myumyumyu

After going from temperatures in the 70s in NJ to 90s in Houston for my connection, I finally arrived in 50s in Anchorage around 7pm yesterday! The quiet on the plane was suddenly replaced by gasps as we approached Anchorage and people looked out the windows. I had an aisle seat, but I was able to see what the fuss was all about: the first glimpse of Alaska's vast beauty, an amazingly beautiful view of sky, clouds, and mountains. So I was already in awe before I even landed.

View from the plane, approaching Anchorage

Bob, the president of the Yale Club of Alaska, was kind enough to pick me up from the airport, give me a tour around the city, and bring me to my host family's home. It's incredible how close the airport is to the rest of the city! The rest of the evening was spent with Mead, my host who also happens to be the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, who gave me a walking tour of the neighborhood with Tux, the family's dog. My dream of having a dog has finally come true! :) He introduced me to many people who were also enjoying the beautiful evening--everyone is so friendly here. We headed back home around 11:30pm...as the sun began to set...incredible.

Today, I had brunch with Chris, Courtney, and Oisin, who I'll be working with at the Renewable Energy Alaska Project. It was great to meet them and hear more about what I'll be working on this summer. I have to admit that I really don't know much about renewable and alternative energy, and much less about the situation in Alaska. I'm starting on Monday, so hopefully I don't feel as clueless for too much longer! Oh, I also had reindeer sausage at brunch but forgot to take a picture (shocking, I know). It looked and tasted like normal sausage though, haha

I'm looking forward to exploring the city and also the bike trail right at the back of the house. The mountains and water in every direction are just amazing--it reminds me of Colorado, but on a bigger and closer scale. Pictures to come when I get around to it!