The Last Frontier: Alaska
Alaska is not snowed in all twelve months of the year. Alaska does experience summer (a short one, but summer nonetheless). Alaska is not inhabited by Eskimos alone. And no, not everyone lives in igloos.
In the winter you can ski, skate, snowboard and go snow-machining. In the summer, you can fish, hike or go rock climbing. The possibilities are limitless.
This state is an artist’s dream. Remember that full-bearded painter on television who drew perfect landscapes, mountains, sunsets, lakes and snow? He comes from Juneau, Alaska.
Alaska is rich in environmental eye candy. There are a coupledozen of mountains that turn fromwhite to green to reddish-brown yearly. In the summer, the sun sets close to midnight. In the winter, you’re lucky to have six hours of daylight. In Eklutna, you find trees seemingly lifeless due to natural disasters. The flowers are wonderful. You find geese nearly everywhere. Moose walk aimlessly within the city. (I do suggest you stay away from them, though.)
One of the best cruises, expensive titanic-like rides, is to and around Alaska. So I’ve been told. To be able to get up close and personal with actual glaciers and getting to see winter animals is something anyone ought to get excited about.
The atmosphere in the state is unlike other American states. Alaska is a relatively safe place to live in. Newspaper front pages are composed of moose photos. Nothing violent seems to ever happen. Perhaps only on occasion.
Everyone talks to everybody else. Standing in line waiting to pay at Wal-Mart, expect some happy camper to ask you how your day was. While walking from building to building on-campus, if you come across a stranger, don’t be surprised if you get a quick hello.
If you can, you should. Visit Alaska and relieve yourself of all incorrect preconceived notions you might have.
A few months ago, my cousin from the Philippines gave me a visit. She was quite shocked by what she saw. She was able to shop, visit glaciers, see gigantic jade blocks and play with snow. Sure, it only took her only a day or two to round town. Nevertheless, the trip was well worth it. Or at least I hope she thinks that.
If you need a tour guide, I go for $15 an hour. *smile*
