Well, team, here is my last blog for 2007. In fact, in just a few short hours, it will be midnight in New Zealand, heralding the start of 2008. Midnight will sweep its way around the world and about 22 time zones later we will welcome in the New Year here in Alaska, one of the last places in the world to do so. So, for me, I still have one great day left to take one last stab at 2007. I thought that I would start it off by recapping some of the events of my 2007.
I saw in the new year of 2007 in Sitka, Alaska, a small town in Alaska's south-east, where I'd just arrived to only a few days earlier. I came here to support my partner Brian in his work career as a dental therapist, and I came to Alaska with goals of settling in, pursuing work, and opening a new chapter of my life. In the early stages of my time in Alaska I was awestruck by the amazing beauty of the place. It is somewhere that many people have heard of, but I suppose you can't imagine what it is really like until you get here. It's not called "The Last Frontier" for nothing. Sometimes, in Alaska, you feel like you are just about as far away from the rest of the world as you can be. Here in Sitka we are surrounded by mountains, rainforests and islands. It is a seaside community, so a lot of people depend on the water and fishing. At the same time, it is a place that is rich in culture and tradition. It is home to Alaska's Native Tlingit Indians, and their heritage. It is also the former capital of Russian America. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral takes pride of place in the centre of the town, and there is a great deal of history here from the time when Russia governed Alaska until 140 years ago.
Despite the beauty and heritage of the place, I was in for a culture shock. After the newness of Sitka and Alaska faded, I realised that I needed to adapt to a different way of life. In fact, I kind of felt that I had been hit with the double-whammy: I had a good dose of Alaskan culture-shock, topped off with an even bigger dose of American culture-shock! My Alaska culture-shock was due to the small-town nature of Sitka: along with a close-knit community comes vices such as gossiping. I also notice that things happen at a slower pace here, too. But at times, this would be a saving grace -- it is nice and refreshing to be absent from a lifestyle of pressure and city-style hustle and bustle. Sadly, in a small town (only 8000 people, in Sitka's case) many social problems are magnified: alcoholism, drug abuse, violence, etc. Of course, all of these problems do happen everywhere in the world, except that these problems can largely go unnoticed in places with larger population bases (especially big cities). However, in a small community like this one, not much is secret, and these social problems lie pretty close to the surface. In fact, it is something that confuses me still and that I struggle with alot, especially the rampant drug abuse.
The bigger dose of culture-shock came from the greater mass of the United States of America. The USA has a very unique and indeed a very strong culture, and everything is done the American way. In fact, it is something that is strongly ingrained in the people themselves so much so that you don't ask why they do things the way they do, they just do it that way. And you just have to learn to do it the same way, too! The American Way. In fact, people probably don't even know why they don things that way, except that it has always been done that way, and this is the way it always will be done. There are a lot of things that are different about America. Things that are not wrong, but they are different. And sometimes, they are so extremely different. And I think that is the one thing that baffles so many travellers to the US: we are countries who are quite close, politically, and we are only an ocean away, and we even speak the same language -- but really, we couldn't be more different. The difference it what gives the US a certain richness to be discovered: it has some amazing places to visit, and awesome foods to try, and some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world.
The flip-side is that some American ways of thinking are so indoctrinated, that it can be quite frustrating. Americans take so much pride in America that it reaches extreme points where anything that is not American is not important. And Americans believe so strongly in The American Way that they get quite offended if you challenge or question why they do things the way they do. As a result, I have learnt to select my words wisely, and chosen which conversations are worth having (and which topics I should probably never discuss). I guess I can understand why it is like this: many Americans have not had a lot of exposure to many other countries or cultures. Older Americans grew up at a time where people went from school straight into the workforce, and then they rarely took a holiday from work. It was only at retirement time that perhaps they got that once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas. Now, the baby boomer generation is travelling more, and the grey-brigade of retirees is travelling the world. Younger Americans, too, seem to be getting out there and travelling. However, many young people are still directed into college or work straight after school. Additionally, given that the US is such a big country, the news here is very US-centric, so the public doesn't hear a lot of news on international events, and this sometimes adds to the lack of knowledge of the rest of the world. I guess I can summarise this sentiment in a statement that a lady made recently: I told her that I had arrived from New Zealand and "was getting used to everything" and she looked at me and said, "It can't be that different!"
There were times when I likened the US to communist China. Five years ago, I saw how the Chinese blindly believed in all things Chinese and couldn't be shaken on their beliefs, no matter how flawed these beliefs may be. A lot of Americans believe things blindly and refuse to be challenged on them, and this is further exacerbated by concepts such as freedom of press and freedom of speech. ("We have free press in the US, so what we hear on TV must be true.") Really, it was a point of frustration for me, yet it proved to be a big personal learning curve of mine, as I came to understand how this great USA machine ticked.
I must, at this point say that in contrast, I have also met some Americans who do have a diverse knowledge not only of their own country, but also of the rest of the world, too. And I have also met Americans who are prepared to discuss opinions and share differences of opinions, too. There are a number of Americans who are discerning people. And even moreso many Americans like to take the opportunity to talk to a tourist or a foreigner to expand their own knowledge. I've definitely met a lot of strangers who have been curious to learn more about Australia and New Zealand. Despite all of this, I do believe that the Americans are indeed very friendly and welcoming and warm people.
My job prospects here in Alaska started with a hiss and a roar, and quickly fizzled out. I came over with some good internet contacts that I had previously established. However, when prospective employers were faced with the burden of the visa paperwork, job offers quickly evaporated. In two cases the visa paperwork was started, but never made it to fruition, and then the immigration department issued a cut-off which effectively ended my prospects for 2007. I wasn't sure what to do next, when I had a chance encounter with the owner of McDonald's in the supermarket. We opened discussions and made plans for me to come and work at McDonald's on a management trainee programme, which would effectively continue on from where I had left off at McDonald's in New Zealand. This was the most promising that things had been, work-wise for a long time, so I decided to grab it. Things progressed and I was advised to go back to Australia, and, all things going well, I should obtain my visa there.
So, I used my return ticket and at the end of May I headed back to New Zealand and had a good catch up with friends in Dunedin. It was great to see everyone again, and it also helped me to tie up those last few loose ends from my life in New Zealand. I knew that when I packed up and moved to Alaska, I had (for now at least) left New Zealand for good. I wasn't sure how to bide my time while I waited for my visa, but my Dad talked me into going over to Australia and driving a truck for him on his scrap-metal business. It sounded good, and it was only going to be for a few weeks. I headed over to Australia, in time for my Mum's birthday on 2 June.
It was a good time to be in Australia, because I was able to spend time with my family, and see my sister Sue and her husband Simon before they headed to Canada to take up a new posting in Toronto. I felt lucky to have a family member close by in Canada (even though Sue is on the other side of the continent).
