Proud to be an American?

Being a Saturday, the day got off to a slow start. It picked up quickly, though, when I went out on the land with some teachers. Yes, I do think it funny that I tend to socialize with people twice my age. We took the mural artist in a komatik to see the ocean, which is still frozen but noticeably melting at this point in the spring.

Randy and Jaucques enjoy a laugh

Tonight was the gourmet dinner that I had been waiting for all week! Chef David Adjey, who hosts Restaurant Makeover on The Food Network, came to Cambridge Bay to cook a meal using traditional foods. We had caribou, muskox and char in addition to other great dishes. Everything was delicious!

Jaucques enjoyed his Asian noodles

The entertainment of the night was provided by a man who terms himself "That Canadian Guy." Overall, he was very funny, but sometimes he tended to be offensive. At one point, he asked if there were any Americans in the room. I raised my hand, of course, and he asked where I was from. I told him "North Carolina," and he responded with a joke about getting through Canadian customs. He did say a few American jokes, which I will share with you:

"So what do you think of Americans, eh? It seems like they've finally got it right down there, electing Obama. (to crowd) Do you like that they've elected Obama? (crowd claps) You know, it's funny...I really didn't think they had it in them. I mean, look at the lineup. You've got an old, white guy (John McCain) and a young, black guy. Normally, their line-ups are all young, black guys."

(talking about the American-Canadian border) "I don't know why they call it "customs". It should be "immigration" or something. If it was really customs, we'd hand them a hockey jersey and a beer as they came across. Of course, if we were going to America, they'd hand us crack and a handgun."

This was my first experience hearing American stereotypes firsthand. The only negative encounter I have had was with an eighth grade boy who made it a point to show me a poster he made with an American flag on it. On top of the flag, scribbled in white-out, was the word "SUCKS". Otherwise, people here have been very guarded of their opinions of Americans and American politics around me. They hesitate to ask me questions about America, most of which are about the presidential election and racism. Sometimes I wish they would be more honest with me about how they feel about America, because I am curious as to how we are received in other parts of the world.

In other news, Charity (my host) and I have moved into our new residence, the Old Inns North building. This was the place in which I was to originally stay by myself. Now, however, I am not only living with Charity, but there is a cook who lives down the hall from us. I would be a lot more ecstatic about this living situation if the hallway didn't look like a scene from The Shining. It's pretty creepy. However, there is wireless internet and running water, so all of my basic needs are being met. : )

The beautiful (frozen) Arctic Ocean