I think being isolated up here really puts your life into perspective. You think of all the things each day you take for granted; driving to the store, seeing friends, being able to walk outside for more than a half hour without the painful reminder of how far North you really are. Without the proper equipment, there is no way you could survive. I think that's why I find Alert so fascinating, so few people get to truly experience what it's like to long for the light of day and to rely so heavily on infrastructure and each person around you, it's truly awe inspiring. We really are a family.
I read a great quote this morning: "men travel the world in search of what they need and return home to find it". I have found truth in these words now more than ever. I currently am closer to the capital of Russia than to my home but, tomorrow marks the one week countdown until (hopefully) I will be able to go home for a 2 week break. I can't even contain my excitement and it presently is all I think about.
This past week and a bit was quite busy for me, preparing to give my handover for the member coming to fill in for me during my absence, cancelled planes, school work, bad weather (first blizzard was last Friday!) and simply just trying to contain myself as the countdown shrinks with each passing minute.
Things I can't wait for:
- A dirty McDonalds supper
- A dirty McDonalds breakfast
- A haircut
- A hug from each member of my family
- Being picked up from the airport
- WARMTH