My required interviews for my visa went really well, and I was just waiting with bated breath for when the visa would come through. However, I was to find out after some time that my application was stopped in its tracks and wouldn't be processed. There had been some rule changes and some new deadlines imposed. The agency we were working with dropped my application like a hot potato because of the new requirements (even though I believe I could have fulfilled them easily). Furthermore, I am led to believe that McDonald's in the US did not accurately or sufficiently complete its portion of the required paperwork -- I feel like they left me hanging.
What was I to do next? Where to go from here? I was confused and frustrated. All of the best-laid plans, all the preparation, had come to nothing. And here I was in Australia, far away from Brian, and I only wanted to be with him. The situation was depressing. I thought and thought, and Brian and I came up with a few ideas, but finally we decided that I would stay in Australia and keep working for my Dad, driving a truck. He in turn promised to be pretty generous in giving me time off to jet over to Alaska for holidays and visits. And with that, I took up my new profession as a truck driver-cum-scrap metal collector.
In June I went to the Gold Coast to celebrate my sister Patricia's 30th birthday. It was a really fun weekend, and a good time with Trish as she marked the milestone in her life. A week later I headed to Sydney to support the Aussie netballers in their world cup preparation as they took to the court in a match against Jamaica. It was great being there with the atmosphere, and Australia won the match quite easily.
I slaved my guts out for my Dad for the next few months and come August I was impatient to get back to Alaska. Brian and I had made all of our plans to be together, so it was tough being apart. I missed him terribly in Australia. I was constantly writing letters to him... and the end of August couldn't come soon enough. I arrived back in Alaska just a few days before Brian's birthday at the end of August. Everyone said, "Welcome home," when I got back. And you know, it felt good to hear that because I did want to make Sitka my home.
It was coming toward the end of summer when I arrived, so I was able to enjoy some nice long days, and warm weather. I even went swimming: something that was a bit crazy, but a lot of fun. And it was something that I never imagined I would do in Alaska.
Very quickly, though, the novelty of being in Alaska wore off. As I had already spent a good deal of time in Alaska earlier in the year (five months) I had already come to know the place, so there wasn't the thrill of discovering everything. Very quickly the "small town" stuff (drugs and gossip) surfaced. Summer was ending and the town was starting to shut down. There wasn't much for me to do. Brian was stressed out at work, and this was compounded further at home with random fucking strays sleeping on the couch. All I wanted to do was sleep all the time. And apart from that, all I really wanted to do was spend time with Brian. But he was always stressed out and grumpy and he wasn't any fun to be around. And then in the middle of this, our flatmates decided they are moving out, and so, we in turn decided we would move into our own place too. Even though this presented an opportunity for us to have our own place and our own space and more time for just us, the process of moving and finding a new place was stressful too. So the shine of Alaska has well and truly faded, and cracks are starting to appear! I wasn't having fun, I didn't like being here, all I wanted to do was sleep, our living situation was up in the air and everyday when Brian got home from work he was like a caged bear with a sore paw! I was growing to hate Sitka more and more and I realised how terribly lonely I was. I didn't have many friends, and I missed having friends. I missed my friends from New Zealand, too. And it was hard to turn the acquaintances I had made into friendships because, while I'm just hanging around in Alaska, everyone else has work and other commitments to attend to. I was frustrated and confused. And I noticed very strongly how, when you are in a stressful situation, it is easy to take out your stresses on the one you love the most. Brian definitely copped a lot of my stress and frustrations, and I in turn copped a hell of a lot of his stress and frustration (oh, and I did I mention stress????) I was confused!! I didn't understand why everything was happening the way it was. It wasn't meant to be this difficult. I was meant to get a visa and move to Alaska and then everything would have been all right. So, why wasn't it all working out. I vented a lot of the blame and frustration on Sitka itself. I just hated Sitka, just because I could, I suppose. If Brian didn't have a stupid contract to fulfill in this godforsaken shithole of a town, then we wouldn't have to be here and we wouldn't be in this mess and everything would just be all right.
One morning when walking Brian to work I realised that I had only two weeks left in Sitka before I was due to return to Australia to do more work with my Dad. Although I didn't want to focus on that fact, it is amazing how much just the thought that I would be getting the hell out of this place in the near future could lift my spirit. I pined for some sense of normalcy. Some routine. Something that gave me some purpose: like work, for instance. I was hanging around in Alaska doing nothing. And really, although I don't want to admit it, Brian and I probably desperately needed a break from each other. I wanted to kill him. And I'm sure he wanted to kill me, too.
I reflect on what I have written, and I smile. I can see the lighter side of it. You see, when you team up with someone, you do it for the good times and the bad. You are together through thick and thin. And you know, this was just one of the challenges which Brian and I were meant to face. Even through the tough time, I am forever thankful that we are good communicators. We can talk to each other. And we are each other's best friend. And we are here to help each other out. And in the midst of all the shit, we were there for each other. I love being able to cook dinner for Brian every night, so he can at least chill out a bit when he gets home from work. And he always lets me sleep in on the weekend (and some of the weekdays, too). And he takes care of the little things, the stuff that I usually forget. So, even though things didn't "turn out" the way they were meant to... I have realised that when it comes to relationships and the game of life, there is no such thing as everything "turning out"... You just hit the ground running and you do your best, and sometimes you are lucky to have someone to share the journey with. I know that I am blessed to be on a great and exciting and remarkable journey with Brian. And our challenges have made us stronger.
October 18 saw the celebration of Alaska Day. It also marked two years since Brian and I started dating. It was a cool day. The town came alive with people dressed up in all sorts of old garb, and there was a parade through the street, and food at the Russian Orthodox Church and all sorts of fun. And apparently Sitka is one of the few places (if the only) place in Alaska to celebrate Alaska day in such style! Our day was spent taking in the festivities, but also helping out serving soup for an organisation that Brian and I have become involved in here: Brave Heart Volunteers. This is a group of people who visit the elderly and do little jobs, and give that little bit of extra care to those who are house-bound, or need a bit of extra help. It is a great organisation, one that we both support and believe in strongly. And you know, on the flip-side of all my whingeing above, Brave Heart just shows what a little close-knit community can do, and the amount of goodwill that does exist in a place like this.
