First off, I'm not sure about this blog, I'm just not that into it this time, even though there are things that are pretty interesting up here, there's a lot of just normal day-to-day (I'm-inside-sewing-all-day) life. We'll see how this goes, but thanks for stopping by...
So, while I'm still in the US, there are things about life up here that are much different than the continental US. There are some terms and expressions that are a little confusing. Here's a list of some new terms I've been learning:
Village: Before I came out here, the term "village" seemed a little degrading, but it is a legitamite term taht just refers to the small "bush" villages that are still populated throughout the state.
Bush or brush: Off the road system. Many of the villages I visit do have roads to anywhere. You have fly, boat, dog mush, or snowmachine in (so far, I've only flown in).
Lower 48 or The States: This refers to the rest of contiguous states. I think the term "the states" is great, shows how much people up identify with Alaska more than "America" and just how different life is up here.
Outside or Out: As in "I got this bag when I was outside" or "You have to get out at some point in the winter." Alaska can be a little isolated way up here seemingly by itself, so everything else is outside of Alaska.
Town: When in the villages, this refers to Fairbanks, not their village town. I learned this after a confusing conversation with someone in the village- "No one can come into town for flu shots? Will we need to do home visits for everyone?" (I'm thinking they are all homebound and I'll need to investigate what is going on over there) and the lady responds "Oh, no they can come to the tribal office, but they can't go to Fairbanks for their flu shot." Ok, that's more understandable and we were talking about the same thing.
Snow Machine: Snow mobile. A pretty normal mode of transportation in the villages. It can remind me of the seeing tons of stuff and loaded onto mopeds- there will be sleds attached to the back with anyone and everything!
Dog mushing: Dog sleds, quite popular.
Skijoring: I saw this once in Colorado- it was a skier riding behind someone riding a horse. Here, it's a cross country skier attached to a dog- they can go pretty fast!
Midnight sun: In the summer, the sun barely sets, so there's sun at midnight!
Well, that's it for now. I just didn't want you to feel too out of it when you come to visit me... which, by the way, you need to start making reservations now! Can't wait for this summer!
Overall, things are going well and I'll try to work on a post about work and life!
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