Most people arrived at MV Fram between 15:30 & 16:30. While the queues for checkin were a little long at times the process of checking in went remarkably quickly when you consider we received 200 guests all at the same time! Before too long everyone had been issued a photo I.D. card and were escorted to their cabin. The luggage had made it onto the ship before us and was already outside our cabin door by the time we arrived.
Before Fram left the pier we all participated in a mandatory safety drill. When we heard seven short alarms followed by a long alarm we were instructed to assemble at our muster stations on deck five. We were then instructed on how evacuation and safety procedures would unfold should an emergency occur.
Soon enough we were under way and headed for our first destination, the curious Russian coal mining community of Barentsburg. We arrived at the pier at approximately 20:30 where we assembled in language groups with the Expedition Team and local Russian guides who would lead us to the key points of interest.
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| Barentsburg Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
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| Barentsburg Guide Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
Barentsburg is unique. From the moment you step on the pier it feels like you have entered another country. Mining for coal started here in 1916. Ownership of the mines changed hands a couple of times but was resold to a Russian company in 1932. The mines were nearly completely destroyed in WWII by the Germans but were rebuilt in the 50’s. Through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s work was sought after in Barentsburg. It was very well paid and food was free.
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| Old Church in Barentsburg Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
Now Barentsburg is a community of 450 people. The buildings are in various states of repair and disrepair. Some were leaning at odd angles and were obviously unfit to be occupied. Others had spiffy new exteriors and had been renovated. Many of the buildings were typical Russian architecture. Barentsburg has a feeling of a ghost town except people live and work there all year round.
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| Barentsburg: Statue of Lenon Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
We learned a little bit about what life might be like in a coal mine high in the Arctic. All of the miners were on a two year contract. It was obligatory for them to take two months off at the end of their contract after which they could sign on again and many of them did.
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| Gift Shop Items Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
At the end of the 30 minute tour we had time to explore the community on our own. There was the brand new Red Bear Brewery and pub with a couple of light beers on tap. There was the post office which featured a special Barentsburg stamp and there was a well stocked souvenir shop in the main culture house.
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| Gift Shop Items Photo © Andrew Wenzel |
By 23:15 everyone was back on board the ship.