I left Sitka a few days later, and stopped in San Francisco en route to Australia. In San Francisco I caught up with Amy and Paul Armstrong from New Zealand who had come over to visit Amy's family in Minnesota. Amy and Paul are two people whom I love dearly, and I was so happy to be able to spend time with them. It was great to hear about their adventures up in Minnesota, and for me, it was great to receive a booster injection of good old friends and fun. Our days were spent taking in the new Cathedral of St. Mary's, the Mission Delores, a ride on the cable car, the Golden Gate Bridge, the crookedest street, a little back-alley Chinese restaurant, plus a good handful of local cafes and little tucked away spots away from all the tourists. San Francisco was also a good time for some personal growth, and to share some of the challenges with friends. One thing that Amy and Paul and I came up against was the amount of homeless people and beggars that live in San Francisco. Speaking from my own experience, sadly, my heart had been hardened to their plight. Yet, here in San Francisco, Amy and Paul and I were really challenged to see Christ in our brothers and sisters who are poor and destitute and living on the streets. It's what we are called to do as Christians, but when it comes down to actually doing it, it is a tough call! These people on the streets, really, are people just like us. And when they are so eager to help us with our map, or which bus to catch, why should it be so difficult for us to help out in return? It shouldn't be! How hard is it to give up two bucks to someone who might really need it? Sounds pretty easy -- but try doing it! It can be bloody tough. And that was the challenge that was thrown down to Amy and Paul and me in San Francisco. Help our brothers and sisters in need. I know it definitely challenged some of my stubborn ways of thinking... And I saw that even something little like a bread roll or $1 was enough to make someone's day. We are so lucky to have what we do have. It's up to us to cherish it and be responsible for it, and when called to do so, to share it around. That's Love.
Before getting back to Australia I had a stop in Singapore. There I caught up with an old uni friend, Shigetada, who now works at Republic Polytechnic in Singapore. I also coincided with Holiday and Simon from New Zealand who were passing through coming back from a conference in Beijing.
........... OK... I will write more about my year soon... It's really late at night and I'm really tired... Will write more soon.....
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Sitka Update
Weather: partly crappy, mostly shitty
Smell: rotten! Woah, the salmon have all swum upstream to spawn, and the place is ripe!!!Basically, it stinks!
Drama scale this week: about 4/10. Hey, it's only Tuesday - give the place a chance, things will definitely heat up by the end of the week.
Ok, I suppose I am being a bit cynical. Life in this little town is going pretty good. It was the equinox last week which means we are now well on our way into winter. In fact, days are getting shorter at the rate of seven minutes a day! Enjoy the sunlight while you can, because there'll be seven minutes less of it tomorrow. It has started raining, which is Ok... I don't mind the rain. People have said that it this time of year it will rain for up to seventy days straight, but hey that's part of life in Alaska. It's funny, the place now reminds me so much of the place I arrived to -- it is starting to look now how it looked nearly a year ago when I moved here. I guess that just goes to show the amazing contrast and change that is experienced throughout the year: not only in terms of weather, but also in terms of the wildlife, and ambience and all the little intricacies that give any place its character!
Just thought I'd tack on an e-mail that Natalie sent me... I don't often do these, but I thought, what the heck.... so here it is. Didn't think I'd forward it to everyone, but thought I'd share some of my responses anyway.
Just thought I'd tack on an e-mail that Natalie sent me... I don't often do these, but I thought, what the heck.... so here it is. Didn't think I'd forward it to everyone, but thought I'd share some of my responses anyway.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Both my grandfathers were named Robert>>
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week, at a funeral: very beautiful and very moving...>>
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING ? yes, love it >
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? chicken>>
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No, and I probably won't, but that's OK!>>
6.. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah, I reckon! >>
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? sometimes... I generally don't find it funny.>>
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes>
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? probably not... but never say never, hey >>
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? Weet-Bix>>
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF ? Ummm... I've gotten into the bad habit of leaving my laces tied up>>
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yes - strong willed! (Does that mean I am stubborn?) >> 13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM? It's a close call between vanilla and strawberry>>
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their eyes, and their demeanour: I can pick happy positive people a mile off! >>
15. RED OR PINK? red>>
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my voice/accent>>
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST ? Paul and Amy; I miss Holiday and Simon, too. >>
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Please do!>>
19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Dark blue jeans, which I think belonged to Keisuke, and no shoes... just socks. >>
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? dinner: chinese style pork with pasta and beans.>>
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Brian's i-pod... whatever he has put on it.>>
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE? I'd try and be every colour at least once.>>
23. FAVOURITE SMELLS? the ocean... and the smell just before it rains>>
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Brian. >>
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, Natalie Milne: she is a fabulous actess, and an altogether nice person!>>
26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Netball!>>
27. HAIR COLOUR? Brown
>28. EYE COLOUR? Brown/Hazel>>
>28. EYE COLOUR? Brown/Hazel>>
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no>>
30. FAVOURITE FOOD? Probably Malaysian, and ice-cream>>
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings (realistic ones, please) >>
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? "Looking for Alibrandi">>
33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? white>>
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Hot, stinking Aussie summer all the way>>
35. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs definitely! (Hugs are kind of my special trademark!)>>
36. FAVOURITE DESSERT? Lemon Delicious>>
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Not sure...>>
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Yeah, not sure... I've got some busy friends, so I understand that they can't respond >>
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? just finished reading "Le Petit Prince" ("The Little Prince") by Antoine de Saint-Exupery; definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time.
>>40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? waves crashing over rocks (funny, I never paid attention until now)>>
>>40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? waves crashing over rocks (funny, I never paid attention until now)>>
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Didn't watch TV last night; played cards and won heaps of money. >>
42. FAVOURITE SOUND? When someone is breathing while they are asleep - well, it's a relieving sound: they are not dead!>>
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? beatles.>>
44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Switzerland.. and Alaska too, but then I guess home is where the heart is, and I've tried to make many places home while I have been there.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yeah I do, and I'm blessed with great friends who help bring out my talents
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yeah I do, and I'm blessed with great friends who help bring out my talents
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Mackay, Australia
47. DO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB? Yes - surprisingly! Never imagined myself as a truck driver, but, hey!
48 ARE YOU THE OLDEST OR YOUNGEST? Second youngest.
49: FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO SWIMMING? Sarina Beach, where I grew up.
Long Time No Write...
Hi all!
Well, it has been nearly four months since I have posted anything on my blog site, so I had better let you all know what is going on at my end of the world.
I'm back in Alaska (finally).... Things didn't really go to plan - this is me: things never go to plan - but we sorted out a solution in the end. The long and the short of it, I didn't get a visa to work here in the US. I had everything ready, and in May headed back Down Under thinking that I would get a visa in Sydney. I had a week in New Zealand catching up with friends over there before heading back to Australia in time for my Mum's birthday.
After a few weeks in Australia, I found out that everything had fallen through with my visa. That was really frustrating, because I was so confident that this would work out. And moreover, it left me at a loose end, wondering what I would do next... I didn't really have a plan B that I could fall back on. I was frustrated and confused. Brian and I scratched our heads, and tried to work out what we would do next.
First of all, we decided to put the visa application process on hold... It had been time consuming, gut-wrenching and just out and out exhausting. We also figured that if I attack the visa paperwork after a year, I'll have renewed energy and fresh eyes with which to approach it.
