Obviously the
Fram is travelling in a stable high pressure system. The weather is still
brilliant and the sea is still calm like a lake.
We arrived
to Upernavik at 8.30 am and the Fram stayed at anchor. Soon after the
passengers were taken ashore by the Polar Circle Boats. They started to explore
the town especially the old part with the church and the museum and some
visited the Workshop where the arts and crafts are made like jewellery.
A Folklore
Show starts at 11.00 am in the local Sport Hall, which was very enjoyable.
After lunch
two local hunters came on board Fram to tell about “Polar Bear Hunting”. The
people in Greenland have still the allowance for hunting a small amount of
Polar Bears, and Polar Bear Hunting is an important part of their traditional
culture.
The Fram
left Upernavik at 16.00.
During the
late afternoon our lecturers gave presentations about “Who owns the Arctic” and
Ice on Greenland and in Greenlandic waters.
Finally we
had a Recap with the Expedition Team in the evening where many questions were
asked. The expedition leader gave a short preview for our activities for the
next destination. We changed our program and did a landing in a glacier valley
instead of visiting the old ghost town of the coalmine of Qullissat. After
lunch there were a true expedition afternoon for our guests. We cannot sail to
Equip Sermia due to the ice condition. After that preview, we had a discussion
about differences in lifestyle between “European” and “Polar” cultures in the
observation lounge.
Scenic view from Upernavik
Upernavik Museum
Local children in Upernavik nearby the harbour
