Anchorage, Alaska

Did you know I was born in Anchorage?

D’s mother and I wrapped up our trip here, in Alaska’s largest city and my birthplace.

One of our first stops was the Anchorage Visitor Information Center.  It hasn’t changed since I was a baby (except for the sign).  The “air crossroads of the world” milepost is still there too – it’s only 2839 air miles to Chicago!  Doesn’t seem so far, does it?

Then…

And now…

Summer weekends in Anchorage feature a street market with everything from crafts to food.  I was tempted by some of the jewelry but managed to restrain myself!  Instead, I bought a book about the Iditarod from the author, who inscribed a copy for a gift to my father.

At one corner of the fair, there was a booth where they’d dress you up like an old-fashioned dog musher for photos.  The dogs hung out outside the tent, happy to check out the passersby (and pose for free, though costume-less, photos).

The first thing my mother asked about our day in Anchorage was, “Did you have beer battered halibut?”  Of course the answer was yes!  And it was great – shatteringly crisp on the outside with firm white fish inside.

We ate more than just halibut, of course – more to come!

Next up was the Anchorage Museum, just a few blocks from the market, recently updated with a beautiful mirrored facade.

I was particularly taken with the Smithsonian exhibit on the second floor, with artfully presented artifacts from Alaska Native cultures.  Each display case had an interactive screen at its side, offering not only background details on each item, but also transcripts of description and history from Native elders.

My shopping restraint met its match in the museum gift shop, which was filled with beautiful sculptures by Native artists.  I had to have a sleek, modern take on a cormorant, carved by Nick Evan from a single piece of walrus ivory.

We clocked in at seven miles walked altogether, before a quick cab ride to the ANC airport for our redeye flight home.  A wonderful day!