Kodiak, AK

                              

We spent 3 days in Kodiak when we drove up to Alaska several years ago so did not plan to do much more than walk around. We arrived into town via tender at around 10. It was raining so not ideal weather for walking. First stop was a craft market at their very small convention center. There was not much that was very interesting. We headed to the center of town where we found a yarn shop. It had a better variety of yarn than I had ever seen! The woman working there said they have nothing else to do in Kodiak for 9 months out of the year so do very well. They also sell online. 

By now it was raining harder so we hoped to just find a coffee shop to sit in to use our phones. Verizon still works! We ended up at the Alutiiq Museum, the native people of Kodiak. We sat and watched videos of elders talking about different foods they prepare, while looking at emails. We visited the Russian Orthodox Church which had some beautiful relics which were hundreds of years old. The Baranov Museum had been closed when we were here before so we were happy to get inside this time. It was the home of Russian merchants. It is the oldest building in Alaska. Until the early to mid 1800's only Russian was spoken in Kodiak. 





There was a nice wildlife center there which we had seen before. They had a fairly new installation of a grey whale skeleton. The whale had washed up on shore. They buried it for 4 years to let bacteria clean the bones. They were very proud of it. From there we walked back to the pier and returned to the ship. 

I must say the food on this ship is quite amazing. The variety at breakfast was wonderful, smoked salmon quesadillas to lemon stuffed donuts! If it was breakfast food, they had it. Lunch was just as nice. I had a roasted veggie cheese melt, very good. We have always enjoyed the food on HAL, this is a step up. And the all inclusive shows itself in interesting ways. I always keep non-fat milk in the fridge for a latte in the morning with my Nespresso. At the Bistro today I asked for a glass of milk, as I had done last night. The waiter asked if a carton wouldn't be easier, I said that was fine, thinking serving size. He handed me a full quart carton! Now I have enough for 4 days. 

We tried to change tables tonight because where we are in the dining room is so loud. We were having to yell to hear anyone, not great for conversation. There are no tables available but we're told that things should get a bit quieter as people start going to the specialty restaurants. I sure hope so! Actually tonight was a bit better than last night. I hope it keeps getting quieter. We are enjoying our table mates. 

Tomorrow our first sea day. I look forward to it. 

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