Well, it’s been 1 month and two weeks today since I arrived in Iqaluit. Typically when someone travels, they have high hopes and expectations about what the land might look like. Most envision some type of paradise, why else would they visit?
For me, it was a little bit different. I had always told my sister I would never visit her in Nunavut as long as I live. Luckily, baby Brody was able to change this for me.
This might sound a little odd – especially coming from me, the girl whose in love with summer – but I don’t think I’ve smiled this big every morning I walk to work first thing in the morning.
Welcome to Canada’s Arctic
The days have grown short. The sun rises around 11:00am and sets at around 1:30pm. The weather has gone from bearable to impossible reaching -37 degrees Celsius with wind, freezing every southern bone in my body. Somehow, I wake up every morning at 8:15am ready to go to work with a HUGE smile on my face. Why?
The snow here, it’s not just snow, it’s a winter wonderland. When I envisioned the typical ‘winter wonderland,’ I never anticipated actually physically seeing the snow glistening off the ground like a million crystals shining in the sun, facing out toward the land with a setting sun and the white mountain snow peaks shining off of the freezing Arctic Ocean while the flakes of snow land peacefully on my eyelashes.
Nunavut is truly a hidden gem, absolutely breathtaking and somehow passed the dark days and freezing temperatures, everyday I am here is a different and incredible day.
I experienced my first REAL blizzard last week. Unable to see even 5 feet in front of my face, everything but the taxis were closed down for the day. I literally flew home from work, attempting to keep my feet on the ground and giggling at this unreal experience, it was actually a lot of fun. I’m not completely sure how the 7 wonders of the world were set to be the ‘7 Wonders Of The World’, but someone missed the experience of the Arctic blizzard. Yes, the Northern Lights are an incredible experience but for me, this blizzard was unlike ANYTHING I have ever experienced. The snow was dancing along the roads in every direction, picking my feet off the ground and blowing me left, right and center. Slightly terrified and shaken, I some how managed stayed outside to continue to let the blizzard wisp me away down the road even after I arrived at the door step.
Although everything tangible in this town cost an arm and a leg, the local movie theater is only $12.00 for a show. So, on an evening off Meliss and I went to go see the almighty TWILIGHT. I’m not much of a movie fan but it was a neat experience to visit the tiny theater of Iqaluit, hidden inside the local hotel. Not to mention, the most recent Twilight movie was actually great!
Baby is doing amazing, he is now 21 weeks and smiling up a storm. Besides the teething tears, he has learned how to turn on his tummy, play with the toys on his exersaucer and hold his bottle on his own. I’m not sure how I am going to leave this baby boy. I have never loved this way in my life, he is an incredible little boy and brings joy to everyone’s life here and down South at home.
I work Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm working a few hours of overtime per week. Although I don’t have much time off, people who know me will know that I don’t sit still.
While I get to spend all my time off with baby, I have officially gone baby crazy. I have spent the passed week creating crafts with everything Pamper’s. Diaper cakes, diaper flower bouquets, diaper garden gnomes, etc. In a baby craze, we have decided that we are going to sign-up for a table at the Christmas Craft Show and sell all of my crafts along with some Christmas cupcakes and candy kabobs. No, you probably would have never caught me dead selling hand crafted items at a Christmas Craft Show down South, but there’s something about this town that makes you want to experience everything and anything possible.
With only 22 days left, I have a lot to look forward to.
December 7th: North Mart Fashion Show
December 8th: North Mart Christmas Party
December 9th -11th: North Mart Staff Shopping
December 12th: Daddy is coming to visit!
Until next time tumblies!
I don’t even know you, but loved the chance to experience a little bit of what life is like there in the Arctic. I have seen the Northern Lights and can’t even imagine something more spectacular, but this blizzard sounds extraordinary. How weird that I wish I could have been there.
I went to a tiny little cinema like the one you described when I was traveling through Wyoming back in the 90’s. I still chuckle when I think about it. I called for movies and times and heard this: “Now playing: Twister. 7:00.” That was it. 🙂 So different from the megaplexes where I live.
I am so glad that my blog post actually made you WANT to be there in this blizzard. It isn’t often that people read it and wish they were there. It truly is an incredible experience but it’s so hard to explain :)!
I enjoyed reading your comment!!
I don’t even know you, but loved the chance to experience a little bit of what life is like there in the Arctic. I have seen the Northern Lights and can’t even imagine something more spectacular, but this blizzard sounds extraordinary. How weird that I wish I could have been there.
I went to a tiny little cinema like the one you described when I was traveling through Wyoming back in the 90’s. I still chuckle when I think about it. I called for movies and times and heard this: “Now playing: Twister. 7:00.” That was it. 🙂 So different from the megaplexes where I live.
I am so glad that my blog post actually made you WANT to be there in this blizzard. It isn’t often that people read it and wish they were there. It truly is an incredible experience but it’s so hard to explain :)!
I enjoyed reading your comment!!