Sunday 9 June 2013

Itilleq: On the Arctic Circle

Photo © Andrew Wenzel
Itilleq is one of several small communities that we visit in Greenland on a regular basis.  In a way it feels a bit like coming home when we come here.  We have gotten to know some of the people here very well over the years.  So for the Expedition Team it is a very comfortable feeling to walk the streets of Itilleq and greet familiar faces.  

Photo © Andrew Wenzel
As has become the tradition in Itilleq, we were invited into people’s homes for a kaffemik.  A kaffemik is a social event where sweet baked goods are served along with tea and coffee (of course).  It is a nice way to get a peek inside people’s homes and to get to know them at least a little bit.  Our hosts are always gracious and the food and coffee delicious.

We had more gorgeous weather which made walking about the village a treat.  The houses are every colour of the rainbow plus a few colours not found in any earthly rainbow. 
Photo © Andrew Wenzel
For photographers there is lots to keep them happy.  There are always reindeer antlers lying in someone’s yard, there are the brightly coloured houses, the ubiqitous Greenland Dogs with perhaps a puppy or two and clothes out drying in the sun and wind.  Today someone had a full muskox hide drying in the sun while someone else had their colourful traditional costumes hanging to dry. 
Photo © Andrew Wenzel
All of it hand stitched.  The craftsmanship and fine detail in the clothing was impressive.

Today was our first visit to Itilleq of the season so that is always special and as always we played a soccer match which started at 15:00.  Fram vs Itilleq.  Much more often than not we lose and today was no different.  the final score of the game was Itilleq 5, Fram 3.

Now we are sailing south towards Kangerlussuaq Fjord.  Itilleq lies directly on the Arctic Circle.  Tonight we will once again have a sunset.