5:00. Please cheer for the Mopson Middle School Wolves. The varsity game is tomorrow at 1:00. Please cheer for the Barrow Whalers as they take on Kodiak. It will be thunder on the true frozen tundra.
On Tuesday night, I took a dip in the Arctic Ocean. I have
swam in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Colorado River. The Arctic Ocean was by far the coldest. It was about 34 degrees.
In order to be a member of the Polar Bear Plunge, one must entirely emerge him or herself under water. Most people do that and come right out of the water. The process takes about 15-20 seconds. Then, you get a t-shirt and patch. I took a dip and came right back out. As I was drying off, I decided to do it again. Being that I was still wet, as soon as I hi
t the water the second time, I literally felt a frost spread over my body. It was freezing cold, but what and experience.
The Sun has finally set here in Barrow. Each day, the slope is losing about 15 minutes of daylight. Soon, the darkness will be here. I am excited to teach these kids.
Next week I will get into my classroom and fix it up.
I can't wait to come home for the wedding and teach you all some Inupiaq words. Ray and Amy, you need to let me know what size you are for clothing, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts. Also, Amy, please let me know about yourself when you were a child because I need some information for the song I am writing about you two.
Anyway, quyanaqpak for all the wonderful posts and support. Please keep them coming because I love to read them.
Tony