Alice successfully landed on Scottish soil last night and I on American. I am not quite home yet, but almost. This must be the longest, most complicated return itinerary I've ever had...but its close to being complete!
With blue skies and calm winds, we successfully made it out of Greenland and landed in Reykjavik, Iceland around 8pm local time. I am geographically further, yet mentally (and logistically) closer to home.
I am not someone who likes last minute changes to the plans. I like to know ahead of time where I need to be and when. International travel often demands I surrender my love of clear, consistent schedules. Above all else, international travel begrudgingly forces me to learn to go with the flow.
While Hans has been working in Greenland for five years, Alice and I are new here. Even more, this is my first time working in any Arctic context. As such, the learning curve is steep. Over the course of two weeks, I have been surrounded by incredible science and research, of which I am only in my infancy of understanding. Between the events of Greenland Science Week and talking to Greenlanders involved in many areas of science history, and culture, I am discovering there is so much to learn.
International travel offers many things: adventure, exposure to new cultures, once-in-a lifetime experiences, and plenty of stories to tell your grandkids. But sometimes international travel offers us something even more surprising: a reconnection with home.
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About me:
I am an anthropology professor, writer, researcher and global traveler. This fall, I will be recording a research trip to Greenland as a virtual field trip for my students (and anyone else interested). Join us as we travel to the Arctic and learn about life in the far north. Categories
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