Maria's Musings in Akiuk & Napaskiak Alaska: Off to Anchorage

Thanksgiving break began and within minutes we were on snow machines headed to the airport for our charter to Bethel. The tundra had changed to a beautiful and serene setting. It was a smooth trip. Our next flight from Bethel to Anchorage took only one hour. But once we arrived, we were treated to a five i

nch snowfall. It was beautiful. I stayed at the Captain Cook Hotel right downtown. My view of the city was fabulous.

For Thanksgiving dinner I met t

wo other teachers, and we went to one of the girls' distant relative's home. It was a wonderful dinner. The person who hosted the dinner is a surgeon, and she had invited two of her staff and a close friend. Her friend Caroline happened to have raced the Iditarod and was married to Norman Vaughan, who had raced in the Iditarod thirteen times. Everyone was interesting and everyone seemed to have a story, so it was a very entertaining evening.

The next morning I woke early and went shopping downtown. My village does a gift exchange. Two women organized it. First, they visited everyone in the village to see if they wanted to participate. I was number 295 to sign up. Then, a few weeks later, they returned and I drew a name. I knew the person whose name I had drawn. He's a regular at the men's open gym for basketball, so that made it much easier for me to buy his gifts. In addition, when he signed up. he listed his sizes. Most people spend about $100 on their person. I was very surprised by the amount, but I signed up anyway. I wanted to be a part of the gift exchange. So, I was off to do some serious shopping. In addition, I chose a name from our staff Christmas exchange. My person is one of our school board members. Needless to say, I shopped and I shopped. I was able to buy quite a bit. What I wasn't able to purchase, I'll do online.

That evening on my trip back to the hotel, I heard beautiful Christmas horn music. I went over to see what was going on. It was the annual tree lighting. People were walking around offering free cookies and hot chocolate. It had just begun, so I decided to stay. It turned out to be an hour show of music, singing and acting. And, then Santa and his reindeer showed up and the tree was lit. It was a beautiful, warm evening. And, the place was packed. I returned to the hotel, nestled in, and watched the city lights. It was mesmerizing.

On Saturday, I did a little more shopping, but not too much. I met up with my friends and we wandered through lots of quaint little shops. It was just an easy going Saturday. Everything seemed normal - and then I saw him - a man walking a reindeer.

We ran across the street to take pictures. The reindeer's name was Star. The man lived over on 9th Avenue, and he was just taking his reindeer out for a walk. So, as we were talking, another man walked up to us - Santa Claus. I couldn't make this one up! Yes, while we were talking to a man who was out walking his rei

ndeer, another man dressed as Santa joined us. Remember, this is Alaska.

After shopping, we returned to the hotels and cleaned up for our last dinner in Anchorage. We chose Orso. My principal had recommended it. I had a wine and appetizer dinner. Excellent. One thing for sure, there are many excellent restaurants in Anchorage.

Sunday came too soon. At 12:30 I was on my flight back to Bethel, and by 3:30 I was back in the village. I had a great time in Anchorage. I can hardly wait until my next trip here in March - for the start of the Iditarod!

Me, Erin, and Seque
Thanksgiving Day