Alaska – Page 3

“This place is a vortex” Conversations in Alaska, 14 of 50

September 18, 2016September 18, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

There’s a kid who works at the Doughnut shop/catch-all kiosk in the center of Salmon Landing, first floor. I think he’s there in the afternoons, as I scoot by with a cart full of salmonberry[…]

Respect at the Clan House, Conversations in Alaska: 15 of 50

September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Brie, Claire and I borrowed Ria’s car and drove to Saxman Native Village. Some googling will tell you that Saxman has authentic replicas of original totem poles, 25 in all, that help Ketchikan boast the totem[…]

Til the Last Drip | Leaving the Rainforest, 1

September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I’m not one for schmaltz. Who Am I Kidding. I am one for Schmaltz. You know the scene in The Sound of the Music (the lovely film) when Julie Andrew’s Maria is dancing with the[…]

Bear, Conversations in Alaska: 16 of 50

September 15, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

JT comes in from his tri-nightly cigarette break. He is in his 40s, originally from Kodiak, wears house slippers and keeps to himself usually. When he walks in the door, he faintly whistles through his[…]

“The Goods Are Odd but the Odds are Good” Conversations in Alaska, 17 of 50

September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I meet Molly at Fat Stan’s. I don’t really know her that well, but I remember when we first met on the Nona. I got picked up from the airport on a boat. Still a[…]

“Tell the Lady with the Bird..” Conversations in Alaska, 18 of 50

September 13, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We finished loading the tour. I was at 2, in front of the Volendam, directing folks to 3. Merek was at Sockeye Sams with the flag, intercepting guests from 4 and 2 and sending them[…]

The Statue, Conversations in Alaska 19 of 50

September 13, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

It’s the beginning of season, early May. I’m still getting to know everyone and vice versa. I’m helping set up for the first ADC (Alaska Dream Cruise). I definitely don’t understand what my job is[…]

Eagles & Hair Dye & Piercings Oh My | Conversations in Alaska, 20 of 50

September 13, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Ria dyed my hair, dying it for the first time ever!, and she told me she wanted to pierce her ear. going to pierce her ear. It’s the outer part. If your ear were a[…]

1st Intro Peace Corps Call, Conversations in Alaska | 21 of 50

September 12, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

It’s July 15. It’s my Grandmother’s birthday. I’m in Southeast Alaska, the nation’s largest national rainforest. It rains 13 feet a year annually in Ketchikan. But today it’s all sun and civilized life as I[…]

The Kiss | Conversations in Alaska, 22 of 50

September 12, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

He picked us up from the mayor’s house. We dropped off Brie at her place up Creek Street. Let’s call him “The Philosopher.” We go see the Chickens he is petsitting. He picks one up[…]