Our view from the apartment

This is our view from the windows in our apartment. To the left of this is a huge generator for the town. The generator is so loud, that we can't hear each other when we are in separate rooms.

The pipes in the picture are the water and sewer pipes. The pipes are above ground because Bethel is tundra country - this area is all perma frost. That means the ground never totally thaws out. If you dig 2-3 feet down, you will hit frozen ground. It's pretty crazy. Since this area never thaws, the pipes must be above ground or they will freeze and crack.

Things to do in Bethel

This is the "fancy" restaurant in town.....
So, what is there to do in Bethel you ask? Well, take a look at this pictures. We've got restaurants, and a cultural center! When Eric and I first moved here, we asked people where to go and eat. We were enthusiastically told "Dimitris!" It is the "fancy" place in town. As you can see, it looks like it should be condemned, but they have great meatball subs. They place is pretty scary inside too, and don't even get me started on how the food is prepared in the back. (Sometimes I hate knowing all I do about food service!) Since all of you know me, you know how picky I am about food prep, but this is Bethel, and I've had to change. The food is pretty decent, I have not received a food borne illness, so I call it a victory!

Another decent place in town is Sho-gun. They have Chinese, Mexican, and hamburgers. Eric and I really like their burgers. For 20 bucks, Eric and I can get a cheeseburger, fries and a soda. That's pretty cheap for Bethel. Again, I have not had a food borne illness from here - so this place has my vote!

Let me tell you about some of the other places in Bethel. Most of Bethel is not on running water. So, how do people get water? Well, about 1 or 2 times a week, the water truck delivers water to people's homes and businesses. Most people in Bethel have a huge water tank either inside their home or by the side of their house. The water comes from a well in town. Bethel is trying to get everyone on piped water, but that is EXPENSIVE to construct. Since this is tundra country, all of the water pipes must be above ground or they will freeze. So, if the water truck doesn't come, no water for you..... That happens alot around here, so the word to the wise is.... Eat out at the beginning of the month when the restaurants have water, because by the end of the month..... Alot of places are runnin' out of water, but still stay open..... Blah!!

Moving on...

The first picture is Bethel's cultural center. It is home to our little library, museum, and event center. Most of the big events are held here. I've been to all sorts of events from the K-300 banquet, Saturday market, health fairs, and musical events. On Saturdays in the summer, they show movies - not new releases of course!

So - that concludes "things to do in Bethel!"

Kids playing in the Delta

I thought this was interesting to share. The diabetes program provides funding to village schools for exercise equipment. Here is how some of that money was spent in the village of Nunapitchuk. They are called kicksleds, and I've seen them around Bethel but until now, I had no idea what they were. A child can sit in the front while another kid stands on the back pushing the sled around. Since there is snow here for 6 months a year, people must be creative with their outdoor activities.

Speaking of snow, I thought we would be all finished with winter, but I was wrong. The delta has experienced huge snow storms all week, and temperatures are around 15-20 degrees. It is still much milder than last month, so I guess I should not complain.