Greenland and the Ocean Diamond

This is the first part of our Greenland trip. 

We flew to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland late on our third day to embark on the Ocean Diamond, our expedition ship for our visit there. The zodiak out to the ship, not to mention the bus ride to the zodiak, was a real adventure! 

Our first stop on September 3rd was at Sisimiut, the second largest town in Greenland, at around 5500 people. Greenland's total population is only around 57,000. I read part of "The Greenlanders" to acquaint myself with the island, as the original Nordic population disappeared from Greenland in the 15th century and I thought the book might explain why. It did not. Today's scientists are still puzzling over this disappearance. 

Greenland is currently over 80% Inuit. These people originally migrated from northern Asiatic regions to Alaska, northern Canada and on to Greenland. We were told that Inuit from all these areas speak the same language, basically unchanged from region to region. Local museums in each town included examples of the national costumes worn by the native Inuit.

Sisimiut gave me my first look at the colorful houses of Greenland. I would learn why they were so colorful at our next stop. This fishing port had some interesting boats, including one named Rita. Had to laugh at that. We sailed past  lots of icebergs that first full day on the ship. 

Our next stop was Uummannaq, a small hunting and fishing village in the shadow of a heart shaped moutain. The colors there were particularly bright, houses painted red, blue, pink, orange, green - nearly every color of the rainbow. The colors show what the building was used for, before widespread literacy. For instance, if a building was painted yellow, it was a hospital. Royal blue meant that it contained the local electricity generator for the town and red was used for public buildings such as museums or government offices. 

We were warned to stay away from any sled dogs we encountered as they were not friendly! 

The harbor in Uummannaq was filled with small icebergs and is icebound in the winter. Very cool! In fact, this town was my favorite stop, due to its beautiful setting.