Northern Lights

And so I have seen them. The Northern Lights. So I thought I would share them...

northern lights I

Northern lights II

Longyear Life

Living out here is a bit different to home. I thought I would note a few things down:

1. Going anywhere that involves going outside is a mission. At least 5 minutes extra time is needed just to put on boots, ski pants, down sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves...

2. You burn off way more food just staying alive here...which gives a great excuse to eat copious amounts of chocolate.

3. Wind is way more of a problem than temperature in keeping the frostbite away. You look like a terrorist or bank robber when the wind blows as everything is covered up.

Mostly covered

Completely covered

4. Food costs an absolute fortune. 6 pounds for a red pepper anyone? Or how about 10 pounds for a block of tasteless cheese! I have eaten proper meat only once while being here. And I have never eaten so much pasta- what a good job I like it.

5. Your hair cannot ever look good. Hats do dreadful things to freshly washed hair.

6. I miss the sun.

7. I like dry snow to walk on, but you can't make snowballs with it.

8. Ice caves are stunning (although you wont get me down too narrow a cave).

9. Scooters are far too noisy and smelly, but are essential to travel any distance here.

10. The view never gets boring- it is always different even though it is always the same.

11. There are no trees. Or much of anything other than snow and ice, and a few rocks, and in places a few buildings.

12. Live ammunition freaks me out. Polar bears are even worse. Always be with someone with a gun.

13. Nostrils can freeze shut.

14. The Arctic is beautiful.

15. So are the northern lights.

16. Cheese and ham mixed in a tube is wrong. There is just nothing right about it!