As for what I would do in the meantime, well, my Dad and I came up with a working solution: I would stay in Australia and work for him for the time being, and I could travel back and forth between Alaska to visit Brian. And for now, that's what I am doing. My Dad is a scrapmetal trader in Mackay, and I'm driving one of his trucks. So, I'm a truckie for the time being. Yep, it is something that I never imagined doing, but hey, it works!
So I worked for my Dad for three months in Australia before making it back here at the end of August, in time for Brian's birthday. It's good being back in Alaska... Second time around I have settled back in quite quickly. I'm going to stay here until just after Alaska Day (18 October) and then I'll head back to Australia for another stint of work.
So, that's my news, really. Sorry I have been out of touch. Following below is a blog entry that I never posted. I wrote it back when I was here last time.
---------------------
Anchorage and Jeopardy!
"I'll choose.... American cities for $400, please."
Well, recently I took a trip to Anchorage. Anhorage is the largest city in Alaska and the travel guidebooks say that from Anchorage "Alaska is only fifteen minutes away". It is kind of true. It is an international hub for some of the major oil and petroleum companies (given its proximity to the oilfields on the North Slope and Prudhoe Bay), not to mention one of the busiest air cargo ports in the US. In terms of urban jungle, it isn't too big, but it is sprawly. It is kind of like Christchurch in that respect - very spread out. In fact, it is a bit of an ugly place: when the tide goes out the Turnagain and Knik arms empty out and it look like a bit of a mudflat. Unsuspecting tourists have been known to wander out onto the mudflats and get stuck; the tide turns and sadly, many have drowned.
As for the comment that from Anchorage "Alaska is only fifteen minutes away" well, you'd be forgiven if you forgot that you were actually in Alaska while visiting Anchorage. City-wise, it could be anywhere in the US. However, the mountain ranges of the Chugach, and the highest peak in the US, Mt. MicKinley can be seen in the distance - the reminder that Alaska isn't really too far away.
I jumped in the car and took a drive to little village called Whittier. This place is a very cool slice of Alaska: little village, right on the sea, friendly locals - and the town is built on the other side of a mountain and you have to drive through a tunnel to get there. But the tunnel is only open at certain times of the day, so you might end up in this place longer than you could otherwise expect.
A few exciting things happened while I was in Anchorage. I saw the State Governor unveil what will be Alaska's state quarter. The design chosen was one of a grizzly bear catching a salmon in a stream, with the slogan "The Great Land". So, it wasn't the one that I voted for, the one that said "Land of the Midnight Sun", but it is still pretty cool. It will be released next year.
Another crazy and exciting thing that I did while in Anchorage was try out for the TV game show 'Jeopardy!'. Jeopardy is a trivia quiz where you are given the answer, so you must give the correct question. For example: you'll be given "This is situated on the east coast of Australia and is the largest city in the country," and you must respond with "Where is Sydney?" Anyway, they were having try-outs in Anchorage to go on Jeopardy. So, I had to give it a go!
Now, I recommend reading Raybon Kan's article "US Wheel of Fortune: An Epic Life Experience" if you want to really know what trying out for a US game show is like! It seems that just about everyone here in America wants to go on a game show... and only a few make it!
Anyway, as for my Jeopardy experience, it was soooooo much fun! And, I made it through to the second round! Basically, you had to take a written test, and if you pass that, you go onto the next round with a longer test, and if you pass that, you're pretty much on the show. So I took the first test, and passed it! And then we got to play just-for-fun Jeopardy and won cool prizes like Jeopardy hats and pens. Anyway, I went back the next day for the second round. It was fun too, but the test was much longer and harder, and it was question about the US which eventually knocked me out: stuff about presidents, and US rivers and mountains.... I didn't have a clue. And there was one question that I completely mucked up: "What Grand Duchy is situated next to the Belgian province of the same name?" I quickly scribbled down Leichtenstein...... It wasn't until several hours later after my audition had finished that I smacked my forehead and said, "YOU IDIOT! It's not Leichtenstien. It's Luxembourg!" Damn! Maybe I could have been on Jeopardy if I had gotten that one right!
Well, it has been nearly four months since I have posted anything on my blog site, so I had better let you all know what is going on at my end of the world.
I'm back in Alaska (finally).... Things didn't really go to plan - this is me: things never go to plan - but we sorted out a solution in the end. The long and the short of it, I didn't get a visa to work here in the US. I had everything ready, and in May headed back Down Under thinking that I would get a visa in Sydney. I had a week in New Zealand catching up with friends over there before heading back to Australia in time for my Mum's birthday.
After a few weeks in Australia, I found out that everything had fallen through with my visa. That was really frustrating, because I was so confident that this would work out. And moreover, it left me at a loose end, wondering what I would do next... I didn't really have a plan B that I could fall back on. I was frustrated and confused. Brian and I scratched our heads, and tried to work out what we would do next.
First of all, we decided to put the visa application process on hold... It had been time consuming, gut-wrenching and just out and out exhausting. We also figured that if I attack the visa paperwork after a year, I'll have renewed energy and fresh eyes with which to approach it.
As for what I would do in the meantime, well, my Dad and I came up with a working solution: I would stay in Australia and work for him for the time being, and I could travel back and forth between Alaska to visit Brian. And for now, that's what I am doing. My Dad is a scrapmetal trader in Mackay, and I'm driving one of his trucks. So, I'm a truckie for the time being. Yep, it is something that I never imagined doing, but hey, it works!
So I worked for my Dad for three months in Australia before making it back here at the end of August, in time for Brian's birthday. It's good being back in Alaska... Second time around I have settled back in quite quickly. I'm going to stay here until just after Alaska Day (18 October) and then I'll head back to Australia for another stint of work.
So, that's my news, really. Sorry I have been out of touch. Following below is a blog entry that I never posted. I wrote it back when I was here last time.
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Anchorage and Jeopardy!
"I'll choose.... American cities for $400, please."
Well, recently I took a trip to Anchorage. Anhorage is the largest city in Alaska and the travel guidebooks say that from Anchorage "Alaska is only fifteen minutes away". It is kind of true. It is an international hub for some of the major oil and petroleum companies (given its proximity to the oilfields on the North Slope and Prudhoe Bay), not to mention one of the busiest air cargo ports in the US. In terms of urban jungle, it isn't too big, but it is sprawly. It is kind of like Christchurch in that respect - very spread out. In fact, it is a bit of an ugly place: when the tide goes out the Turnagain and Knik arms empty out and it look like a bit of a mudflat. Unsuspecting tourists have been known to wander out onto the mudflats and get stuck; the tide turns and sadly, many have drowned.
