Iqaluit Friends

After dinner on Sunday, Krisanne and I were directed by our waiter to go and check out the lounge/dining room at the Frobisher Inn, just up the hill near the high school.  It was really quite cold out and most things were closed, but we were wanting to have a bit of an explore before turning in for the night.  Needless to say we bundled ourselves up and trudged up the hill (trudging because with the boots and long jackets on it makes it slightly difficult to walk gracefully, not due to snow being in our way!)

When we arrive, breathless and cold, we are informed by the front desk receptionist that it was closed!!  Although we are disappointed we are resigned to the fact and were about to head down the hill back to the Hotel Arctic, when we notice a number of Canadian Reserves men going through the same predicament.  The receptionist was trying to tell them where to find some food (it was 8pm and pretty much everything was closed).  

We intervened and mentioned that our hotel restaurant was still open.  Well the thanks we got was fantastic, they offered us a drive and thus sparked the beginning of a great 24 hour friendship!  When we arrived back at the hotel there were a number of their colleagues already there eating.  We joined them and began learning about why they were all there, along with the American Army/Airforce doing training drills.  I realized that on the plane from Ottawa to Iqaluit I had actually read all about this mission!  It was great to have the opportunity to hear about it from the actual participants.  They were all from Quebec City and were heading home Wednesday.  When we parted from them at the end of the night they offered to take us on a tour of their barracks and work site the following day. 

Monday - WOW! looking out the window first thing in the morning you could just tell how cold it was outside.  After packing and some coffee we head down for breakfast.  I was amazed at the portion sizes!!!  I had the 'healthy breakfast' which consisted of fruit, yogurt, toast and cereal.  It was delicious.  I actually couldn't finish it all, so made a peanut butter sandwich with the toast to take with me (Krisanne will never let me live that down I think, hahaha). 

Vehicles plugged in during the cold nights/days 

Notice all the steam/exhaust coming off of pretty much everything!

We spent the morning visiting the Legislature building, the Visitors Centre, the Northern Store, and the Elementary School.

The Mace

The Legislature building was gorgeous inside, from the tapestries and carvings to the mace on display!!

































We were not able to take a tour as they were setting up for a meeting at 130, but we were able to see into the meeting room.  The chairs were all adorned with what looked like seal skin cushions.  Even the ropes were fur.  

The main (i.e.. Busiest) 4 way stop in town!!

The Northern Store was pretty cool to explore. It was pretty much a catch-as-can sort of store, with everything that you could possibly want.  Krisanne and I marvelled at some of the prices again, such as 50 dollars for a 5 litre jug of laundry detergent.  While we waited for the store to open we joined the locals and hung out at the local Tim Hortons having a cup of coffee and trying to warm up.  Yes there is a Tim Hortons on the 'main' drag as well as a KFC/Pizza Hut.




The Visitors Centre was very nice as well.  We actually met a young girl from the Valley that has been working in Iqaluit for two years.  I mean what are the chances!  Actually one thing that I noticed was that in Iqaluit there are many people from Quebec.  I think I heard more French being spoken than either Inuktitut or English.  Iqaluit is one of the fastest growing cities in the north, its population is around 7000 at the moment and continues to grow annually.








First Polar Bear Sighting!!






















After checking out of the hotel and storing our luggage, we called our friends in the Reserves and they took us out to lunch at this great little cafe called 'Cafe' haha.  Again Krisanne and I marveled at the portion sizes.  Thankfully this time we were with people to help us finish the meal and there was no need to pocket a sandwich for later :)   After lunch they held true to their word and gave us a personal tour of their barracks and work area.  























They taught us all about  satellite balloons - they inflate and feel like an air-tube.









Canadian Northern Reserves Emblem











































Ration packs and how to cook food using only water and a chemical!  So awesome.  They provided us with extra equipment to bring home (Grade 5 Tupper.... that's for you!!)






































There is even a satisfaction survey inside each ration pack!













Thanks to the Reservists (Carl, Fred, Michele, and Phil) for showing us such hospitality and kindness!  And the free lift to the airport  :)