Norway!

I know you've all been dying to see and hear about Norway. YES! We made the trans-atlantic flight with Mr. Keet. You would think it could be a flight over the Arctic, but NO...Seattle, over the East Coast, over Greenland, into Amsterdam.



Keet in the Amsterdam Airport making friends.

Then to Oslo for the IPY Oslo Science Conference where I moderated the Polar CINEMA film festival.

It was a rough voyage, with Keet having diarrhea, me throwing up, and then Da-ka and I getting a bit of the runs once we settled in. Something we picked up in Juneau I'm sure. Luckly, we learned to travel with a carry-on with a change of clothes for all of us, and about 4 changes of clothes for Keet. We went through them ALL!

The film fest was great. I saw a fantastic film I hope everyone will add to their netflix cue and look for at their local arthouse: 

http://www.inuk-film.com/

The writers, director, and lead actor were all present for the screening, making it feel like a real premiere. Fantastic film from Greenland.

With a few days off in Oslo after the conference, we were able to do some sight seeing.

Keet and Da-da sign for "flowers".

A familiar feeling?

Vigeland Park in Central of the city was gorgeous.

A Sunday afternoon, it seemed the whole town was there going for a stroll. The center of the park has a huge tower of nudes climbing over one another. Quite epic.

We found some food on the Wharf, and enjoyed some time in the city, going on boats, and visiting the various sites. Museums weren't really Keet's cup of tea, so walks were the best thing. Luckily the weather cooperated at the end of our journey, and we were all feeling healthy again!

A sea-faring people, the Viking boats, then the Kona-Tiki Museum with the actual straw boat used to prove that travel with grass boats was possible. Then the modern sail boats that fill the Oslo harbors.

Oslo Opera House is designed to look like a Glacier slipping into the Fjord. Pretty spectacular. We didn't get to see the stage as that was reserved for tours or performances only.

Soon enough, it was time to head home. We had a connection on return from Oslo to Paris. Paris, it turns out is a wild and unruly airport. Not even enough time between planes to get a cafe au lait! So sad...

This is my experience of Paris.

The first European Work/Vacation complete, we are all so happy to be home in beautiful Fairbanks. Keet has been drumming like never before. Aunt MacKiki is in town, and more updates soon to follow.

With love,
KDM