As for the comment that from Anchorage "Alaska is only fifteen minutes away" well, you'd be forgiven if you forgot that you were actually in Alaska while visiting Anchorage. City-wise, it could be anywhere in the US. However, the mountain ranges of the Chugach, and the highest peak in the US, Mt. MicKinley can be seen in the distance - the reminder that Alaska isn't really too far away.
I jumped in the car and took a drive to little village called Whittier. This place is a very cool slice of Alaska: little village, right on the sea, friendly locals - and the town is built on the other side of a mountain and you have to drive through a tunnel to get there. But the tunnel is only open at certain times of the day, so you might end up in this place longer than you could otherwise expect.
A few exciting things happened while I was in Anchorage. I saw the State Governor unveil what will be Alaska's state quarter. The design chosen was one of a grizzly bear catching a salmon in a stream, with the slogan "The Great Land". So, it wasn't the one that I voted for, the one that said "Land of the Midnight Sun", but it is still pretty cool. It will be released next year.
Another crazy and exciting thing that I did while in Anchorage was try out for the TV game show 'Jeopardy!'. Jeopardy is a trivia quiz where you are given the answer, so you must give the correct question. For example: you'll be given "This is situated on the east coast of Australia and is the largest city in the country," and you must respond with "Where is Sydney?" Anyway, they were having try-outs in Anchorage to go on Jeopardy. So, I had to give it a go!
Now, I recommend reading Raybon Kan's article "US Wheel of Fortune: An Epic Life Experience" if you want to really know what trying out for a US game show is like! It seems that just about everyone here in America wants to go on a game show... and only a few make it!
Anyway, as for my Jeopardy experience, it was soooooo much fun! And, I made it through to the second round! Basically, you had to take a written test, and if you pass that, you go onto the next round with a longer test, and if you pass that, you're pretty much on the show. So I took the first test, and passed it! And then we got to play just-for-fun Jeopardy and won cool prizes like Jeopardy hats and pens. Anyway, I went back the next day for the second round. It was fun too, but the test was much longer and harder, and it was question about the US which eventually knocked me out: stuff about presidents, and US rivers and mountains.... I didn't have a clue. And there was one question that I completely mucked up: "What Grand Duchy is situated next to the Belgian province of the same name?" I quickly scribbled down Leichtenstein...... It wasn't until several hours later after my audition had finished that I smacked my forehead and said, "YOU IDIOT! It's not Leichtenstien. It's Luxembourg!" Damn! Maybe I could have been on Jeopardy if I had gotten that one right!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Very Important!
Hi everyone! I've been pretty slack in updating my blog lately, but there has been some cool stuff happening over here that I definitely want to post. I will endeavour to do so in the near future. (But then again, don't hold your breath waiting!)
Now, here in the US they are issuing a 25cent (quarter) coin depicting each state. They have already released quite a few different state quarters. Next year, they will release Alaska's state quarter - but the exciting thing is, they are getting the public to vote on the design that should go on Alaska's state quarter! So, all of you who are following this Alaskan adventure can vote too! I've put a link to the page on the right: click the link and choose what you think should be the Alaskan state quarter. The real question is, can you guess which quarter I voted for???
Now, here in the US they are issuing a 25cent (quarter) coin depicting each state. They have already released quite a few different state quarters. Next year, they will release Alaska's state quarter - but the exciting thing is, they are getting the public to vote on the design that should go on Alaska's state quarter! So, all of you who are following this Alaskan adventure can vote too! I've put a link to the page on the right: click the link and choose what you think should be the Alaskan state quarter. The real question is, can you guess which quarter I voted for???
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Visa is a four-letter word!
Well, I have had a period of ups and downs trying to sort out my visa. But I have learnt that when one door closes, another one opens. This is particularly true of my ongoing visa struggle this week. The long and the short of it is this: the way my current visa application stands, I won't start work until October! By that time I will be broke and hungry. I thought that I was at the end of the line and was thinking that maybe I would have to go back to New Zealand and try it again in about a year's time. This is not something that I wanted to do, but it seemed inevitable - I didn't really have any other option.
And then, I bumped into the owner of the McDonald's restaurant in the supermarket and she told me that there is a McDonald's trainee programme that I would be eligible for. Under this trainee programme I could effectively continue my management development from where I left off in New Zealand, and as it is a trainee programme it falls under a different visa category. I have done some research of my own and this trainee programme would allow me to stay here for up to 18 months, and I could possible have a visa in about eight weeks. When I found this out I could have kicked myself: why didn't I discover this before? But then again, I had investigated many options, and we had closed the McDonald's door, so it is probably little wonder that I didn't find this out.
I'm still trying to digest it all: it all has happened very quickly. And I think because we had previously shelved the option of working at McDonald's, it is taking me a little getting used to the idea that now the McDonald's door is open again. I left McDonald's New Zealand on a really positive note, but now when I think about the possibility of working at McDonald's here, I have mixed memories of my previous work at McDonald's. Am I ready to go back to supervising fickle staff who are temperamental at the best of times? Am I ready to be called into work on my days off? Do I want to go back to being a little piece in the big corporate jigsaw puzzle? Do I really want to slave my guts out for what was a thankless job at the best of times?
The thing that I really must recognise is this: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I have the chance to work and stay here - guaranteed work and visa for the next 18 months. And I want to stay here. Perhaps this is my last option if I want to stay here at this time. So if I don't take it, I'm a fool. And as for McDonald's second time around, (well, third time around actually) maybe this time I might be able to call some of the shots.
And then, I bumped into the owner of the McDonald's restaurant in the supermarket and she told me that there is a McDonald's trainee programme that I would be eligible for. Under this trainee programme I could effectively continue my management development from where I left off in New Zealand, and as it is a trainee programme it falls under a different visa category. I have done some research of my own and this trainee programme would allow me to stay here for up to 18 months, and I could possible have a visa in about eight weeks. When I found this out I could have kicked myself: why didn't I discover this before? But then again, I had investigated many options, and we had closed the McDonald's door, so it is probably little wonder that I didn't find this out.
I'm still trying to digest it all: it all has happened very quickly. And I think because we had previously shelved the option of working at McDonald's, it is taking me a little getting used to the idea that now the McDonald's door is open again. I left McDonald's New Zealand on a really positive note, but now when I think about the possibility of working at McDonald's here, I have mixed memories of my previous work at McDonald's. Am I ready to go back to supervising fickle staff who are temperamental at the best of times? Am I ready to be called into work on my days off? Do I want to go back to being a little piece in the big corporate jigsaw puzzle? Do I really want to slave my guts out for what was a thankless job at the best of times?
