yann in the arctic

Friday 13 March 2009

can't think of a better title

Urg I'm sooo rubbish at this blog !! Quite a few things have happened since my last post.

Two weeks ago, I went to Barentsburg: the Russian coal mining settlement. Possibly the most disgusting place on Earth. It was my first very long scooter trip. As we approached the settlement, the snow got dirtier and dirtier, and there was this horrible cloud of smoke surrounding it. It was sooo filthy. I have no idea what they are still doing there (well actually I do). But they had a fire down their mine not long ago (it's shut now) and so there is nothing to do. It was like walking into a ghost town. It was also really creepy how it was gently snowing - reminded me of Silent Hill (movie).

The weather has been atrocious here over the past two weeks though. I've managed to go skiing a few times (and twist my knee) but seriously, it's been depressing how rubbish the weather can be. Clouds, whiteouts, and a bit of snow. But then it gets windy and all the snow disappears. Anyways, we've had a bit more snow yesterday and the weather looks promising for tomorrow.

On another note, I can't believe how quickly time is going. Yes I know I always say this, but it really is. I'm having the best time here, and I can look at the clock and it's moving in fast motion. It's gone by so fast, that I feel like I haven’t done anything yet. I need to find a way of returning here in the future. Maybe it's lame to come back to a place you already know, but there are so many things I want to do but just don't have the time for right now.

Random but I just opened my window. Not a sound outside. NOTHING. I later hear an Arctic Fox barking ... And some random snowflakes gently falling....