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.
July 4

This is Pompidou.

My car is named after the Pompidou Centre located in the heart of Paris, a building with iconic architecture of the twentieth century, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the Pomipdou Centre opened to the public in 1977. Also the year of my birth.

Procrastinating, I waited until June 30th to go to the Quickie Lube to get my I/M Test and Registration which expired that day. Unfortunately, I failed my test because my check engine light was on. I ignored that light for a hot minute because in the past, I’ve taken Pompidou to the dealership and its been a mis-wiring issue for which they keep promising they’ll change “next time.”

This time, the check engine light was for reals, according to Fat’s Auto which cares for foreign-made vehicles. I brought my car into the shop on Thursday and by Friday they had a long list of what’s wrong with everything from the check engine light to the belt to the broken passenger review mirror.

Everything that is wrong costs a million dollars, for which I do not have. If I could speak seventeen different languages I would type the word broke. B.R.O.K.E.

Unlike New York City where the public transportation is affordable and you can shoot through the city veins on the subway, Anchorage is very much a driving city and therefore cannot go without Pompidou. Chris at Fat’s estimated my car will be ready by Tuesday, the exact day I will be traveling for work. Yet another conundrum by figuring out logistics for pick-up and payment arrangements.

In the meantime, my roommate has graciously and generously let me drive her black Mini Cooper to work and to run errands. When I drive her Mini, I told her I feel so ever cool and sleek. It drives like its purrrrrrrring and reminds me of Fast & Furious who’s tagline is…

New Model, Original Parts.