The thing that I really must recognise is this: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I have the chance to work and stay here - guaranteed work and visa for the next 18 months. And I want to stay here. Perhaps this is my last option if I want to stay here at this time. So if I don't take it, I'm a fool. And as for McDonald's second time around, (well, third time around actually) maybe this time I might be able to call some of the shots.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
YVR
I had a fleeting visit to Vancouver earlier in the week. Vancouver is a really beautiful city and the little I saw of Canada has left me with a really good impression. Vancouver reminded me of Sydney - without the Australians. At the same time it reminded me somewhat of Christchurch with lots of similar street names and localities. (This is obviously due to the British influence on both cities.)
While I was there I took in the Granville Island markets. These markets were a hive of activity: lots of meat and produce and food! There was even a little tea stall, so I sat and drank some tea. I had Masala Chai, which is the best stuff I have ever tasted. And it wasn't the crap that comes out of a bottle, it was all hand mixed and it was superb. I also tried some Hawai'ian Rooibos tea with coconut and pineapple in it. So the tea was awesome but I drank so much of it that I needed to pee all afternoon!
The Canadians are really friendly. They are very laid-back and I could definitely see myself living there.Even though I was there only for a short visit, I had a great time and I would love to got back and explore some more.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Piano
No, this isn't about the movie, but something really quite amusing that happened this weekend. My house-mate (flatmate) Maria bought a piano. Well, in truth she got it for free! And she had wanted a piano, and this was a bargain staring her in the eye, so she grabbed it. And to top it off, the guy selling it said he would deliver it -- also for free. Now, it has been snowing off and on for at least the past week here in Sitka. So, in preparation for the delivery of the piano, Maria's brother-in-law came around on his four-wheeler and ploughed the driveway. In the middle of the morning, along comes the van loaded with about five brute men and a piano. Now, I was inside cooking eggs for everyone's breakfast ('over-easy' - my first time cooking eggs 'over easy', I was just going to scramble the lot of them) so I missed some of the spectacle. But I did get to view the unfolding scene from our third storey window between batches of eggs. You can probably work out how the story goes: snow... living on the third floor... hmmmm. But anyway...So, the guys in the van decided to drive up the steep driveway in reverse! I don't know if I can even comment on their logic, so I will repeat what Maria's sister Rhonda said: "They're idiots. But at least they're free idiots!"
And alas, they got bogged in the snow! So everyone piles out of the van and stands around and holds a Geneva conference... all this time there is a lot of talking and not much action. I don't quite know how the conversation went, but from what I gather one of the guys finally blew his fuse and said, "We are doing this for free... it would be different if we were getting paid... you're lucky we are even delivering it... whinge whinge whinge." Brian said that at that point we should have told him to take his piano and shove it - or at least dump it in the ocean!
What eventuated next was that the guys drove themselves forward out of the bog and they unloaded the piano right there in the middle of the driveway!Ah well... I looked down from aloft in our third floor flat at the piano, seemingly stranded in the middle of the driveway. It reminded me somewhat of the iconic scene from the film. We wrapped the piano up in a tarp, and for the moment, we've left it there...
And the snow continues!!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Let it snow...
Well, seemingly from out of nowhere it has started snowing. Like crazy! There have been some huge dumps in the past two days, and I woke up this morning to find the whole place blanketed in deep snow. I couldn't tell you how much exactly, but there is bloody heaps! The whole town is nearly knee-deep in snow. It is very beautiful and even with this snow it isn't too cold.
I think that this is how most people down under imagine Alaska to be: white with snow everywhere! If you look again at the pictures of the Jamestown Bay sunsets and imagine that the scenery is a grayish white, you'll come pretty close to how it looks today! Even with all this snow, though, life continues on as normal for everyone. I was kind of surprised: in New Zealand the whole place would shut down if there was this much snow! But here everyone just gets stuck in and gets on with it. I suppose it reflects how laid back the kiwis are: any excuse to get a day off work.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Sitka Sunsets
Here are some shots of the sunset over the area. The house I live in is on a little bay called Jamestown Bay. There were a few days last we when we were blessed with some beautiful sunsets. I grew up watching the sun rise over the ocean (on the east coast of Australia) so it is different to see the sun set over the ocean. This stretch of water is beautiful, pristine and protected by the surounding islands so there isn't too much ocean swell.
I mentioned in my last blog entry that Alaska was once on the other side of the International Date Line; the shifting of the International Date Line to its present position now means that Alaska is one of the last places in the world to see the sunset!! You see, Alaska was once owned and governed by Russia, therefore Russia's day actually began in Alaska! Russia agreed to sell Alaska to the United States and the sale took place in 1867. Under Russian rule Alaska followed the Julian calendar (which is approximately 10-12 days different to the Gregorian calenday). 
When the sale of Alaska took place in 1867, it was also agreed that Alaska would change to the Gregorian calendar and the International Date Line would also be shifted all at the same time! So the sale of Alaska took place on 6 October 1867 under the Julian calendar (18 October on the Gregorian calendar) and that night at midnight they switched calendars and shifted the International Date Line making that next day the 18 October! This leads me to beg one question: Alaska commemorates the sale on 18 October each year, but should this celebration really occur on the 17 October??? Because even though it was effectively the 18 October for Alaska then, for the rest of the US it was 17 October! And when you factor in the shifting of the International Date Line (where the 18 October was followed by the 18 October) and......
I've just realised that all of this is starting to sound like 'blah-blah-blah-blah-blah', so I think I'll stop here. But really, if you woke up one morning and it was the 18 October, that would mean the previous day was the 17 October, but if you wake up and you've been on a long-haul Air New Zealand flight, then it might be the same day again, or if you were going in the opposite direction it could be two days later and you've completely missed a day and you won't know where it has gone.......
When the sale of Alaska took place in 1867, it was also agreed that Alaska would change to the Gregorian calendar and the International Date Line would also be shifted all at the same time! So the sale of Alaska took place on 6 October 1867 under the Julian calendar (18 October on the Gregorian calendar) and that night at midnight they switched calendars and shifted the International Date Line making that next day the 18 October! This leads me to beg one question: Alaska commemorates the sale on 18 October each year, but should this celebration really occur on the 17 October??? Because even though it was effectively the 18 October for Alaska then, for the rest of the US it was 17 October! And when you factor in the shifting of the International Date Line (where the 18 October was followed by the 18 October) and......
I've just realised that all of this is starting to sound like 'blah-blah-blah-blah-blah', so I think I'll stop here. But really, if you woke up one morning and it was the 18 October, that would mean the previous day was the 17 October, but if you wake up and you've been on a long-haul Air New Zealand flight, then it might be the same day again, or if you were going in the opposite direction it could be two days later and you've completely missed a day and you won't know where it has gone.......
Work... Food... Time...
