19 days in the arctic (Part 4 =D)

I reached Tromso Airport, at about 845pm. To find that the Airport is very "re nao" with lotsa people, surprised me. I was looking for a place to sit, bcos I was planning to spend the night sleeping over at the airport. It was late. The bus I wanted to take was not functioning. So I plan to wake up when there's light and plan how to get to the Island.

I sat beside a Malay-looking girl. She looked Malay, familiar to me, makes me feel closer and comfortable with her. And she actually looks lost, but she isnt. So I said "Are you Norwegian?". And the conversation continues. I learnt that her name is Fortune. She's lived in Norway for 10 years (or was it since she was 10?). From her, I learnt not to take the expensive city bus, but a local bus to city. And that she has never heard of the Island I was heading to. She showed me to the local bus stop. And then she offered me a place to sleep for the night. Really amazed by her kindness. At the busstop, we talked to another Norwegian girl. She said she knew about Singapore from Pirates of the Carribean. Interesting.

Then, I received a phone call. It was Tomas, the guy who offered me free accomodation. He said hes around town and can pick me up from the airport. So it was great, that I dont have to look for the Island myself. So I said goodbye to Fortune, wish her luck with her medicine course, and met Tomas. Tomas took me to his Island. And for the 1st time, I had a real eye-opener and how things work there.

He had gone to the city, to collect drinking water (the while tub), empty the shit box (on his hand) and buy food.

I saw a crazy full food on the plane. It was so bright and big, I could not believe it. I can actually see the craters. At the Island, I took this picture. Although my hand shook (my camera is old camera with no anti-shake), this picture still shows how bright the full moon is. This will be where I stayed for the next 14 days. A cabin by the sea and mountains. Amazing.

Inside, I saw for the first time, how he make a fire. The pieces of wood were big pieces which he picked up from supermarkets/petrol stations (i think), and then he chop them into smaller pieces with a saw. Then he cuts them with a dagger into smaller thin pieces to burn.

And cook using the fire.

And his dog is really pampered and friendly. Just first day, he wanted me to play with him in the floor. This face up and hand gesture means he wants me to get down to play with him (I was told).

First dinner in the SUPER COSY cabin. I was completely overwhelmed by the warmth of the cabin, partly bcos I have not have a proper shelter and sleep for 5 days already. And the Nomad cooks good food. He has this fish, which is called a Stone-bitter. Which is an arctic fish, which likes to bite stones. I have a friend who likes to collect stones. I hope she doesnt like to bite them.
That night, I had the best sleep, since a long time. And I rested my leg and body, after walking more than 5 km the previous day. The Nomad gave me a perfect bed. Super comfortable, with quilts and Big Pillows. Im really overwhelmed by the gesture.


Next morning, the Cabin.

The snow is unbelieveably soft here. Which makes walking extremely tough as well. But the warm gulf stream ensures, its quite comfy. Not too long though.

I love it when the dog runs towards me from 50 metres :).

Afternoon. The sun is over the mountains.


And a fighter plane flew by.

End of Day 6, 11 March 2009.