Today began our reason to be here! We got up a little late (about 7:30) because we tried to stay up to see if we could watch the Northern Lights. But, after tromping over the ice cap, and Theresa logging over 22,000 steps for the 3rd day in a row (and me at least as many), we were beat! Since the sun did not set until after 9:30, and it wasn’t really even dark until after 10:30, we tried to stay up, but didn’t make it. Another person staying at our hotel said she saw the lights a bit after midnight, but they were pale.
[Two Air Greenland planes in the sky at the same time!]
Anyway, we had a very European breakfast, consisting of assorted cereals, various breads, and a few spreads (jams, Nutella, and honey), and one type of cheese. We grabbed our bags and dragged them up toward the airport. On the way, we did a little souvenir shopping, and then waited for the transportation to the ship. It was the same company as our tour yesterday. They had two trucks and a bus, and loaded everyone up for a drive to the South.
We went to an overlook where we could see a “great salt lake” (no, I did not taste it, although yesterday I did break off a bit of floating ice from the glacier, so, I might say I “ate a glacier”).
[Greenland landscape with glacier and ice cap in background]
[Kangerlussuaq in its entirety!]
We also went to where the locals keep their dogs (sled dogs), right at the end of the airport, and spent a few minutes there. The dogs are “Greenland dogs”, and are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, as they have not been changed for at least 7000 years (based on archeological evidence). In fact, to preserve the breed, no dogs can come to Greenland, and if any leave, they may not return (apparently, even the dogs that run the Iditarod may not return here).
[Greenland Puppies]
[A random reindeer we took by surprise. After running clear, he turned back to see what we were!]
At a dock west of town, we boarded our Zodiac boats and headed to the ship. Stepping onto the Zodiac, I was reminded of our trip to Antarctica back in 2008, on this very same ship. Back then, it was named the “Prince Albert II”, but it is now renamed the “Explorer”. I asked the driver if he could provide us a nice bumpy ride (like so many of the ones in 2008), but alas, it was mild and smooth.
On board, we were greeted with a glass of champagne, and walked through the check in process. By the time we got to our room, the bags were already there. We started noticing a few differences between this ship now, and seven years ago. They redid the dining room, adding a buffet area (for lunch and breakfast). Since there is only one dining area, this is kind of a big deal. They added “butlers” to the room attendants. I found it odd seeing him run around in a tux with tails. They also added a spa, beauty salon, boutique, and humidor. We suppose that this is to add things to which their “standard” guests are accustomed.
[Our room! And our drinks, baggage, new parkas, etc.]
They had a briefing at 2:30 where they introduced the expedition staff, did a Zodiac briefing, and went through the details of the rest of the day, and what was coming tomorrow. We found out (although the ship has rooms for 132 guests) there are only 74 on board, plus 120 crew. So, we are not only outnumbered but by a fair margin!! We also found out that the expedition leader is a German, as are a couple of the expedition team…he stated “If the program says we begin at 2, we begin at 2, not 2:15 as on many ships”. Theresa is very happy!
At 5:00, we set sail. There was the usual sailing festivities of many cruises, but the difference here was that they served various beverages, and kept refilling them. Theresa had a glass of champagne which I think was topped up at least twice (though not fully empty). I had a beer, and when it was nearly done, the waiter was ready to bring me another. There were also little appetizers that were coming around frequently.
[Off we go!!]
For dinner they sat us with a woman from Ireland, who was traveling alone. We had a very good conversation with her, and I kept thinking…I know that voice…who does she remind me of? I haven’t figured it out yet. We also noticed at dinner the crew had printouts with names and pictures, and were reviewing them.
Back in our room after dinner, there waiting for me was a tall one liter bottle of Scotch! Glenmorangie, and all mine! Goodnight!!
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