Trip to Anchorage

  Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Sunday, January 27, 2008

Thursday morning I flew out of Arctic Village on yet another bush plane.  This time it was a  first-class flight because "Boots", the pilot, gave us all a strip of smoked salmon to snack on.   The trip was good.  Clear skies, no wind, and quick stops met me during the flight.  Once in Fairbanks I thought things were a go until I was pulled aside by security and taken to the in trouble table.  Apparently, I tried to smuggle to much face cream on the plane and my husband gave me his butane lighter to put in my pocket in case the bush plane went down  and I needed a fire.  What I did not know is that butane lighters are considered hazmat!  Anyhow I got my first experience with homeland security and hubby lost one butane lighter. 

My flight to Anchorage was great.  When I arrived I took a cab to a fantastic, swanky

Captain Cook Hotel Anchorage

hotel called the Captain Cook.  It is a 3 towered 20 story hotel in downtown Anchorage.  There was a doorman, a spa, four high end eating establishments, and several designer shops.  It is such a nice place that the business and celebrity set stay there when in town.  During one of our sessions in the workshop we ran into the cast of Myth Busters.  I actually got to meet the two busters.  I'm not a fan of the show so I was not very carried away but several of the teachers were pretty excited. 

Downtown Anchorage

My second day I walked around downtown.  It is gorgeous!  There are mountains in the background as well as the ocean.  The coast is beautiful!  The tall buildings nestle perfectly and it is a combination of urban and natural beauty.  I walked to the mall where I got my second hair cut in five months, bought an outfit or two and met a lovely lady who sells belly dancing outfits...At the MALL!!! I was very excited.  The mall was really nice and I once again felt back in my element.  People on the street gave me quite the stare due to my fur hat and leg boots (mukluks)  I looked way more "arctic" or "village" than the other folks :)

It has been great to be with other village teachers here in the city.  We have gotten our fill of veggies, fruit, and real milk.  I enjoyed room service last night while wearing one of the big comfy robes the hotel provides. 

I have been at a math (yes, for those of you who know me, I said math) conference here in Anchorage.  It is called Teaching Math in a Cultural Context.  We are taking math concepts and using relevant native tradition to impart them to the students.  I am getting to experience some really good native crafting, traditions, songs, and day to day customs. 

I have really enjoyed seeing a different portion of Alaska.  I really like this region, although I learned that this is earthquake central.  I hope to return for a more in depth view of Anchorage and the surrounding areas.