There are few places left in the United States that still have a bit of mystery and awe about them. Alaska, however, remains mysterious and awe-inspiring, no matter how many episodes of Deadliest Catch or Ice Road Truckers the Discovery Channel dishes up.When people discover that I’m from Alaska, they either get a faraway look in their eye as they talk about a dream cruise among the whales and glaciers or they appear flummoxed, asking a series of painfully uninformed questions, including: Do you live in an igloo?, Do you know Sarah Palin?, and, my personal favorite, Do they use American dollars there?
Although best know for its natural beauty, crooked politicians, and a recent Vice Presidential candidate, Alaska has so many fun and interesting quirks that make it one of the coolest places on earth. This blog will focus on these aspects of Alaska’s culture, style, and identity that make it truly unique.
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Being born and raised in Alaska (B. Fairbanks, R. Juneau) I love to learn about my state from a fresh point of view. Having just recently moved down south (read: Seattle) I find myself in the mirror image of your situation - coming to terms with what can only be called the mountains and seas of humanity, quite apart from the mountains and seas of wilderness I have known and loved so long. I hope to hear more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting, Olin.
ReplyDeleteHaving moved from Washington, D.C., Alaska's wilderness and solitude was unnerving at first. After ten years in the mountains, I now find even the tame crowds of Anchorage too much to handle.
Don't forget the wonderful children's maps that have igloos where Alaska should be. And the people like Homer Simpson- because there are people who really think like that- who think that Alaska isn't part of America.
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