Conversations in Alaska

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[…]

A Precious Gentleman on Dock Four | Conversations in Alaska, 23 of 50

September 12, 2016September 13, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

“You ladies are doing a great job holding that sign.” Normally Brie and I would think that he was pandering but he was such a sweetie pie, with a slow gait and a classy hat[…]

“You Can’t Afjord to Mist It!” Conversations in Alaska, 24 of 50

September 12, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

“Dock Dock St. Nona” “Go Ahead St. Nona” “We are off the dock at 07:18 with 46 passengers, 6 crew and one native artist, Good Morning.” “Have a good trip.” I walk over to John[…]

Job Prodigy on Dude Mountain | Conversations in Alaska 25 of 50

September 9, 2016September 10, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We were still driving to Dude. I guess all the meaty conversation started in the car on the way there. “So Chaz, what do you do in Seattle?” I hate that question. I really hate to[…]

The Atlas and Dinner at the Mayor’s: Conversations in Alaska, 28 of 50

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We started clearing the table of all the food we didn’t eat! Left over muscles with bacon and oranges, three salads (we brought one), rice, fried chick peas.. Joe left to pick up his son at[…]

Dinner at the Mayor’s Part 2: Conversations in Alaska, 29 of 50

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We sat across from Susie and next to Joe. The distinguished man of the household, former mayor, and elder of the Tlingit community; of course, he posted at the head of the table. The table[…]

Coming Out as a Vegan at the Mayor’s: Conversations in Alaska 30 of 50

September 8, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

http://www.wheretheeaglewalks.com/ Joe Williams is the former mayor of Saxman and the Ketchikan Borough. I first noticed Joe when I saw him starting tours on the dock, wearing a hat with a feather and a beaded embellishment[…]

Strangers with Candy: Conversations in Alaska, 32 of 50

September 8, 2016September 8, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I walked into the hospital room, expecting anything but not really sure. My friend intro’d: “Natalie is here because she’s been in a similar situation before.” I looked at her son. He sat in the[…]

8 Years in 2 Hours: Conversations in Alaska, 31 of 50

September 7, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We went on a walk along Tongass Avenue, following the water, and chatted about all matter of personal interest from college to family to exes to currents (men) to plans to grief. You see, I[…]