I have a job! Woo-hoo! I'm very thankful, and somewhat relieved! Job-hunting had become a bit of a chore. There are quite a few openings here, but with the added paperwork that an employer would need to go through for my work visa, things ended up in the too-hard basket, and a few promising job offers headed south. However, I persevered. I got out there and started pounding the pavement, introducing myself to people and making myself known. And finally I was interviewed and offered a job at a restaurant here. I'm quite happy with the offer too. It looks like I'll ultimately work in the kitchin, so I'll be able to put my McDonald's experience to good use while learning some new tricks at the same time. Not sure when I'll actually start work, though. That's all dependant on the work visa being approved... but hey, I'm pretty positive that this will be the last hurdle!
A really peculiar and interesting and exciting aspect to American culture is the food. There are lots of yummy things to eat here. On top of that, any foreign food usually has a bit of an American spin to it. I've had some great Mexican food: burritos, nachos; plus some huge steak. The meat tastes great: and there's lots of it! A ham sandwich is loaded with shavings of ham... The steak is awesome, often with marbling -- something that I had eaten little of before coming here. I still see some things at the store and I think: "What the hell is that???" but I am trying quite a few different things. One peculiar thing that is often eaten here at breakfast time is 'sausage'. And it's not sausage like we think of it, it's a flat, round patty of pork that is grilled or fried and eaten with eggs. Kind of like the sausage meat in a sausage and egg mcmuffin from McDonald's. (However, point of note: the sausage patty from McDonald's--in New Zealand at least--is actually made from beef.) I've tried eating the sausage, but it gives me a tummy-ache afterwards, so I'm going to give them a break for the time being.
Lastly, here is a really interesting fact about Alaska that I only recently discovered. Alaska used to be on the other side of the International Date Line!!! Seriously!!! The International Date Line used to run through the middle of the ocean between Fiji and Samoa (roughly) and would continue along the border between Canada and Alaska!!! How about that! So Alaska used to be the first place in the world to see the sun -- not Tonga or Gisborne!!!
A really peculiar and interesting and exciting aspect to American culture is the food. There are lots of yummy things to eat here. On top of that, any foreign food usually has a bit of an American spin to it. I've had some great Mexican food: burritos, nachos; plus some huge steak. The meat tastes great: and there's lots of it! A ham sandwich is loaded with shavings of ham... The steak is awesome, often with marbling -- something that I had eaten little of before coming here. I still see some things at the store and I think: "What the hell is that???" but I am trying quite a few different things. One peculiar thing that is often eaten here at breakfast time is 'sausage'. And it's not sausage like we think of it, it's a flat, round patty of pork that is grilled or fried and eaten with eggs. Kind of like the sausage meat in a sausage and egg mcmuffin from McDonald's. (However, point of note: the sausage patty from McDonald's--in New Zealand at least--is actually made from beef.) I've tried eating the sausage, but it gives me a tummy-ache afterwards, so I'm going to give them a break for the time being.
Lastly, here is a really interesting fact about Alaska that I only recently discovered. Alaska used to be on the other side of the International Date Line!!! Seriously!!! The International Date Line used to run through the middle of the ocean between Fiji and Samoa (roughly) and would continue along the border between Canada and Alaska!!! How about that! So Alaska used to be the first place in the world to see the sun -- not Tonga or Gisborne!!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Super-Bowl
The long and the short of it:
taking 3 and a half hours to play a one hour long game has go
t whiskers on it!!!! By the fourth quarter, I was BORED!
t whiskers on it!!!! By the fourth quarter, I was BORED!However, the super-bowl is a huge American sporting tradition so I had to join in! And the game itself is fun! I'm still not quite sure how it all works (what the hell does "fourth and goal" mean??) but still it was quite cool. The only downside for me was the fact that the game was soooo drawn out. 
(Time-out again??!!! Another f*ing commercial break??!!) The game is an hour long - BUT IT TAKES THEM 3-1/2 HOURS TO PLAY IT!!! I'm curious, though do they still show the super-bowl in Australia. I wondered whether Douglas was taking the whole morning off work just to watch the game. Here are a few pics of the game...
(Time-out again??!!! Another f*ing commercial break??!!) The game is an hour long - BUT IT TAKES THEM 3-1/2 HOURS TO PLAY IT!!! I'm curious, though do they still show the super-bowl in Australia. I wondered whether Douglas was taking the whole morning off work just to watch the game. Here are a few pics of the game...
American Culture
Well, I have given the blog a rest for a little while; partly because I couldn't be bothered typing a blog these past few weeks. I also think I needed to take the time to properly settle into the way of life over here. There has been so much to take in that at times it has been somewhat overwhelming. That said, I think I really needed to let the dust settle and just absorb everything that has been going on around me. And after a few weeks, now I find myself observing a lot more and acknowledging the way things are done here. The American Way....
People talk about culture shock. Here in Alaska I can separate it into two parts: Alaska and the US. As for Alaska, it's great, relaxed, laid-back and a very beautiful place to live. The US, on the other hand, is where the bigger culture shock lies. The United States is definitely a wealthy country driven by a consumer's dollar. Nothing is out of reach for Americans; one can literally have anything he wants. Make a phone call at nine o'clock in the morning and it's on your doorstep at three o'clock in the afternoon. As for the old phrase 'To have and to have not', well, forget the 'have not' part: if you want it you can have it. Even at the supermarket: anything you can imagine has been stuck into a can and put on the shelf! At times, it has been overwhelming! And people are telling me that this is only Alaska - everything must be shipped in; imagine what it must be like in the lower 48 (the contigious part of the States)!! This attitude is definitely reflected in the advertising: nothing seems like a luxury. I hear ads saying, "When you choose your spa pool..." A spa pool, somthing that has always struck me as a luxury item reserved for the rich and famous, is wrapped up and packaged as something the average Joe can have! Furthermore, because one can have anything he wants this leads people to think that they actually need all this... crap!
I had an enjoyable conversation with a man here who had been to New Zealand, and I want to share something I found ironic. He said, "I love the Kiwi ingenuity! If something's broken, they pull out their tools and screwdrivers and will work on it all day and fix it! It's amazing!" I told him that I had discovered the reverse here in the US. He replied, "Oh no, we don't fix anything! We just buy a new one!"
At this point I must make it clear that my impressions of the US are drawn from my experience of only one state. The US is a very vast country and I hear that it is indeed very diverse! So my impressions and interpretations can't be taken as a blanket representation for the whole country.
On my journey of discovery here in America, I did find it quite overwhelming at first! And it was easy to make the mistake of comparing or criticising the way things are done. However, I have found that after a few weeks, I'm observing more and more and trying to take it all in as opposed to trying to criticise it.
