Eskimo to the World

I am Trina Landlord and this is my blog. In a past life, Eskimo to the World documented my adventures in New York – where in minute everything can change. Much like my life changed when I moved from Alaska to the 'city that never sleeps'. From the biggest state in America to the most populous city in the United States. From the immaculate nature of the Chugach Mountains, Yukon River and Bering Sea to the urban tundra of sky scrapers, enclaves of business and cultural capitals and the nation's foremost trendsetters. From 'the great land' to arguably the 'greatest city on earth'. I made a 5,000 mile prodigious leap from Anchorage to New York City – AND BACK TO ALASKA. The determination of Yup’ik peoples to survive in harsh Arctic conditions had given me the foundation to survive on streets of New York, I will continue to chronicle the parallels of both worlds.
May 10

Emmonak, Alaska

Last week, I flew from Anchorage to Bethel to Emmonak and was picked up at the airport by Raymond, my cousin Tiny’s husband, at 1:00 p.m. I was a little concerned because I was scheduled to meet with the stakeholders at 1:30 p.m. When I arrived at the school, I was welcomed by principal and school counselor. An elder, Maryann, greeted me and said she was going to observe my meeting. My cousin Tiny came to greet me and got permission to watch too.

That evening, I had dinner and stayed overnight at my cousin Tiny’s house with her eight kids (well, two live out of town). She made moose heart stew for dinner, maktak (beluga whale), dry fish, fresh bread and akutaq (Eskimo ice cream). We also attended her son’s high school graduation at the Catholic Church. Kaylee, her kindergarten-age daughter was stuck to my side the entire time. We sang songs, told stories and when we sat at the table, she put her hands under her chin facing me and stared. She was too cute. Tiny took me to a few offices for meetings and introduced me to all my relatives.

I finally made it to Emmo after The Debacles!