It's been a week...

We are officially residents of Ketchikan, Alaska.

I apologize ahead of time for how jumbled this will probably be.

There are so many things to say about this place.  The words that come to mind that describe it best to me are mystic and surreal.  From the moment the clouds and mist parted on the plane and I got my first look at the Pacific Ocean and the snow topped mountains until now that is how I've felt.

Today is Benjamin's first day of training.  I start tomorrow and am very excited.  For now, though, I am sitting in Ketchikan Coffee Company, which seems the be the only "cool" place in town. There is a mirror in front of me and every so often I look up and see the reflection of the harbor, the misty rain and mountains. All the tables are full and I can already spot who is a local and who is working here for the season.

I grabbed a twenty before I left our apartment, grabbed my pack full of about 20 pounds of laundry, and strapped my laptop on.  We've probably walked about 50 plus miles since we got here so I opted to take the bus, which was free through April.  I realized stepping on the bus that today is May 1st, and no they don't have change.  All is well, a nice couple paid my fare, making my day.

Although everything is harder here, i.e. getting around, groceries, transportation to and from work, it makes everything taste so much sweeter.  Everyday I wake up with a smile and I feel proud of myself, something I haven't felt for a long time.  I ran 2.6 miles the other day! Anyone that knows me knows that I have NEVER ran over a mile and when I did, it was forced on me by evil gym teachers in high school... and I walked most of it.

It's been about two months since I've quit smoking, which feels great.  However, it has caused my appetite to go crazy and I'm eating all the time.  In two months I've gained about ten pounds.  I am at the weight that I have always wanted to be, BUT I'd rather have it be muscle weight and not this layer of fat I've acquired.  So I've been trying to work out and eat healthier.  I knew one day that my metabolism would finally catch up to me: cue fat people with evil laughs.

The people are strange,but very friendly.  Every one nods, but does not say hello.  The women are generally over weight.  I think it is because there are quite literally 10 men to everyone 1 woman, so I'm guessing they don't have to try very hard.  The men are burly and have beards.  The teenagers are freakish looking.  They are all scrawny, pale, and their eyes are set far apart.  Freaks I tell you.  I think its some weird mix between the white people, the natives, and the Filipino's.

The restaurants are ridiculous.  "Authentic Mexican Food: Best Pizza in town!" and "Thai Fare and Hotdogs!" Most of the places are mediocre at best, but I don't mind too much.  I love cooking and we won't spend as much money.  Although I know that daily I will be tempted with sushi for lunch.... Courage!

I can see why people come here with the intention of only working for the season and end up staying forever.  It's a magical place.  When you go to the grocery store instead of seeing seagulls circling the parking lot you see raven's and bald eagles.  I've been told when the salmon run begins we will be seeing blue, humpback, and orca whales in the harbor.  You treasure the sunny days, but the rainy ones are beautiful in there own way too.   Don't worry, though.  I won't be staying.  I have many more adventures to come.

Speaking of adventures, I guess I will end my first post with this: I encourage everyone to start their adventure today.  I've come up with excuse after excuse for years as to why I shouldn't.  A guy, depression, and just plain being a self sabotager.  I've watched friends move to Korea, Thailand, New York, California, South America, and Europe and I stayed behind.  And here I am now, taking large strides in becoming a stronger, better, happier person.  It's a beautiful world and I want to see all of it.