One thing that I do notice is that people choose to turn a blind eye to things that go on. I'm not sure if that is just here because we are in a small town, or if that is true for the rest of the US. I understand the 'turn a blind eye' mentality when it comes to respecting people's privacy and minding one's own business. However, I really question where the boundary lies. How much should one turn a blind eye to? And at what point does our duty as a human being begin? How much do we let slide before we say to a man, "Mate, you need to stop bashing up your wife"? Or when do you tell a heavily pregnant woman that she needs to stop drinking alcohol because she is poisoning her child? People explain it away, "Well, it's none of my business..." "I shouldn't interfere..." But it makes me wonder - if you know that something that is fundamentally wrong is happening and you do nothing to stop it, aren't you equally at fault? And just because something is widely acknowledged, or even widely accepted, it doesn't mean it is right. In some small villages here in Alaska there is a problem with incest; it is widely known and acknowledged - but incest is never right! At what point will people say, "We need to put a stop to this"? Where does our duty as human beings start? When does our conscience kick in and kick our arses into action?
People talk about culture shock. Here in Alaska I can separate it into two parts: Alaska and the US. As for Alaska, it's great, relaxed, laid-back and a very beautiful place to live. The US, on the other hand, is where the bigger culture shock lies. The United States is definitely a wealthy country driven by a consumer's dollar. Nothing is out of reach for Americans; one can literally have anything he wants. Make a phone call at nine o'clock in the morning and it's on your doorstep at three o'clock in the afternoon. As for the old phrase 'To have and to have not', well, forget the 'have not' part: if you want it you can have it. Even at the supermarket: anything you can imagine has been stuck into a can and put on the shelf! At times, it has been overwhelming! And people are telling me that this is only Alaska - everything must be shipped in; imagine what it must be like in the lower 48 (the contigious part of the States)!! This attitude is definitely reflected in the advertising: nothing seems like a luxury. I hear ads saying, "When you choose your spa pool..." A spa pool, somthing that has always struck me as a luxury item reserved for the rich and famous, is wrapped up and packaged as something the average Joe can have! Furthermore, because one can have anything he wants this leads people to think that they actually need all this... crap!
I had an enjoyable conversation with a man here who had been to New Zealand, and I want to share something I found ironic. He said, "I love the Kiwi ingenuity! If something's broken, they pull out their tools and screwdrivers and will work on it all day and fix it! It's amazing!" I told him that I had discovered the reverse here in the US. He replied, "Oh no, we don't fix anything! We just buy a new one!"
At this point I must make it clear that my impressions of the US are drawn from my experience of only one state. The US is a very vast country and I hear that it is indeed very diverse! So my impressions and interpretations can't be taken as a blanket representation for the whole country.
On my journey of discovery here in America, I did find it quite overwhelming at first! And it was easy to make the mistake of comparing or criticising the way things are done. However, I have found that after a few weeks, I'm observing more and more and trying to take it all in as opposed to trying to criticise it.
One thing that I do notice is that people choose to turn a blind eye to things that go on. I'm not sure if that is just here because we are in a small town, or if that is true for the rest of the US. I understand the 'turn a blind eye' mentality when it comes to respecting people's privacy and minding one's own business. However, I really question where the boundary lies. How much should one turn a blind eye to? And at what point does our duty as a human being begin? How much do we let slide before we say to a man, "Mate, you need to stop bashing up your wife"? Or when do you tell a heavily pregnant woman that she needs to stop drinking alcohol because she is poisoning her child? People explain it away, "Well, it's none of my business..." "I shouldn't interfere..." But it makes me wonder - if you know that something that is fundamentally wrong is happening and you do nothing to stop it, aren't you equally at fault? And just because something is widely acknowledged, or even widely accepted, it doesn't mean it is right. In some small villages here in Alaska there is a problem with incest; it is widely known and acknowledged - but incest is never right! At what point will people say, "We need to put a stop to this"? Where does our duty as human beings start? When does our conscience kick in and kick our arses into action?
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
And the sun is out!!!!
Well, today was absolutely beautiful! The skies cleared and the sun came out! So, I think that has made a bit of a liar out of me - the sun does shine, it's just that there are quite a few cloudy days! There has been heaps of snow, though, and I have had to learn how to shovel snow off the stiars and deck at our place... It's not my favourite task, but hey, it has to be done. My neighbour Lisa has taken me on a few walks around the area; it's definitely a good way to get out and about, and Lisa knows some beautiful spots. Brian and I also went on a walk through a park with heaps of totem poles throughout. It was very cool - the toem poles
all have various animals carved into them and they all have a certain significance. I particularly like one pole which had a whale, a frog, a fox and a bear carved into it. Most of these poles that I saw stand on the sight where the Tlingit Indians battled the Russians some hundreds of years ago... I am discovering more and more of the history of the place, which I intend to include in a future blog.
Oh, and I have also learned two Tlingit words:
"tlei-tlee" which means 'limp' and
"tuk" which means 'bum'.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
I'm here in the land of the midnight sun.... and it's DARK
Alaska is well and truly amazing!
It has some breathtaking beauty, but I am led to believe that it is even more beautiful in the spring and summer, so I think I will be in for a treat.
At the moment, though, it's the middle of winter; the days are very short. There doesn't seem to be any real sunrise or sunset as such, it becomes light after ten am and by four pm it's dark. One real highlight of my few days here so far has been snow! Apparently it rarely snows it Sitka - the bus driver told me that she hasn't seen snow in Sitka for more than 20 years, however it has been snowing for the last 24 hours. There is a really nice cover of snow everywhere and I got to walk around outside in the snow a bit today. Tonight there was heaps of snow built up on the roof and large tracts of snow would crash noisily to the ground! Very exciting stuff! One thing that has really surprised me: it's not cold. Well, I mean, yes it's cold, but it's really pleasant and you don't need layers and layers of clothing. The air doesn't have the biting chill to it like in New Zealand. Even better, everywhere has central heating!
I've been here for nearly a week now and I am starting to get out and explore more and more. Today I managed the bus - this town has a grand total of two bus routes! I've also found the Sitka job centre and my job hunt has started!
It has some breathtaking beauty, but I am led to believe that it is even more beautiful in the spring and summer, so I think I will be in for a treat.
At the moment, though, it's the middle of winter; the days are very short. There doesn't seem to be any real sunrise or sunset as such, it becomes light after ten am and by four pm it's dark. One real highlight of my few days here so far has been snow! Apparently it rarely snows it Sitka - the bus driver told me that she hasn't seen snow in Sitka for more than 20 years, however it has been snowing for the last 24 hours. There is a really nice cover of snow everywhere and I got to walk around outside in the snow a bit today. Tonight there was heaps of snow built up on the roof and large tracts of snow would crash noisily to the ground! Very exciting stuff! One thing that has really surprised me: it's not cold. Well, I mean, yes it's cold, but it's really pleasant and you don't need layers and layers of clothing. The air doesn't have the biting chill to it like in New Zealand. Even better, everywhere has central heating!
I've been here for nearly a week now and I am starting to get out and explore more and more. Today I managed the bus - this town has a grand total of two bus routes! I've also found the Sitka job centre and my job hunt has started!
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