In my time here in western Alaska, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some incredible places. I’ve spent a weekend in Wales, taken a day trip to Kotzebue, roadtripped to Teller, travelled to Gambell twice, and, most recently, spent a wintry night in Shishmaref.
I have learned so much from every single one of these trips, and have not once been disappointed. I’ve had the opportunity to try new foods, to see the places where KNOM listeners live, and to conduct interviews with so many amazing and inspiring people. These adventures have provided me with a wide range of emotions, from anxiety to excitement, but as time goes on I feel like I’m getting a system down. I have a drawer in my room full of the things I often pack for a village trip, know the quirks of our mobile recording equipment, and have only forgotten my food in the fridge one time. And while I’m definitely not a travel pro, I now have some confidence about how to navigate in a new environment in western Alaska.
I don’t feel so confident, however, when it comes to my nearest upcoming trip: my weekend in Anchorage. After my Saturday shift tomorrow, I will be embarking on an Alaska Airlines plane for the first time in more than half a year, and heading off to visit a wonderful friend whom I met when we were both living in Australia two years ago. In my almost seven months here in Alaska, the only time that I’ve spent in Anchorage has been several hours in the Ted Stevens International Airport on my way to Nome last June. And while I know there’s more to the big city than the large taxidermy moose and the Chili’s restaurant in the airport, that’s all I have to go off of at this point.
Much like my village trips, I’m excited and nervous simultaneously, but for very different reasons than usual. I’m excited to eat some new food, to buy cheap shampoo, to run on different streets, to get the locals’ tour of the city and to spend time catching up with a friend whom I last saw on the other side of the globe. But I’m also nervous. Nervous about what to pack when my usual village trip gear isn’t what I need, nervous about how to cross the street when there’s traffic, about how to navigate a big store, and also nervous to see the changes in myself that haven’t yet become clear. After living so long without so many of these things, will I even need them anymore?
Even with all the uncertainty, I truly can’t wait for this trip. I’m excited to get out and try something new, and then to come back and refocus on work and life here in Nome. I’m looking forward to a new adventure in Anchorage, and especially thankful to have an amazing friend by my side along the way.
