While shopping for subzero clothing gear, we were talking to a sales girl who said this. She had some funny terms, such as something like, "super-sauna-sweaty" when describing body temperatures. I learned that lots of wool socks, snow cleats, and mummy-sleeping bags are needed as well.
At Helly Hansen they had told me layers were good. I mean, I know things in layers are good. Like coats. Cakes. Onions. Apparently even gloves, though! I suppose buying layers for everybody part with some wool and waterproofing is probably the safest and most comfortable, so I have been working hard to find quality gear on our nightly shopping trips.
"We are the Fun Group. That's our name."
This was said by someone at our loud, humorous, table of teachers (and assistant principal) who will be working at the school in Alakanuk. We realized many other tables were much quieter. During the door prize drawings, other tables weren't slapping high fives or encouraging rail-slidings down the fancy banister, like we were. As soon as I get the picture from one of my colleagues, I'll post it on here. (I didn't have my camera with me.)
Tonight we went to explore an Alaskan museum of history and ate a wonderful dinner there, also. In the museum, they had exhibits of many of the tribes, as well as examples of influence of materials used in different cultures throughout different time periods. The most interesting things were artifacts of things like Japanese money or teacups left over from WWII on an island that the Japanese had taken over. Or the whale bone that helped line a European frame in a formal dress. Or the buttons, shells, and colorful fabrics brought over to the Tlingit in exchange for beaver pellets (which they in turn sold to the Oriental people who paid large sums of money for them.) I also liked seeing all the woven baskets with tiny pieces.
One thing that also stuck out in my mind was the design of clothing and gear. Since I've been researching what is best to use, I stumbled across some interesting finds in the museum. Maybe I should give them a try! Looks like animal intestines make some interesting rain gear. Or wooden eye goggles with slits to keep out the cold snow and wind but allow people to see. Since I don't have pictures from the museum, I'll try to find some online.
These are similar to the museum goggles. They actually stick a few inches off the face.
We are warned that pretty much ALL students have some degree of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (This is also why the village is now a dry community, meaning 100% of sales and possession of Alcohol is strictly prohibited. I even heard from another principal that mouthwash is difficult to mail due to the alcohol content.) Also, there were a couple suicides within the district last school year. I'll make sure that I try as hard as I can to build relationships with the students, help develop and participate extra-curricular activities, and encourage positive education.
"I'm exhausted."
I've said that. More than once. I need to get some sleep. At it again tomorrow, except no classes or conferences! Instead we have options to go to the DMV and around town for shopping/mailing/errands and maybe even a hiking trip to Flat Top Mountain.
