Tuesday 18 June 2013

Qeqertarsuaq a pearl wrapped in fog

The weather forecast had promised lots of sun today, but it had hid above the fog. Luckily we would still have a very nice day here in Qeqertarsuaq (the big island in Greenlandic).
Photo Esther Kokmeijer
Some of us was guided around the rather small town of Qeqertarsuaq by a local student. It is always great to have the opportunity to meet the people of the communities we visit and have a firsthand explanation of some of the many things that are different from home.
Photo Esther Kokmeijer
 Most of us also went on the ice cruise among the enormous icebergs. In one of the boats they were talking about how awesome it would be if the iceberg would calve. And not more than a few seconds later that is what exactly happened.
Photo Esther Kokmeijer
It is such an overwhelming experience to see when the great forces of nature come into action.
Photo Esther Kokmeijer
 A small group went on a kayak cruise along the coast. To have the water and the icebergs as close as you do in a kayak is a thrilling feeling. It is no wonder that Nansen called the kayak; the single-most advanced vessel ever invented by man.
 In the afternoon when we had left Qeqertarsuaq our excellent lectures gave us various talks about Greenlandic history, the art onboard Fram, photography and the genealogy of ice and snow.
Photo Esther Kokmeijer
 As we headed further north the officers of Fram and the Expedition Team gave us a very entertaining fashion show of the various clothes the shop on board has to offer. It was such a delight to see the crew onboard having  so much fun doing the show.